what the best way to housebreak a crate trained dog?

Question

We are getting a dachshund that is crate trained. How do I housebreak her?

Answer 1

Crate training is usually the dog is put into a crate during any time that it's not being played with, outisde, or eating. This prevents them from using the bathroom all over the house and they go out just after you let them out and just before going back in. Crate training is a method used to housebreak puppies. Once they are fully trained (no accidents, over 12 weeks of age minimum, has good bladder/bowel control), then you can slowly wean them out of the crate being out of it for longer periods until eventually there's no need for crating other than security/discipline reasons.

In case you haven't researched the breed, PLEASE do not put this dog on furniture, allow it to go up and down stairs, and when picking it up cradle one hand under the chest and the other under the hips and gently lift. Same with putting it down. Merely jumping off of something or being picked up wrong can cause their backs to break due to the misproportioing of their bodies. (long torso, short legs) Spinal injuries are VERY common in this breed so having a vet savings account for emergencies is a great idea.

Answer 2

Okay so since she is crate trained she already can hold herself while inside the crate. When she is out and about make sure she is in one room or area inside the house not the entire house because she will find room to potty and poop and that isnt good. So make sure she only stays in one room. Next make sure she is aquainted with the door she will be whining at to go to the bathroom. Lead her to and from the door from diffrent areas in the house or place she will be in. That way she knows the basic routes to the door. Next place her or lead her to the door and open it. Let her outside to do her business, once she goes praise her immedietly with treats or whatever. then take her inside. take her out every 30 minutes the first day and then maybe every hour the following days. If she does go inside the house scold her and say no pee pee in the house! and take her out side. If she finishes outside then praise her like you normally would. hopefully she will get the hang of it within a few weeks. the key is to keep taking her out so she has a chance to go instead of in the house.

Answer 3

If she is already crate trained, start housebreaking her by limiting the areas she has access to. ex: start with mud room and kitchen area (for easy clean up in case of an accident), after a while of no accidents, extend to livingroom (supervised) and so-on.

If she's just a pup, she will need to go out frequently. (when she wakes up, after she eats, after playing)

Answer 4

Keep her in the crate when she is sleeping when you are not home or not available to watch her, take her outside immediately when you take her out of the crate. Take her out when she wakes up. after eating, after playing , and every 1/2 hour to one hour. Praise her for doing her business outside. While in the house if you are watching her and see her start to go take her outside immediately. If she has an accident and you see it tell her "no potty outside" as you take her outside. If she has an accident and you do not see it unfortunately there isn't anything you can do about it. Consistency and persistence will pay off.