Our Privacy/Cookie Policy contains detailed information about the types of cookies & related technology on our site, and some ways to opt out. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.

Close

How to Potty Train a Puppy in a Crate

| Updated September 26, 2017

Things You'll Need

  • Crate

  • Newspaper

  • Leash

  • Collar

Training a new puppy can be the hardest part of welcoming a new pet into your home. Crate training is one of the most-recommended ways to help a new puppy adjust to using the bathroom outside. Crate training will also aid in giving your pet an area that is all his own.

Place the crate in an area where people will be around for the puppy to see. You can move the crate at night, if necessary, to keep him near people. Keep the puppy in the crate except for during playtimes or mealtimes.

Take the puppy outside once every hour or so on a leash. Give him five minutes to eliminate, and return him to the crate if he does not.

Once the puppy has eliminated, praise him and allow him plenty of playtime. Then, return him to the crate.

After an hour has gone by, take your puppy back outside again. Repeat this process for the next few weeks.

Keep a diary of when your puppy eats and eliminates. This will help you judge how often he needs to go out once training is over.

Begin letting him roam the house with a little more freedom. If he has an accident, do not yell at him or hit him. Simply return him to the crate and clean it up.

Tips

  • Line the crate with newspapers to make clean up easier if an accident occurs.

    To make your puppy more comfortable in his crate, feed him inside the crate. He will begin to look at it as his spot.

    If the puppy is whining in the crate, do not acknowledge him. Wait until he stops whining to talk to him and pet him.

Warnings

  • Do not leave a puppy in a crate for extended periods. Not only will this set the crate-training process back, it will also make your puppy feel neglected.