160 Bear Christiana Rd
Bear, De 19701
302-322-6488
Dr. Jim Berg
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Puppy Questions
Dear Dr. Berg,
My friend told me it was best to train my puppy using a crate, but we work and are gone for over 8 hours every
day. It just seems cruel. Right now we put him in the laundry room, but he's having accidents all over the room
even though we've got papers down for him. What do you think?
D. B., Bear
Dear D.B,
Dogs in the wild are "denning" animals by nature. An enclosed space is a snug cozy place for protection,
to keep warm, and to raise puppies. With most dogs, a den-like space has a calming effect. A dog crate, which is
a wire enclosure to safely confine pets, are often utilized to toilet train puppies at the appropirate age. Crates
are also an excellent way to transport both dogs and cats, especially if the crate is securly fastened to the vehicle.
And if you bring the dog's "bed" (the crate)with you when you travel with your pet, you're bringing a
friendly familiar place that your dog will feel "at home" even when you're away from home. Once you reach
your desitination, if be conflicts arise between other animals or people, you have a very effective, safe and comfortable
way to confine your dog for everybody's safety.
There are many different styles of wonderful crates that are made these days, and in all colors to match your décor
and your dog's eyes. A very popular type is the tough-but-light plastic "enclosed-type", some of which
have handles and wheels for easy transport. These easy-to-clear carriers not only are very light, but they often
come apart for easy storage in the attic. The type that I prefer to use for toilet training is the wire-type kennel
that folds up in about 30 seconds. These are easy to carry, quick to set up, and take very little space to store.
The plastic "enclosed" kennels can be used to toilet train pets, but I feel that the wire-type are cooler
for the dog, a little less confining, and the dog can feel like they are more a "part of the action"
since they can see, hear, and smell what's going on around them. I have actually sat in both types to see what
it was like for my dogs and have decided that if you plan to put me away for safe keeping, please put me in one
of the wire type.
Properly used, a kennel is an excellent way to toilet train a puppy. The key to use of the kennel is to be sure
that it is SMALL enough. I would go ahead and buy a kennel that will be the proper size for your puppy when grown
so that you can get many years of use, but put a cooler or cardboard box in it for now to take up space. The space
available to your puppy when toilet training should be big enough that he can stand up and turn around, BUT NO
BIGGER. The problem with a kennel that is too big is that the puppy will consider one side of the palace his bed,
and the other side of the kennel his bathroom.
Take the time to make the crate a comfortable, familiar place for your puppy. Leave the door open so he has a safe
place to go when he wants to get away from you. Put favorite toys and a nice blanket to lie on in it, and spend
a little quality time with him playing with him while he is in the crate (You can even climb in it with him, if
you'll fit!) The crate is a safe, happy place for your puppy. Do NOT use the crate as punishment, and avoid crating
you dog only at the times that you leave.
Once he is toilet trained, you can fold up the crate and put it away. It's also a good idea to try to time things
so that your dog goes in the crate 5-10 minutes before you leave, and wait 5-10 minutes after you arrive home before
you let him out. This will lessen the excitement and anxiety associated with the crate because it is not directly
associated with your coming and going. And, if possible, your dog may prefer that you leave his crate up in a quiet
place so that he has a safe haven for peace and quiet.
Back to the Puppy Page
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