When crate training a puppy do you put paper/pads in one end of the crate?

Question

I don't intend using either on the kitchen floor where the puppy will be. I am going to try the bell method on the back door with plenty of toilet visits to the garden. Will putting a toilet area in her crate be encouraging the puppy to eliminate there. I want to do the right thing when we get her. Any advise would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

A lot of good answers here. I agree with the ones saying that the point is to train them not to wee or worse in sleeping areas.
I have two black lab mixes. Each asks to go out first thing in morning, if I am sleeping in, the younger one awakens me to go out, both are given access to the garden first thing, and after eating. Never had a mess in the house.
So it does work. I did start the younger one in a crate, sleeping only. However, within a week he was on a bed outside my bedroom door (always open). And again, never a problem. I think dogs are overall the most easily trained and willing to please of all our four legged companions. Well, actually of all. Ever try to housebreak a significant human other? Blah. Better to put them in crate sometimes!

Answer 2

Dogs, as a rule, don't potty where they sleep. In nature, they are den animals, so the crate to them is like a den. You do everything except for potty in the den. Mothers teach their pups about this etiquette when they are old enough to have some self control over potty habits. However, a dog may not necessarily understand that your whole house is the den - this is why accidents sometimes occur.

Putting paper or pads anywhere in the house just confuses the puppy. When you take the puppy out of the crate, take him to the garden where he can go. If he doesn't go after a few minutes, take him back in the house and put him in the crate. Only let him run around the house once he goes. Soon enough, he will figure out that he is only supposed to go outside.

Answer 3

The problem with "crate" training the way you are talking about is not crate training. Crate training is training them NOT eliminiate where they sleep or indoors, period. It helps them build bladder control and trains them when and where to go... outside. You don't want to use pads in there or the dog will be trained that this is acceptable behavior, that s/he is to eliminate on pads or anything resembling one. Unless you are using pads in the house at all times and having the crate large enough for the dog as an adult to continue to go on them and you clean it up afterwards, then this is fine. Otherwise, crate training is all about NOT going in the crate. Crates should only be large enough for the puppy to go in, stand, turn around, and sleep. No larger for proper training. Pups should be immediately taken outside after being let out and told good potty once they come in. They get the hang of is quickly this way!

Answer 4

No, no no! That isn't what crate training is about. Crate training is about teaching them NOT to potty in their crate or where they sleep and then they won't potty in the house.... A dog should not be taught to potty in their crate or you will have all kinds of potty training problems later as you will have a puppy that thinks it's okay to go to the bathroom in it's sleeping and living area.
Get a good book on crate training. If you must teach the puppy to go to the bathroom in the house consider a little box. But not in the crate! Educate yourself before you bring this puppy home!

Answer 5

This question is awesome! Thanks for caring so much about a dog you don't even have yet. I can tell you're going to be an awesome owner!

You want to buy a crate that will fit your dog when fully grown. However, when they are puppies, they need a much smaller enclosure. Most crates provide dividers so you can close off the excess space.

You do not want to teach your dog to eliminate in the crate at any time which is why you only want to allow your dog enough space to stand up, turn around and lay down in it's crate until it's potty trained.

I would say definately do not put papers or pads down and don't ever use them as a 'just in case' scenario. If you teach the dog to potty on the floor, then it will be confusing for the pup if you really want it to go outside exclusively.

Keep up the good work! I found the following website an invaluable tool in raising my two girls: http://www.leerburg.com

Good luck and great question!

Answer 6

First talk radio should help. Then leave the room when the dog barks. Even negative attention is attention and the dog will continue. Your puppy should go outside every half an hour when you are home or the dog is outside of its crate and it will be potty trained in no time. It wont need to go as much when it is crated because exersize stimulates its bowels! Good luck! Our puppy now loves its crate because when she goes in she knows she will get a treat. She goes in now on her own and waits for treats even when we have no intention of closing her in! Keep the door closed. Your dog wants to be with you and will not stay in the crate.

Answer 7

Most dogs look at their crate as their den or bed. Would you go to the bathroom in your bed? : ) So basically I wouldn't advise it. Start off by either putting paper or storebought "puppy pads". Keep them by the door that the pup will be using to go to the garden. When she goes on the mat praise her and give her a few treats. If she doesn't say no and place her on the mat. When she's on the mat tell her good dog.
To get her used to going outside, take one of the mats outside. After a while the pup will get used to going outside. And you can remove the mat. All the way through the housetraining, keep treats handy and praise when she does something right.
Good luck, hope this helps.
~Manda

Answer 8

The crate should only be large enough for your dog to lay down comfortably. There shouldn't be an area to go to bathroom. That will only confuse the dog and it will continue to go in your house. The whole idea behind crate training is to get the dog to only go outside. Providing an area in your house anywhere will cause problems.

Answer 9

no. the only place you want your dog to use the bathroom is outside. almost all dogs will not "go" where they sleep. So, if you planned to put paper in his crate i think it would be a bad idea. he will probably eat it and nothing good will come of it. Dont let you puppy eat past 5pm so he has an empty stomach when it is time for bed. give him a last drink about 2 hours before you want him to go to bed. this way your last walk will empty his bladder. another thing you may want to do is the next time you dog craps on the floor, pick it up with a napkin and put it outside where you regularly want him to go. eventually he will get the hint.

Answer 10

I would not put the puppy pad in the crate with the puppy, it will encourage potting there. My jack Russell puppy is crate trained and I do not put pad in there with her. I put pad in a same spot out of the cage. GOOD LUCK!