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cooperk · 02-26-2008, 06:03 AM

I'm no expert, but have trained 3 dogs in my lifetime with the crate. I think it would still work best with an older dog. The concept is that dogs will not do their business in their bed or food area. The crate is such area. No matter how long they have been in the crate, (10 min, or 3 hours) you take them outside right away after taking them out of the crate (also after they eat).

They very quickly learn that the whole house is their "bed" and "food" area and they only do business outside.

I have a new Yorkie pup (12 weeks now) who is now got the idea after 3 weeks. The only problem I had was my 3 kids keeping her out of the crate for hours and she wasn't let out often enough. I identified the time of day and found I needed to take her out first thing in the morn, let her eat breakfast in her crate and then let her out again to do #2. This has taken care of the problem in the morn. I have also had the kids take her outside before, or during a play session. It has given them more envolvement with her anyway.

You have to really be on top of it for a few weeks, but it's worth the work (and the crate). They also end up loving their crate...their own home.

I stopped using the crate at a year with my Westie and he still finds it in the basement sometimes to take a nap

Good luck!

02-26-2008, 06:03 AM	#5
cooperk YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Westford, MA Posts: 382	crates work great I'm no expert, but have trained 3 dogs in my lifetime with the crate. I think it would still work best with an older dog. The concept is that dogs will not do their business in their bed or food area. The crate is such area. No matter how long they have been in the crate, (10 min, or 3 hours) you take them outside right away after taking them out of the crate (also after they eat). They very quickly learn that the whole house is their "bed" and "food" area and they only do business outside. I have a new Yorkie pup (12 weeks now) who is now got the idea after 3 weeks. The only problem I had was my 3 kids keeping her out of the crate for hours and she wasn't let out often enough. I identified the time of day and found I needed to take her out first thing in the morn, let her eat breakfast in her crate and then let her out again to do #2. This has taken care of the problem in the morn. I have also had the kids take her outside before, or during a play session. It has given them more envolvement with her anyway. You have to really be on top of it for a few weeks, but it's worth the work (and the crate). They also end up loving their crate...their own home. I stopped using the crate at a year with my Westie and he still finds it in the basement sometimes to take a nap Good luck!