How to Potty Train an Adult Dog in a Crate

Crate training your adult dog to eliminate outside is an effective training method. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals explains that some adult dogs may need a refresher course in where to eliminate and suggests that when bringing a new dog into your home you should provide crate training as soon as possible to avoid setting up bad habits that may be difficult to break later.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start your dog on a feeding and elimination schedule that works for both you and your dog. Keeping a regular schedule will make training easier. An adult dog can be left in a crate for up to eight hours on occasion, but be sure to give it plenty of time for exercise when outside the crate.

    • 2

      Place your dog in its crate when you leave the house or are unable to watch it. Make sure that your dog is comfortable in its crate before leaving it. Provide treats and positive reinforcement when your dog enters the crate. If your dog is uncomfortable, give it time to adapt to the crate before continuing the training.

    • 3

      Take your dog outside to eliminate immediately after returning home. Take your dog to the same spot each time to encourage elimination. If the dog eliminates, praise it verbally or with treats. Do not punish your dog if it does not eliminate.

    • 4

      Allow your dog time outside of its crate after elimination outside to reinforce the correct behavior. Give the dog a minimum of 15 minutes to play and stretch.

    • 5

      Begin leaving your dog out of the crate unsupervised for short periods of time after it successfully eliminates only outside for an extended period of time. Consistent success may take up to a month.

    • 6

      Increase the length of time the dog stays out of its crate slowly, until you can leave it out of the crate all day or over night without any accidents. Leave the crate out as a safe place for your dog.