How to Train Toy Puppies

It's hard not to fall in love with a toy breed puppy, but there are some training issues to consider. Although some breeds are eager to please and easy to train, some breeds are not. Some breeds have "attitude" and think that they should be the alpha animal...not you. There are also a few breeds that have trouble becoming housebroken because their "world" (your home) is so large to them that there is little chance they will potty in their sleeping area -- a action puppies and dogs try to avoid. Regardless of which breed you choose, all puppies and dogs need to be well trained so that they can be good citizens of the world. Crate training and housebreaking are only the beginning of a lifetime of learning for you and your toy puppy.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Blanket, towel or used clothing
  • Dog toys
  • Chew bones
  • Ball
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Instructions

  1. Crate Training a Toy Breed Puppy

    • 1

      Choose a crate large enough for the puppy to stand, sit, turn around and lie down but not too large that it can potty in a corner away from where it sleeps. Consider a cat carrier, since it is smaller than the average dog crate.

    • 2

      Prepare the crate by placing a blanket, towel or an old piece of clothing inside the crate. Hairless toy puppies,such as Chihuahuas, have trouble maintaining their body temperature; keep this in mind and be sure to provide enough blankets for them to "nest in." Also consider putting a sweater on the puppy to help it maintain a comfortable temperature. Add toys like a rawhide chew bone or ball, but avoid anything that can be easily ripped and swallowed.

    • 3

      Place the crate in a central room so that the puppy will not feel isolated or punished.

    • 4

      Introduce the puppy to the crate by placing small treats in the crate throughout the day. Make a game out of having the puppy find the crate. Ask "Where's the biscuit?" Praise the puppy when it enters the crate.

    • 5

      Place the puppy in the crate for short periods of time while at home, to keep the puppy from associating the crate with being left alone.

    • 6

      Crate the puppy when it cannot be watched closely, when no one will be home or when traveling.

    Housetraining a Toy Breed Puppy

    • 7

      Establish a routine for the puppy. Take the puppy out of the crate and carry it to the place where it is to potty. Stay with the puppy but do not allow it to play or run around. Pick up the puppy and remove it from the area if, after a reasonable length of time, it does not potty. Carry the puppy back inside and place in the crate. Do not put the puppy on the floor, because the puppy will potty on the floor and think that the floor is the potty spot. Wait five minutes and carry the puppy back to the potty spot. Repeat this process each time the puppy is taken out to potty.

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    • 8

      Keep the puppy crated at all times, unless you are able to watch it closely.

    • 9

      Take the puppy outside when it wakes up from a nap or after playing or exercising. If the temperature is cold, put a sweater or coat on the puppy before taking it outdoors. Puppies, in general, have trouble maintaining their body temperature, but toy breeds are particularly sensitive to the cold. For winter walks on city sidewalks, consider placing boots on the puppy's paws to keep the salt off of them.

    • 10

      Feed the puppy on a schedule, usually twice a day, 10 to 12 hours apart. Take it out after it has eaten or had a drink. Withhold water 2 to 4 hours before bedtime and take the puppy out to potty before placing it in the crate for the night.

    • 11

      Educate family and friends on how to handle a toy breed puppy. Most toy breed puppies weigh less than 3 pounds. Dropping a puppy on the floor, stepping on the puppy's foot or sitting on the puppy can cause serious injury. Remind everyone to handle the puppy with two hands and to be careful where they step or sit. Monitor the puppy whenever children are handling it or playing with it.