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Originally Posted by gontygirl  I'm learning about the whole crating thing here... I do notice it's about half and half too. I guess I'd better be more open minded to those that do not crate... I guess I have a ton of potty training questions for pups when they're not crate trained as well. I have no doubt that this site will broaden my views and teach me A TON of new things!  |
When I was growing up my parents did not own a crate so we had to find other methods of potty training. When we were not home the pup was usually confined to one part of the kitchen with papers. When we were home someone was always assigned to the pup to make sure it was taken out regularly. Over the years I have found that spending time with the pup as much as possible speeds up the training process. Getting a puppy at 12 to 14 weeks old instead of at the infant stage also helps speed the process. Some people tether the pup to them so that with constant vigilance the pup learns what is acceptable and is gotten to the potty in time. There are many ways of potty training. When I had my own home we used a small room off the kitchen to confine the pups when we were not at home. Many people use an x-pen for confinement. Of course we have to confine at times but confining in room or an x-pen teaches nothing. It is the constant teaching process that works.
I understand the crate training method but have never found it necessary. I did try it once while living in an apartment and it just was not doable with neighbors complaining about a crying puppy.
I realize you don't agree with puppy pads and that is fine but many of us have found them a convenience more for ourselves than for the dogs, I think. With little dogs a person can have some conveniences. I started using them due to a back injury that made it very difficult to get around when Gracie was a pup. Now that she is an adult I have them for bad weather and when I am away. We all have such different lifestyles that we have to work with what we have.
Gracie has free run in the house and never has accidents. She was really the easiest puppy I have ever trained as far as potty training goes.