Crate training your dog is not always a difficult task the way it is usually made out to be. You as a dog owner can try various method to crate train your dog. Selecting the right method could be a major task initially but after a while, it will become highly effective as long as you provide constant training and positive reinforcement. 

 

The Crating method: This is a simple and easy to follow method. Since dogs are usually very hygienic animals, they do not soil their eating and sleeping areas. Hence, using this method you can train them to understand their body functions better, in case they feel like excreting. You should firstly purchase a crate of the right size for your dog, from any good pet store. The crate should neither be too big that the dog uses a section of the crate for relieving himself and it should not be too small such that your dog is unable to move around a little freely in the crate.

 

In case you own a dog that could grow bigger over a period of months or years, you could consider purchasing a crate which has a divider. The divider will demarcate the area of your dog’s habitat and you can keep increasing the size of the crate as the size of your dog increases. The idea of using a crate for potty training your dog is to predict your dog’s need to relieve himself outside the house and to make him learn how to control his urge to relieve himself in the crate in times where you are unable to monitor him. 

 

Firstly, you should take your dog outside to an area that is designated as the potty area. You can then start using sentences like “do potty” or “go potty” so that he understands what you mean. If he relives himself properly, praise him by saying “Good dog” or “nice job” etc and you could also give him a small treat. Praising and rewarding your dog are important as they act as positive reinforcements for him to relieve himself in the outdoors. He will associate the praising and rewards with relieving outside.

 

However, if your dog does not understand that he has to do his business outside the house, you could keep him in the crate for a few hours. Since dogs do not like to dirty their habitat, they will not relieve in the crate. When you see that he is getting uncomfortable, you could take him outside. When he does potty, you can give him a treat. Initially, try praising him every time he does his business outside the house.

 

Gradually, you can increase the time span between his potty training so that he learns better control and understands the right time to go potty. It is easy since the dog’s behavioral instincts come into play and since he does not like soiling his area, he will always prefer doing his business in another place. If you make him understand that he should not do his potty in the house, you will successfully train him to go potty outside the house.