How to Crate Train an Outside Dog

Crate training provides an effective method of breaking a dog or puppy from eliminating inside the home. Outside dogs may also receive crate training to teach them not to eliminate when placed inside the crate for travel; additionally, moving an outside dog inside requires some form of house training. Crate training works for adult dogs as well as puppies because it forces dogs into a small space with just enough room for stretching out and eating, which deters the dog from eliminating in his sleeping and eating quarters.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Leash
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an appropriately-sized crate for your dog. You should not multi-use a large crate for a small dog as it defeats the purpose of training completely. The crate size should only allow room for the dog to stand, sit, lie down and stretch out, while still having room for a food and water dish.

    • 2

      Choose a location for the crate. Ideally you should locate the crate near you, allowing you to monitor the dog. Move the crate, if possible, with you as you move about the house to keep the dog from feeling lonely or experiencing separation anxiety and associating the crate with punishment.

    • 3

      Place the dog inside the crate for an hour or two at a time and slowly build up the amount of time the dog stays inside the crate. Take the dog outside on a leash every hour to two hours and allow the dog to walk around for a while and eliminate. If the dog does not eliminate outdoors, take the dog back inside and immediately place her back inside the crate. Continue to take the dog out every couple of hours, and put her back in the crate every time she does not eliminate outdoors.

    • 4

      Reward the dog when it eliminates outdoors. Give him a treat for eliminating outdoors and allow him to roam free inside the home for a few minutes as an additional reward. Place the dog back inside the cage and repeat this process for several days, slowly adding to the time between trips outside; you want to work your dog up to being in the crate for the amount of time you average spending away from home each day.