Many individuals who are new to dogs may initially feel hesitant about using a crate for their puppies. However, this reluctance often disappears after a few days of living with a new pet. Dog crates actually make life easier for both the owner and the dog. It is a wise decision to introduce your dog to a crate for various reasons, including vet visits, travel, recovery from illness, and safety.
Dogs are naturally den animals and will instinctively seek out a small, secure space for themselves, whether or not you provide one. This makes it relatively simple to train your dog to love their crate. The concept behind using a crate for housetraining is based on the fact that dogs are naturally clean creatures and dislike having a urine-soaked rug in their living area, just like you do. It is crucial that the crate is the appropriate size – just big enough for the dog to lie down, stand up, and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too large, the dog may feel that it is acceptable to use one corner for elimination and then settle down in a clean area. Many crates come with partitions that allow you to adjust the size as your puppy grows.
When your puppy feels the urge to relieve themselves, they will usually communicate this to you through whining and scratching. This is their way of signaling that they need to go and want to be let out of their crate. It is important not to delay, as allowing your puppy to lose control in their crate may lead them to believe that it is acceptable to soil their living space. This can result in them leaving messes around your home as well.
The use of puppy pads and paper training can be a bit tricky because it reinforces two different options for the puppy. Ideally, puppies should learn to hold their bladder indoors and only eliminate at designated spots outdoors. However, there are certain situations that may require some creative thinking, such as individuals who have jobs that prevent them from coming home multiple times a day or for small dogs living in harsh winter conditions. Puppy pads provide a designated spot for a dog to relieve themselves at home. There are even high-tech indoor dog bathrooms available that are suitable for male dogs as well.