HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - THE FIRST DAY?

1.0 HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND CAUTION:
In this posting, we are going to answer the frequently asked question of "How to Start Crate Training a Dog"?

The thought of having to potty-train your dog sounds like a terrible and daunting task for the new (and especially first-time) dog owner.

However, if you have a positive attitude and are consistent in following the instructions that are laid below then (before you know it) your new pet will be potty-trained and life with you new dog will be good.

This article is the third of a series of four (4) articles that have been written on the topic of potty-training your dog. These other articles are listed below.

a. Crate Training versus Paper Training - Which is Right for You and Your Dog?
b. How do you Crate Train Your Dog - Beyond the First Day
c. How do you Paper Train your Dog?

I have written this article with the following assumptions.

Assumption # 1: That you have read the article "Crate Training versus Paper Training - Which is Right for You and Your Dog?"

Assumption # 2: That you have determined that "Crate Training" is the best choice for you and your dog.

If you have not read this article or if you have not yet determined that "Crate Training" is the best choice for you and your dog, then I strongly recommend that you click here to read the article "Crate Training versus Paper Training - Which is Right for You and Your Dog?" before proceeding on.

This particular posting (e.g., the one that you are currently reading) discusses the very first things that you should do when you first get your new dog or puppy home.

Before we proceed, you need to remember and be wary of the following "Axiom of Potty Training":

If your dog relieves him/herself inside your home, it will be easier for he or she to do it again. Likewise,

If your dog relieves him/herself outside your home (in the desired location), it will be easier for he or she to do that again as well.

With that said, let us proceed to the lesson at hand.


2.0 HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FIRST BRING YOUR DOG HOME
When you first bring your new dog home, you are going to need to be prepared to begin with crate training immediately.

So here are some things that you should do BEFORE you even bring your new dog (or puppy) inside your home.


2.1 HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - CHOOSE/DESIGNATE AN "OUTDOOR TOILET AREA" FOR YOUR DOG
Prior to you bringing your new dog home, you need to select and "designate" a "toilet area" for your dog to relieve him/herself.

This area should meet the following requirements.
It should be outside
It should be easily accessible from inside your home

Anytime you wish to allow your dog to relieve him/herself, you will need to bring your dog out to this location.


2.2. HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - TAKE THE DOG (FROM THE CAR) STRAIGHT TO THE DESIGNATED "TOILET AREA".
When the dog first arrives to your home, he/she is most likely going to need to relieve himself very soon.

The dog will have been through a lot of excitement (between the car ride, new strangers, etc.).

Therefore, before you bring the dog inside (your home) you should take the dog to the designated "toilet" area (outside) RIGHT AWAY!


2.3. HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - STEP BACK AND DO NOT PET OR PLAY WITH THE DOG WHILE AT THE "TOILET AREA"
Once you've place the dog in the "toilet-area" (which will typically be a grassy area), you will then need to "step-back" and let the dog "do his/her business".

Let the dog take her time sniffing and smelling the grass around the area. However, it important that you do not play with the dog while he/she is in the "designated toilet area".

If you start to play with the dog in this location, then the dog will start to associate this "location" as being a "play" location and not a toilet location.


2.4. HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - GIVE A SHORT AND UNDERSTANDABLE "VERBAL COMMAND" ONCE YOUR DOG ACTUALLY RELIEVES HIMSELF

The instant your dog starts to relieve himself, you should give an audible command (such as "go pee" or "go poo" or whatever works for you).

This command should be short and audible to the dog. The idea behind doing this is to begin the process of getting the dog to associate a verbal command with the act of using the "toilet".

You should use this same command each time you take your dog out to this location.


2.5. HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - PRAISE YOUR DOG ONCE HE RELIEVES HIMSELF IN THE CORRECT LOCATION.

You should lavish your dog lots of affection at this time.

I would also recommend that you give your dog a treat (as a reward) as well.

The intent behind this act of lavishing praise, is to encourage this "desired" behavior in your dog.


3.0 HOW TO START CRATE TRAINING A DOG - WHAT TO DO NEXT?
After your dog has relieved him/herself at the "designated" toilet area, then you will need to proceed on with Crate Training (which is discussed in the article "How do you Crate Train Your Dog - Beyond the First Day").

Click here if you would like more detailed information about how to continue on with crate training.

Click here if you would like much more detailed information about both Potty Training and other forms of training for your Dog.