Crate training is the most common modern method of house training puppies. The crate is not only good for potty training but also to prevent chewing and other destructive behaviors while the puppy is growing and learning proper behavior. The crate is a positive, secure den or playpen, but training can quickly go wrong if not done properly. The Pekingese is an old breed with long hair and a very short, "pushed in" nose. Pekingese have a feisty temperament and can sometimes be a bit difficult to house train. Tibetan spaniels are another older breed, less common in the United States than the Pekingese. The Tibetan spaniel is similar to the Pekingese in appearance, but has a slightly longer muzzle and its long hair is not as long and thick as the Peke. Tibetan spaniels are easier to house train and generally more easygoing than the Pekingese. The mix of the two can have any combination of each breed's traits.
Things You'll Need
- Training treats
- Toys
Instructions
Choose the type and size of crate. There are two main styles of crates: wire and plastic (also called airline crate). The wire crate is preferred because the puppy can see what is going on in the house and has much better ventilation. Some people prefer the plastic airline crate because it can be used for travel on planes, but it's best to buy a separate crate for air travel.
The crate should be big enough for the pup to stand up and sit down without having to bow its head. It also has to be big enough for the puppy to lie down fully stretched out and to turn around. If the crate is too big, the puppy will likely use one end for a potty, which defeats the purpose. You can buy a smaller size at first and then upgrade to a bigger one as the pup grows, or buy a crate with a divider in it so you can shorten it while the puppy is very young.
Place a few puppy toys that are sturdy enough to be used without supervision in the crate for the puppy to find. Don't put a blanket or bed in the crate while the puppy is still learning to control its bladder and still teething. Most puppies will urinate on the blanket/bed, and it is often hard for the pet owner to tell because the amount is so small. If your puppy is able to go potty in the crate while remaining clean, dry and comfortable, it will never learn to control its bladder and bowels. Also, many puppies will chew their beds until they have finished teething.
Give a tasty treat whenever the pup goes into the crate. Show the puppy the treat, and then toss it into the crate to encourage the puppy to run in. Praise the puppy for going into the crate. When the puppy leaves the crate, do not give praise or a treat.
Take the puppy out for potty breaks on a very strict schedule. Tibetan spaniel-Pekingese mix puppies are very small and do not have much holding power. Start by taking the puppy out at least every two hours in the daytime and evening. Some puppies will need to go out even more frequently. If you stick to the schedule carefully, the pup will gain muscular control and learn what is expected, so the length of time between potty breaks will gradually increase to about four hours.
Allow your puppy out of the crate after short periods. Not only does the puppy need regular, frequent potty breaks, but it also needs lots of attention, grooming, play and exercise. The crate is for the times you cannot supervise carefully and not for the majority of the day and night. If you work full-time, hire someone to come in two or three times a day for at least a half-hour each time, and then spend your evening after work playing with and socializing your puppy, not locking it in the crate.
Feed your puppy in its crate to help it feel more secure when in the crate. Provide fresh, clean water at all times, except overnight.