How to Crate Train Your Puppy for Long Periods of Time

Crate-training is often an effective technique when potty-training a puppy. Keeping your puppy in a crate will deter it from chewing on household objects and getting into things it shouldn't, such as poisonous plants or medications. The length of time you can keep your puppy in a crate without it eliminating typically depends on its age. A puppy can usually hold its bladder for the same amount of time in hours as it is old in months, that is, a 2-month-old puppy can go about two hours, while a 4-month-old can go four hours.

Things You'll Need

Food
Water
Water bottle
Television
Radio
Puppy pads
Toys
Blanket

Instructions

- 1
  Place food and water in the crate so that your puppy will not become hungry or thirsty while you are away. You can also place a small animal water bottle on the side of the crate if you are concerned your puppy will knock over the bowl; however, make sure that your puppy knows how to use the bottle before you make it its only means for water supply.
- 2
  
  The sound of voices on the television often provides comfort to a lonely puppy.
  
  Leave the television or radio on while you are away to comfort your puppy. Many pups feel a lot better in a crate if they feel like there is company around. Hearing someone's voice can be extremely comfortable to a puppy who feels alone, especially if it is going to be by itself for a long period of time.
- 3
  Keep your puppy in a crate that is big enough so that the puppy can eliminate without having to lie or sit in it. While crate-training is typically practiced to deter a puppy from using the bathroom while in the house, it is unreasonable and cruel to expect a puppy to be able to "hold it" for a long period of time while in a crate. Line the bottom of the crate with puppy pads or newspaper in the area that is away from where the puppy lies down. However, prepare yourself for a puppy who may have walked or come in contact with waste.