Toy dogs are cute and cuddly, but can often be more difficult to train than larger dogs. These breeds tend to be more hyper and high-strung, which may contribute to their house training issues. They also have tiny bladders that will not be able to hold urine for long periods of time. Crate training is an effective way to housebreak your toy dog because crates keep the pup in one place and teach them to eliminate outside of the crate. Furthermore, crate training is a simple means of keeping your toy pup confined to one spot and give you much needed respite from the demands of cleaning up your house while training a dog. With a little persistence, crate training will have you and your pup well on your way to successful housebreaking.
Things You'll Need
- Dog crate for toy breeds
- Housebreaking pads
- Feeding bowls
Instructions
Buy a crate that is the proper size for your dog. The whole purpose of crate training is to teach your dog that the crate is its sleeping spot and not the place for elimination. The crate must offer enough room to sleep only. Often, owners buy crates too big for the dog and the pup will use one corner to sleep and one to eliminate. With a toy dog, you want the smallest crate possible.
Set up a regular schedule for going out and stick to it. Very young pups may need to go outside to eliminate every hour. Place your dog in the spot you want it to use at regularly scheduled intervals. This may be your yard or a grassy area outside. It may also be a wee-wee pad if you plan to keep your dog indoors. Many toy dog owners who live in apartments utilize housebreaking pads indefinitely.
Feed your dog at the same times every day. About 15 to 20 minutes after your dog has finished eating, put it outside. Use words to encourage it to go, like "Pee pee" or "Go potty".
Praise your dog every time it eliminates outside. By providing positive reinforcement, you will teach your dog how to train quicker. Your pup will learn through your words and tone of voice that that you want him to urinate and defecate outdoors or on the wee-wee pads. Dogs naturally want to please their owners.
Arrange for your dog to have a steadfast routine. This might mean having a dog sitter when you can't be home during the day. By having a dedicated and unwavering schedule, you will start your toy breed on good habits. A properly trained dog will stay that way, which will save you and your pup many hassles in the coming years.