If you have recently brought home a new puppy, there is probably a list of things you would like to know about your new addition, including the best way to house train a puppy. There are several effective methods that will accomplish this. The following information deals with the technique of how to crate train a puppy.

This type of house training is great if you have the room in your home and if you are available to accompany your puppy outside often enough throughout the day. The length of time it takes to crate train a puppy depends on the breed of puppy and also on your perseverance during the process.

The Crate

Crate training a puppy works well because dogs generally do not like to sleep in the same area where they go to the bathroom. While your puppy is in the crate, her movements will be restricted, so she will learn to hold in her urges until you accompany her outside.

The size of the area used in the crate should accommodate a fully grown dog so she will only be able to turn around, stretch and stand up. In the meantime, you can use a divider for your puppy to avoid having to buy another crate when she is fully grown.

How to Crate Train a Puppy During the Day

Start with placing the crate in a fairly busy area of your home so your puppy will still feel part of the family - you do not want her to feel lonely and secluded. You may get some negative reaction from your pet initially after placing her in the crate, but you need to ignore her protests. It won`t be long before she will feel quite relaxed in her own little quarters.

For her to feel happy, add some toys, chews, and a deep layer of blankets or towels inside the cage. When she is outside the cage, you can leave the door open for her to go in and out freely. Always have the door closed when she is inside.

Your puppy should only be let outside the crate for eating, sleeping, going outside to the bathroom, and during supervised playtime. If she is allowed to roam your home unattended, your training will be ineffective. She will probably start relieving herself whenever she feels the need. Once she starts this, it will be much more difficult to control.

Puppies cannot hold their urges for very long, so you need to act fast when you notice a sign that she needs to go, e.g. sniffing or circling. Give your pet two playtimes and a generous amount of petting outside the cage during the day (morning and afternoon) for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours each. This will break the boredom of being alone in the crate, and give your puppy some exercise.

Following these steps on how to crate train a puppy will take much of your time initially. But by training with patience and affection, the relationship you have with your pet will grow stronger and you will have a loving companion for many years to come.