Crating while we're home?

[marissa]

We usually crate our 10 week old when we're leaving the house or if no-one is able to watch him (ie when cleaning the kitchen or cooking). He has not been in the crate all day today as my husband is home on Fridays. Is that a mistake? He has been peeing in the house a lot today something he did not do too much of before. It might be the rain as he is not liking the idea of going in the rain, but it might also be the fact that he has not been in the crate and is now confused as to when he's supposed to use the bathroom. Please help.

 

[Jan]

The crate can be a very useful tool for housetraining. You can crate you puppy anytime that you can't keep a close eye on him. When Markus was a puppy I would take him out and then he would be allowed some free time in the house and then he would be crated until it was time to take him out. As an alternative to the crate you can tether him to you with his leash. Take way he is not sneaking off to pee and you will become aware when he is getting restless and needs to go out.

Good luck!

 

[marissa]

Thanks Jan! Yes, I think we need to crate him some on Fridays just so he has that level of control. The leash idea is also a good one we can try. We are introducing him to his collar tomorrow so it might be a week before we have him on his leash. Thanks again.

 

[RVsBoxer]

I think it's a good idea to crate him for a bit even if you're at home. He learns to control his bladder this way and also he won't associate his crate with you and your husband leaving the house and leaving him home alone.