Steps to Crate Train a Puppy

Purchase a crate. Your crate should be only slightly bigger than your dog. They should be able to lay completely stretched and no bigger. By instinct, dogs will not want to go to the bathroom in the same place that they sleep. By keeping the crate roughly the size of your dog with little space to walk around, you will ensure that your dog will not use it as a bathroom and then lay in it. Be sure never to use the crate to punish your dog.

Choose a spot for your crate. Do not place the crate in a damp or cold area, nor an area that is exposed to direct sunlight. Dogs, especially puppies, who are just beginning their training may have an adverse reaction to being crated all night. This may result in constant howling or whining. While it may upset or bother you, your dog should stop this behavior once they become used to the crate. If the dog whines when you are out of the room, place their crate in your bedroom and let them know you are still around.

Place your dog in the crate. Crating should be done while you sleep and while you are out. If there is someone else home to let the dog out for a bathroom break while you are out, then crating should be limited to bedtime.

Designate several bathroom times. While it may be difficult while the puppy is still young and has a smaller bladder, try to designate bathroom time early in the dog's life. It is up to you when you would like to take the dog out; however the dog should be let out as soon as you wake up, once in the afternoon or around dinner, and once before you go to bed. The most important part is to be consistent in your training.

Use specific phrasing. If you say "go pee" before taking your dog out or letting them roam the yard every time you let them out, your dog will get used to the command and learn to relate it with the act.