Using a Crate in House Breaking Adult Dogs

In part one of this article we talked about adult dog litter training for mature dogs who, for some reason are not physically able to hold it until they’re let outside. But if your dog just isn’t getting it and relieves himself in the house because he has never been trained to go outside or because he has developed a bad behavior, then crate training is probably the most effective technique in house breaking adult dogs.

In house training mature dogs, there are two scenarios when a crate should be considered. The first is if there is a medical condition that affects your dog’s ability to hold it for however long you are away. For instance, if the dog is alone during the working day with no one to let him out when he has to go and adult dog litter training has not been successful. Secondly, if soiling inside the house is due to a behavior pattern and not medically related – i.e. your dog can hold it if he has to but chooses not to.

Using the crate to house break dogs who can’t hold it

In the first case, consider putting the litter box inside your dog’s crate along with his bedding and then keep him in there for increasing periods of time. This training relies on the dog’s instinct not to eliminate where he sleeps. Therefore, if he can’t hold it he’ll go in the litter box at the back of the crate, instead of where he is lying.

Size of the crate is important if using this technique. The dog will need enough room to move around and get into the litter box, but not enough room that he can relieve himself within the crate away from his bedding (but not in the litter box).

Once your dog has used the litter box inside the crate, reward her. When you feel it might be time for her to go again, put her back in the crate. Wait until she relieves herself in the litter box. Praise, release, and repeat. Eventually, you can leave the crate door open and your dog will understand that the litter box is where she is supposed to go. At this point, remove the litter box from the crate and put it somewhere else – your dog should now associate the box with her spot to relieve herself.

House breaking adult dogs with attitude

If the issue is bad behavior, you shouldn’t need to supply a litter box. In this case, use the crate as described above but make sure the size is adjusted so the dog can comfortably lie down inside but without enough room that would let her relieve herself without having to then lie in it Putting a card board box or some other object at the rear of the crate is one way to custom size it to your dog’s size.

When you think your dog needs to go, escort her from the crate directly outside and when she relieves herself, reward. Keep this up and it won’t be long before your adult dog will understand where she is supposed to go.

If doggie is doing it on purpose (sometimes dogs will do this if there is a change to the family, such as a new child or another dog) be careful never to react when you find the treasure. Just clean it up and ignore her. This is another basic tenant of all dog training – the one thing they can’t stand is being ignored. Even negative reaction is better than no reaction so by ignoring her, you are not providing her with what she wants – attention. Ignore the bad deed and continue with praise when she goes where she’s supposed to. Consistency and patience will win this battle.

Of course, if you catch her in the act, you can’t ignore it! But don’t make a big fuss. Interrupt her and immediately take her outside to finish the job. Otherwise, ignore her – until she does it where she is supposed to. Then reward her.

Crate training is probably the most effective method in house breaking an adult dog or a puppy for that matter. This system is based on the dog’s instinct not to relieve himself in his own den. By keeping him in a crate for longer and longer periods the dog will feel the need to relieve himself – but will hold it as long as he is stuck in his “den”. Ignore the accidents and praise the appropriate behavior. It works.

This dog training resource includes a book dedicated to dealing with house breaking dogs of all ages.

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