Housetraining any dog is challenging but using a crate as a tool can help streamline the process. Most dogs are natural den animals. They feel safe in a crate. Even a young puppy will avoid soiling where it lays. 

Picking a Crate for Housebreaking 

The first thing you will notice when it comes time to buy a crate is the wide assortment of choices. You’ll find hard-sided crates, soft-sided carriers, wire crates, and more. Pick a crate that fits your puppy's size. The pup should be able to stand up and turn around in the crate. 

Over, make sure the crate is not too large or the young dog will soil one area of the crate and then lay in the corner away from the mess.

Some large crate models come with a divider that lets you enlarge the crate’s space as your puppy grows. Such a crate model is ideal for a puppy that will grow into a large dog because you won’t have to buy a variety of crates as the young dog starts to get bigger.

Soft-sided crates might not be ideal if your puppy likes to chew or dig because they can easily tear the canvas and rip their way out of the structure. In such a situation, you should use a hard-sided or wire crate. 

Crates are a must-have item when traveling with your pet in an auto or plane. The crate supplies protection by confining the pup in a safe area when on the road or in the air. 

Housebreaking Your Puppy With Crate 

Crate your puppy for no more than an hour at a time. Immediately let the pup out of the crate and take the young dog outside to go potty. When the dog eliminates outdoors, give the pooch ample praise and treats. Take the time to play with the puppy and interact with the pet before placing the dog back into the crate and starting the process all over again.

As the dog ages, you can let the dog spend longer in the crate between bathroom breaks. Many owners use a crate at night to ensure that the puppy does not have an accident in the house. You can also use the crate any time you leave the house.

Place a bed in the crate along with toys so your puppy feels at home. Many pups will whine and cry when first being crate trained, but eventually, the pet will settle down and grow to love the crate. 

Eventually as your pup ages and becomes housebroke, you’ll be able to leave the door of the crate open. Most puppies will continue to go to the crate to relax, play, or nap. However, you don’t always have to lock the young dog in the crate once the animal is completely housebroken. 

A dog crate is an essential tool for any pet owner. It is indispensable when it comes to housebreaking a young puppy and your canine companion will grow to love the crate because it becomes a place of refuge, just like a den in the wild.