My Puppy Won't Go Outside But Goes in the Crate

Crate training is not suitable for all dogs. If successful, it will allow you to safely leave a dog alone for a few hours at a time. It can also be useful for housebreaking puppies. There are alternatives to crate training if the puppy continues to relieve itself while kept in the crate.

  1. Separation Anxiety

    • Some puppies suffer from separation anxiety.

      Puppies that suffer from separation anxiety often do not fare well in a crate. The crate increases the puppy's unease, and it may consider the crate as punishment. The notion of a crate is to create a den-like atmosphere, and dogs tend not to foul their den. Creating a similar den atmosphere can work in place of the crate, such as using an exercise pen, which is considerably larger, or blocking off a part of the kitchen or a bathroom, where the floor will not be harmed if the puppy soils it during training. The larger area could ease the puppy's stress and allow you to better work on housebreaking.

    Tuckering a Pup

    • Dog treats aid in housebreaking.

      Puppies more readily accept being crated or confined to a smaller area if they are tired. Playing with the puppy before leaving it alone or taking it for a walk gives it exercise, a chance to bond with you and tires it out so it will rest or sleep. In addition, providing strong chew toys or toys such as Kongs that are filled with treats will occupy the puppy, giving it something to do. Often, puppy behavior problems disappear with a sufficient dose of exercise.

    Treats and Praise

    • An aid in housebreaking is a combination of treats and praise. Heap praise on the puppy each time it eliminates outside or on the indicated newspaper at the back door. Give the puppy a treat, and it will begin to understand that when it behaves in a certain manner, it will be praised and rewarded. The more time you spend with a puppy, the easier it will be to train. Housebreaking involves establishing a routine. Twenty minutes or so after the puppy has been fed, take it outside, and praise and reward it when it has eliminated. Until the puppy is housebroken, it should not be given "free run" of the house or apartment.