How to Transition From Crate Training

When used properly, a crate can be a great way to house train your dog. You can use the crate as a method to prevent accidents when the dog is unsupervised. The transition from crate training to training without the crate should be made gradually. Maintaining a regular schedule will help in the transition from crate training to a fully house broken dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Room with door
  • Chew toys
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Instructions

    • 1
      Dogs crave routine.

      Keeping a regular schedule is the most important step in house training your puppy. When you begin crate training, make sure to take the dog outside on a regular schedule, in addition to when she sends signs. Dogs do not like to relieve themselves where they sleep, so your puppy may let you know by crying or barking that he needs to go out. Do not leave the dog alone in the crate for too long; this may create anxiety and destructive behavior.

    • 2
      Dogs enjoy small areas to sleep.

      Think of the kennel as the dog's den---a safe place that he enjoys. In general, dogs like small spaces to sleep because they provide them with a protected and safe environment. In nature, dogs seek out protected, enclosed spaces to rest. Even after successfully crate training a dog, your pup may prefer sleeping in the crate. Never use the crate as a form of punishment or force the dog into the crate.

    • 3
      As your dog gets older, she will be able to send you signs that she needs to go out.

      When the puppy is old enough to hold her bladder, you can begin to transition from crate training to house training. Another sign that the dog may be ready to transition from crate training is if the dog spends the night in the crate without waking up or crying.

    • 4
      Gradually transitioning will help your dog.

      Transitioning from long periods in the crate to long periods alone outside the crate should be done gradually. Start the weaning process with short periods and gradually increase the periods your dog is left unsupervised outside of the crate, according to k9web.com. Begin with 15-minute periods and work up to longer periods until you can trust your dog to be left alone without having an accident or chewing on anything inappropriate.

    • 5
      Do not give the dog free reign of the house right away.

      Your dog will find better success if you make the transition a gradual process, rather than immediately giving your dog free reign of the house, according to dogtime.com. This site recommends putting the crate in a room that can be closed off. If your dog does not have any accidents for two weeks, gradually increase the area that the dog is allowed to roam around. If the dog has an accident, simply track back a step.

    • 6
      Praise your dog when you arrive.

      Praise your dog when you come home to a house free of accidents.

    • 7
      Walking your dog is good for her and you.

      Remember that house training a dog will be faster and easier than curbing destructive behavior. Puppies love to chew; make sure to provide the dog with appropriate chew toys. Proper exercise and a regular routine will also help to curb destructive behavior.

    • 8
      Success!

      The transition period can take months to a year, so patience is a key component.