Congratulations on becoming a new pet owner! We know the excitement and joy that a new puppy can bring into a home. Along with this excitement, there can also be some challenges. One of the biggest challenges that new pet owners face is housebreaking their puppy. Crate training is a popular method that many pet owners use, and we are here to provide you with some tips and tricks to make this process as smooth as possible.

Timeline for Puppy Growth:

Before jumping into crate training, it's important to understand the timeline for your puppy's growth. Puppies can hold their bladder for roughly one hour for every month of age. So, if you have a 3-month-old puppy, they can hold their bladder for about three hours. Keep this in mind when deciding on a schedule for your puppy's bathroom breaks and crate time.

Choosing a Crate Size:

The size of your puppy's crate is crucial for effective crate training. A crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down, but not so big that they have enough room to relieve themselves in one corner and sleep in the other. If your puppy is still growing, it's recommended to purchase a larger crate with a divider so you can adjust the size as needed. Midwest Crates are superior in durability and size options and collapse easily for portability.

Tips and Tricks:

Now that you have a timeline and correct crate size, it's time to start crate training. Begin by placing your puppy in the crate for short periods of time, slowly increasing the time they spend inside. Start in a room where they can hear and see you to reduce their anxiety. If your puppy whines or barks, do not let them out of the crate. Wait until they stop, then let them out and praise them for being quiet.

New Puppy Schedule:

To help with housebreaking your puppy, it's recommended to set up a schedule for bathroom breaks, crate time, outside time, and supervised inside time. For example, a schedule for a 3-month-old puppy could be: take them outside for a bathroom break every 2-3 hours, place them in the crate for 1-2 hour intervals several times a day, and have supervised inside playtime in between. This schedule can be adjusted as your puppy grows. A sample schedule could look like this and can conform to your schedule:

  • Crate Time (Relaxation/nap)

  • Potty Time (On leash)

  • Free Time (Walk, play, train, supervised separation)

  • Water and Food

  • Repeat

Crate training your new puppy can seem like a complex process, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be an effective and low-stress experience for both you and your furry friend. Remember to be patient, consistent and provide praise and rewards for good behavior. Stick with the schedule you have created, and modify it as your puppy grows. With a little effort, you'll have a well-trained and happy pup in no time!