Crate Training Article

[LindaV]

Hi Everyone, I've seen so many questions about crate training. Several years ago I wrote and published a few articles, one on crate training. They are still around today. I thought I'd
share this one... I'm sorry I have to use two posts for this one article, but it is too long for a single post. So... here it is

By Linda Vanator
Copyright 2004

Just like people, dogs are individuals each possessing personalities and unique characteristics. Genetics dictate many human instincts and so it is for our dogs. It isn’t a far stretch to think about the behavior of dogs in the wild. Adult dogs in the wild will instinctually find a den or safe place to sleep. When a ***** whelps pups in the wild she sets up a den and keeps it clean until her pups are old enough to venture out on their own. The mother will teach her pups that it is not acceptable to soil in the area where they sleep. Domestic dogs will naturally den. When they are still in the whelping box the puppies will move from their sleeping area to an area they select as the potty area. They will eliminate in this area, keeping their sleeping area clean.

So many times I have heard people say that crating, “Is like jail!”, or “It’s so cruel to put my little puppy in a cage!”, or even “It reminds me of animals in the zoo!” Of course as humans we highly regard our freedom and as compassionate beings we want to extend this freedom to our pets. Ask yourself this though, “Would I raise my child without a crib to sleep in or a play pen to keep him safe if I had to take my eyes off him for a few minutes?”

Correctly and humanely used, a dog crate can be very advantageous and provide you with valuable tools to use as stepping stones, setting a foundation of security for both you and your dog. It can help as a tool to build a bond of mutual trust that will last as long as your relationship does.

Crate = Security
In his crate your dog can enjoy the security of his den, have his own place to retreat to when tired or not feeling well. In his crate your dog can avoid the confusion and punishment resulting from problem behavior. In his crate your dog can more easily learn to control his bladder and bowel functions and learn to associate relieving himself with the outdoors. In his crate your dog can be spared the isolation of being relegated to the garage, basement or being left outside in the yard alone. You want your dog to exhibit appropriate behavior. Your dog wants to please you. The crate can help you develop the bond and relationship you both desire.

When crate training always keep in mind the importance of repetition. Your dog will not understand what you want unless you repeatedly show him the desired behavior that you expect many, many times. Also, always remember that your puppy does not know what is expected of him as far as relieving himself unless he is shown the proper place to eliminate and when. Again, repetition is the key. The crate will be your best house breaking tool. Crate training can be a fun and positive experience for your puppy. You will be the one who creates the positive experience.

Housebreaking Tip
During housebreaking the puppy should never be allowed outside alone or loose in the yard. That means in the rain, snow, middle of the night or drowsy crack of dawn he must be on a leash with you there with him. Give him plenty of time and let him know he is there to “potty!” and not play. He can be redirected with the leash. “GO POTTY” or any short command phrase you are comfortable with should be repeated gently but firmly. Don’t chatter or talk to him, doing so will only confuse him. Potty time is strictly business. When he does eliminate act like it is the greatest thing he ever did. Praise enthusiastically and let him see and feel your excitement. Your repetition and adherence to this routine sets your dog up for success. The more opportunity he has to succeed sets the tone for lots of jubilant praise which fosters confidence and trust and desire to please. It’s a cycle that moves in a very positive direction for everyone.

Choosing A Crate
There are many crates to choose from and it’s often a confusing decision. There are open wire crates and enclosed plastic crates. I personally prefer the enclosed plastic crates which are vented on the three hard sides and have an open wire door. I believe this type of crate creates a secure den-like environment. They are also easy to move around and serve as safe travel containers. Purchase soft washable bedding for the bottom of the crate. Size can be confusing too. For most people it isn’t practical to purchase a new crate for each stage of the growing pup’s life. The crate should be just large enough for the dog to lie down and turn around in. The hard plastic portable crates are relatively inexpensive and depending on the breed of the dog and how large he will be at his adult size it might be wise to purchase a puppy size crate and move up to the adult size when he outgrows the small crate.
Make a partition until he is full grown. If you purchase a crate that will be the right size for the adult dog, a partition can be made out of sturdy cardboard, stuff the unused section of the crate with a cardboard box. A crate that is too large for a small puppy won’t serve the intended purpose. He’ll have enough room to relieve himself on one end and sleep in the clean area. This will defeat the purpose of the crate as a housebreaking tool. Purchasing used crates is also an option. If you do, make certain that before you let your dog use it you wash it thoroughly with a bleach solution.

Introducing The Crate
If you are using the hard sided plastic crate take the crate apart. Let your pup go in and out of the bottom half. Put some soft bedding down in the bottom half of the crate. Encourage the pup to walk in and out, lie down and play. This stage can take hours to days. Go slow and let your pup set the pace. You can skip this step if you have a very young puppy who will accept crating right away.

Entice your puppy into the crate by placing his favorite toys at the very back part of the crate. Kongs, Nylabones, safe balls, or anything that is non-edible and large enough to prevent the pup from swallowing it, or bits of it, are good choices. I like to fill a small Kong with peanut butter and freeze it. This special kennel treat can distract and keep them interested for quite a long time. It’s also very soothing on tender teething puppy gums and will help to keep them quiet while crated.

Place the crate next to you when you are home. This will encourage the puppy to go inside it without feeling isolated or lonely when you have to leave. In the beginning always praise and pet your puppy when he enters the crate. You want him to know that his crate is a safe, positive place.

Throughout the day, occasionally place small pieces of dry puppy food or small bits of puppy treats in the crate. When the pup wanders in to investigate he’ll discover the treats. This will reinforce the positive experience of the crate. If you have an older pup or dog that is hesitant and resisting the crate you can try feeding him in it. Start with the food right outside the crate entrance. Each feeding slowly move the food into the crate, first right inside the doorway, moving toward the back of the crate until he’s eating inside the crate. Always praise his efforts!

During the early stages of introduction only enticing directives should be used. During the night the pup may be placed in his crate with the door closed. Place the crate right next to your bed. Should he whine or fuss, reach your hand down to calm him. Use soothing vocal tones. If several hours have passed and you awake to a crying, fussing pup – get up and take him outside to potty. Praise him then place him back into the crate with no fuss or drama. Remember, you are creating and teaching a lasting routine.

When beginning the crate training process always crate your pup for short periods of time while you are home with him. The crate training process is always most successful when you are present in the same room with the dog in the crate. Getting him used to your leaving the room which he is crated in is a great first step for getting him used to you leaving the house. When you leave the room he is crated in but remain in the home you are setting a great foundation for security. This also prevents the puppy associating being crated with you leaving the house.

Puppies And The Crate
Remember, puppies under four months of age have very little bladder or bowel control. Be patient and allow for frequent trips outside to potty. Young puppies should not be crated for long periods of time at all, the exception being during the night. Always be alert to your pup’s needs to eliminate. Set an alarm if you have to. Success creates stability and security.

Guidelines For Crating Durations
A 9 to 10 week old puppy can safely be crated for 30 to 60 minutes.
At 11 to 14 weeks he can be crated for approximately 1 to 3 hours.
At 15 to 16 weeks the time can be increased to approximately 3 to 4 hours.
At 17 weeks and older your pup can be crated for approximately 4 to 6 hours – not to exceed 6 hours.

The exception is overnight. Your pup should eventually be able to be crated through the night. At any other time, no pup or dog should be crated for more than 6 hours.

(continued in next post...)

[LindaV]

Use Don’t Abuse The Crate
Never use the crate as a form of punishment for your dog or puppy. Doing so will only cause the dog to fear, resist and resent the crate. If properly introduced to the crate your puppy should be happy to go into his crate at any time. It is alright to use the crate as a brief time out for your puppy if he has gotten himself worked up during rough play or is being particularly rowdy and unruly. Brief is the key word. Never banish and abandon your puppy to his crate and isolate him. This will only cause fear and may lead to anxiety. Always make sure your dog or puppy has plenty of exercise in the form of supervised play and walks on the leash (once the puppy is fully immunized).

Long Term Success!
The prospect of crate training may seem like a daunting task. It’s not! Time spent training your dog should be fun. Be creative and enjoy the process. Get to know your dog’s individual personality and work with it. Crate training will serve you both throughout the duration of your relationship. Like everything else in a dog’s life, learning to accept the crate and incorporating it into his daily routine is a layer in the foundation you are laying for a healthy, confident, loyal, obedient, wonderful lifelong companion. I have said this before, your dog will thank you!

I hope this helps The subject of crating can be confusing and poses many questions. I'd be happy to help answer any questions . Thanks for letting me post that article!!

Linda

[cooperk]

Linda,
This is a great post. I have a 4 mo old pup who we've been very strict about crating. I'm home all day and bring her from her crate outside to do her bus. I am still finding that she is relieving herself in the house even so.

I have crate trained 2 other dogs and haven't had this much trouble. If she weren't so sweet and lovable, I'd be mad!

My westie didn't have this much trouble! How long should I expect her to be OK in the house after she has been outside?

Kathy

[LindaV]

Originally Posted by cooperk

Linda,
This is a great post. I have a 4 mo old pup who we've been very strict about crating. I'm home all day and bring her from her crate outside to do her bus. I am still finding that she is relieving herself in the house even so.

I have crate trained 2 other dogs and haven't had this much trouble. If she weren't so sweet and lovable, I'd be mad!

My westie didn't have this much trouble! How long should I expect her to be OK in the house after she has been outside?

Kathy

Hi Kathy, Thank you!
4 months, especially our small breeds at 4 months, is very young to expect too much consistency in bladder control.
Do you feed her on any kind of schedule?
Is she with you at all times between potty sessions?
Most of the time it's easy to get to know their "potty cues". Stopping play to sniff the floor should be a signal to pick her up and take her out at once.
I found that with my Yorkie, an EX-Pen was my lifesaver.
I was able to put hospital pads down to cover the floor inside the pen, put the crate (door opened) in there too - and when I couldn't be focused on her at least the accidents were contained.

I pad-trained mine (huge reason why the EX-pen was great)- which was a challenging experience too. I live in a rural area of NJ (cold, wet winters, hawks, coyote, bear and fox... oh my! ) and training her outside just didn't seem to be the best option for me. I wish I could have.

I believe a major issue that develops is that once the urine scent is deposited into carpeting or in the grout between tiles, or between the boards of hardwood flooring, it's an invitation to reuse that spot. They can smell a molecule, and we think we've gotten all the scent up.
Do you find when she has accidents she tends to go in the same places?

I've trained lots and lots of dogs and this Yorkie of mine has been the hardest to potty-train, by far! At 3 1/2 she still goes through periods where she has an occasional accident. It's a mystery to me why! Agreed - if she wasn't so darn adorable I'd be mad too! lol! And - there is part of the problem (for me at least). Because she's so small and *cute* I've excused things with her that my other dogs, or dogs I've trained, would never get away with

I'd say, just be patient and consistent - it WILL happen. It does take longer than our larger friends.

[Patti]

Thanks great article. I was one that use to believe crate training was cruel. Then I got another Yorkie 2 1/2 years ago and had her in a playpen and she loved it. SHe would go in whenever she wanted and when she knew I was getting ready to go out she would go in by herself. She trained pretty easily. I now have a puppy and use the crate when I can't watch her or to seperate her when I am out. She doesn't seem to mind when she has to go in.

[cooperk]

Originally Posted by LindaV

Hi Kathy, Thank you!
4 months, especially our small breeds at 4 months, is very young to expect too much consistency in bladder control.
Do you feed her on any kind of schedule?
Is she with you at all times between potty sessions?

I suppose my westie was so easy, I forget how difficult my samoyed was (she even ate a hole in our wall - eeks). I think I get more frustrated with myself, wondering if I'm "on it" as much as I should be.

I have 3 kids, so schedule is military around here. I did solve the "morning oopses" by taking her ouside from the crate, then feeding her in her crate followed by another trip outdoors. I am with her all the time she's out of the crate, but I suppose it's the "kids" fault, as they play with her, then go on to something else, like the TV and she wonders into another room.

The scent thing is a good point too. It may also be more difficult since the breeder did not take the puppies outside. They were in a gated area indoors and pretty much went on the paper. I tried the paper (by the back door) as well as the crate for a few weeks, but got tired of the thing and really am trying to get her to go outside only (not going too well for me).

Of course we'll just keep working on it...have to, we're so in love with her!

[KimluvsLexie]

I've posted this a couple of times, but we're still having some problems with Tucker. His "crate" right now is a potty pad under a laundry basket because at 6 months he is still using the bathroom in his crate no matter how small I make it. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a puppy that was kept in a crate most of the time early on in his life? His first owner was very sick and unable to take care of him so he was left in there for long periods of time. The cleanup was unreal and I was fearing for his skin due to daily baths. We need some tips!

[LindaV]

Originally Posted by KimluvsLexie

I've posted this a couple of times, but we're still having some problems with Tucker. His "crate" right now is a potty pad under a laundry basket because at 6 months he is still using the bathroom in his crate no matter how small I make it. I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a puppy that was kept in a crate most of the time early on in his life? His first owner was very sick and unable to take care of him so he was left in there for long periods of time. The cleanup was unreal and I was fearing for his skin due to daily baths. We need some tips!

I'm sorry Tucker had a rough start This problem occurs more often than you'd think. At 6 months, he's had time to make the negative association with the crate. Being left in there for prolonged periods of time when he was younger gave him no option but to get used to laying in his own waste.

Have you considered starting from scratch, using an ex-pen? Expandable baby fencing works great for this. Start small with a couple of panels, perhaps in a corner. Lightweight plastic painting tarp on the floor, covered with towels or hospital pads will prevent any urine from scenting the carpets or flooring.
Inside the pen, just enough room for his crate on one side, potty pad opposite side, away from the crate.

Introduce the crate as if it were day one. Short, positive experiences, lots of praise. I swear by the small Kong stuffed with peanut butter and frozen. If he'll enter the crate and entertain himself for 15 minutes, yay! Praise him, take him out - and praise, praise, praise!

Once you've reintroduced the crate as a positive place you can try putting him in the x-pen area with the crate. This should be in the same room where you and your family members spend the most time. If you are close by, he won't feel banished, abandoned or alone, but he will be able to establish a "den" area and a "potty" area.

Entice him into the crate with the frozen Kong, small bits of kibble or small treats. If he begins to enter the crate on his own, even if he was "food motivated", praise him! "Good Kennel", or whatever you choose to call his crate, will create the word association.

I'm not sure what your objective is. Is your goal to train him to potty outside, or on potty-pads?
How much time is he spending outside his current "laundry basket" crate?
What is his normal routine with you like each day?

Knowing more about your situation might help in developing some strategies to help you move him forward. I know this is tough and frustrating for you!
I'm happy to help in any way I can

[KimluvsLexie]

I'm sorry Tucker had a rough start This problem occurs more often than you'd think. At 6 months, he's had time to make the negative association with the crate. Being left in there for prolonged periods of time when he was younger gave him no option but to get used to laying in his own waste.

Have you considered starting from scratch, using an ex-pen? Expandable baby fencing works great for this. Start small with a couple of panels, perhaps in a corner. Lightweight plastic painting tarp on the floor, covered with towels or hospital pads will prevent any urine from scenting the carpets or flooring.
Inside the pen, just enough room for his crate on one side, potty pad opposite side, away from the crate.

Introduce the crate as if it were day one. Short, positive experiences, lots of praise. I swear by the small Kong stuffed with peanut butter and frozen. If he'll enter the crate and entertain himself for 15 minutes, yay! Praise him, take him out - and praise, praise, praise!

Once you've reintroduced the crate as a positive place you can try putting him in the x-pen area with the crate. This should be in the same room where you and your family members spend the most time. If you are close by, he won't feel banished, abandoned or alone, but he will be able to establish a "den" area and a "potty" area.

Entice him into the crate with the frozen Kong, small bits of kibble or small treats. If he begins to enter the crate on his own, even if he was "food motivated", praise him! "Good Kennel", or whatever you choose to call his crate, will create the word association.

I'm not sure what your objective is. Is your goal to train him to potty outside, or on potty-pads?
How much time is he spending outside his current "laundry basket" crate?
What is his normal routine with you like each day?

Knowing more about your situation might help in developing some strategies to help you move him forward. I know this is tough and frustrating for you!
I'm happy to help in any way I can

Thank you for such wonderful advice! I am so relieved to finally have a starting point! Our goal is to train him to washable potty pads that we should be getting next week sometime. Our other yorkie, Lexie, is trained to regular pee pads. We do have an x-pen so we can move it to the family room and start to use it in the way you suggested. Every day when my husband and I go to work is when he's in his laundry basket crate. We come home at lunch and let him out for an hour to run around. He gets out again at 5 when I get home and then he spends the evening with me on my lap or playing until bedtime at 10:30 when he either goes back in his laundry basket crate or sleeps in the bed with us. He was really good about sleeping in the bed for a while, but after an accident in the bed we've been more likely to let him sleep in his laundry basket crate. When we have days off he is out most of the day unless we are tending to something such as laundry, dinner, etc. He is under our watchful eye of course. I have also ordered some belly bands to help with the times that I can't watch him 100%. I am off Saturday and Sunday and my husband is off Tuesday and Wednesday so there are only 3 days where he spends 8-5 in the crate with his 1 hour lunch break. This summer I will not be working so that is probably when potty training will get VERY intensive. Thank you for all the input and we will put it to good use. If anything I've said makes you think of anything else we can do let me know!

[KissKiss]

Hi there

I am struggling with my nearly 10 week old.

I can usually sense when she needs the toilet but if I put her on her pad she WILL NOT GO FOR THE LIFE OF HERSELF!!! and the second I leave her unattended she will go (which is usually somewhere on my rug

Any tips on getting her to go whilst im watching? or should I crate her for longer, so she is bursting!?

Also when I crate her she CRIES AND CRIES AND CRIES; so its hard for me to leave her in their that long.

Also when she does a number 1 on the pad is it best to throw it away straight away or does the urine smell help her go again the next time!?! I.E should I throw it away after she spoils it the 1st time or should I wait until she uses it a second time. i.e. is she more likely to go when it is fresh or when she can smell the urine. Gross I know; but if it helps training for her to become acustomed to the pad by smelling the urine I can don't mind her reusing the same pad for the day. (obviously getting rid of the number 2 tho lol).

[LindaV]

Originally Posted by KissKiss

Hi there

I am struggling with my nearly 10 week old.

I can usually sense when she needs the toilet but if I put her on her pad she WILL NOT GO FOR THE LIFE OF HERSELF!!! and the second I leave her unattended she will go (which is usually somewhere on my rug

Any tips on getting her to go whilst im watching? or should I crate her for longer, so she is bursting!?

Also when I crate her she CRIES AND CRIES AND CRIES; so its hard for me to leave her in their that long.

Also when she does a number 1 on the pad is it best to throw it away straight away or does the urine smell help her go again the next time!?! I.E should I throw it away after she spoils it the 1st time or should I wait until she uses it a second time. i.e. is she more likely to go when it is fresh or when she can smell the urine. Gross I know; but if it helps training for her to become acustomed to the pad by smelling the urine I can don't mind her reusing the same pad for the day. (obviously getting rid of the number 2 tho lol).

Hi, 10 weeks is sooo young, too young to expect much consistency with her bladder.
Also, at 10 weeks, the longest she should be crated is 30 - 60 minutes.
When you do crate her, is she in the same room with you? Does she have something safe in there with her to keep her interested so she can learn to be calm while confined?
As far as not going potty in front of you - wow I totally get that! Mine did that too! What worked great was setting her up to succeed.

Can you try confining her to a small area, like a play-pen or X-pen, put the crate in there and potty pads... she will have no choice but to choose a place in there to potty (the pad). When you know she's eliminated, take her out and give her lots of attention, play, bonding, etc.
When you notice her "potty cues", pop her back in her area... she'll get the hang of it
As far as leaving a used pad down - yep - it certainly will reinforce her scent and reinforce that's where her potty-place is.
It was never that gross to me to leave a pee-pad down with a pee-spot on it - their puddles are pretty small and odorless.
When you catch her going on her pad - praise her big time. It will only reinforce to her that she is doing what you want her to.

Give her some time, she's so young yet. Be consistent. It can be frustrating, I know - but the more consistent you are (with everything) the quicker she'll know what's expected of her - and she does want to please you
Hope that helped, a bit
How does she do overnight?

[KissKiss]

Originally Posted by LindaV

Hi, 10 weeks is sooo young, too young to expect much consistency with her bladder.
Also, at 10 weeks, the longest she should be crated is 30 - 60 minutes.
When you do crate her, is she in the same room with you? Does she have something safe in there with her to keep her interested so she can learn to be calm while confined?
As far as not going potty in front of you - wow I totally get that! Mine did that too! What worked great was setting her up to succeed.

Can you try confining her to a small area, like a play-pen or X-pen, put the crate in there and potty pads... she will have no choice but to choose a place in there to potty (the pad). When you know she's eliminated, take her out and give her lots of attention, play, bonding, etc.
When you notice her "potty cues", pop her back in her area... she'll get the hang of it
As far as leaving a used pad down - yep - it certainly will reinforce her scent and reinforce that's where her potty-place is.
It was never that gross to me to leave a pee-pad down with a pee-spot on it - their puddles are pretty small and odorless.
When you catch her going on her pad - praise her big time. It will only reinforce to her that she is doing what you want her to.

Give her some time, she's so young yet. Be consistent. It can be frustrating, I know - but the more consistent you are (with everything) the quicker she'll know what's expected of her - and she does want to please you
Hope that helped, a bit
How does she do overnight?

Thanks for the reply.. I will definately get an x-pen and see how that goes. I never crate her for more than 60 mins; I try to crate her soon after she has eaten/ drank/ just woke up for up to 60 mins but she will not go whilst I am there; then the second I turn my back she will go (sometimes right next to the pad).

Its difficult though because when I am at work I have to leave her in the bathroom so she is able to go freely. So I guess this doesn't help, help her. I think the x-pen is defo the best way to go as even when I am at work she will still be forced to go on the pad even without me being there.

[LindaV]

Originally Posted by KissKiss

Thanks for the reply.. I will definately get an x-pen and see how that goes. I never crate her for more than 60 mins; I try to crate her soon after she has eaten/ drank/ just woke up for up to 60 mins but she will not go whilst I am there; then the second I turn my back she will go (sometimes right next to the pad).

Its difficult though because when I am at work I have to leave her in the bathroom so she is able to go freely. So I guess this doesn't help, help her. I think the x-pen is defo the best way to go as even when I am at work she will still be forced to go on the pad even without me being there.

You are crating her right after she has eaten a meal, or woken up for a nap? Maybe I am totally misunderstanding you... the worst time to crate her is after eating, or after waking up from sleeping... this is the best time for you to take her to her potty area (place her on her pad) and just stand there, very calm but firm, and tell her "Potty" (or whatever you choose that action to be called) - it may take minutes, or it may take a long time ... but after meals and after waking up, you have the best chance of catching her when she has to "go".
If after 10 minutes or so on her pad she hasn't eliminated, place her in the ex-pen. She will certainly succeed there because - well, you set her up to succeed in that confined environment. No chance for failure
If you decide her only potty area will be in the confines of the x-pen, then after waking up or eating -that's where she goes 'till she eliminates.

I'm sorry if I totally misunderstood what you were saying - I just want you to be able to create an environment where your puppy will be successful, with the least amount of stress on you both

Going next to the pad - ahhh... yeah, know that one well too! What I did was put 2 pads side by side - make the pad area bigger - I know it sounds like a pain in the butt - but! If she is going next to the pad - she is *almost* getting it! If you enlarge the pad area - again - she succeeds, because she'll go on the pad. Yay! When she is older and more reliable, reduce back to one pad . I believe the key to any training objective is figuring out how to make the dog succeed. Positive environments that set them up for positive reinforcement - and success

Is she crated during the night? Does she wake you up to let you know she has to go to her pad?

[KissKiss]

Originally Posted by LindaV

You are crating her right after she has eaten a meal, or woken up for a nap? Maybe I am totally misunderstanding you... the worst time to crate her is after eating, or after waking up from sleeping... this is the best time for you to take her to her potty area (place her on her pad) and just stand there, very calm but firm, and tell her "Potty" (or whatever you choose that action to be called) - it may take minutes, or it may take a long time ... but after meals and after waking up, you have the best chance of catching her when she has to "go".
If after 10 minutes or so on her pad she hasn't eliminated, place her in the ex-pen. She will certainly succeed there because - well, you set her up to succeed in that confined environment. No chance for failure
If you decide her only potty area will be in the confines of the x-pen, then after waking up or eating -that's where she goes 'till she eliminates.

I'm sorry if I totally misunderstood what you were saying - I just want you to be able to create an environment where your puppy will be successful, with the least amount of stress on you both

Going next to the pad - ahhh... yeah, know that one well too! What I did was put 2 pads side by side - make the pad area bigger - I know it sounds like a pain in the butt - but! If she is going next to the pad - she is *almost* getting it! If you enlarge the pad area - again - she succeeds, because she'll go on the pad. Yay! When she is older and more reliable, reduce back to one pad . I believe the key to any training objective is figuring out how to make the dog succeed. Positive environments that set them up for positive reinforcement - and success

Is she crated during the night? Does she wake you up to let you know she has to go to her pad?

Hi there

I should have elaborated further (I was in a rush sorry)... anyway right after she eats/drinks/ sleep I try to make her go potty, but when she doesn't I crate her, then take her out (say in 20mins time) to try again.

She is not crated during the night as I understand she shouldn't be crated for that long, so she just stays in my room in her lil basket with the pee pee pad nearby. She wakes to let me know shes awake and she wants to play but never that she needs to go toilet.

[eaglez28]

Linda - GREAT Article on Crate Training!!!