Housebreaking question for a dog. I need help NOW!!!!!?

Question

I have a young Pomeranian dog. I wanted to know, if it would be okay for the puppy (under 6 months) to stay in a crate (good sized) during school hours? Is that okay? Will he last? What should I do to make it comfortable for him?

I'll post more questions as I think of them. (By clicking the 'edit' button, not making a ton of new boards)

Thanks in advance!!! 10 POINTS BEST ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

It all depends how long are you going to be gone. Even though crates are good way to keep you dog from harm in the house they can be harmful too. Some dogs hate crates I know my dog gets scared every time we try to put her in. So they are fine as long as you make the crate exsperience a good thing. The last thing you do is want to frighten your dog or make it nervous.

Answer 2

First off, I applaud you for crate training.  I believe that crate trained puppies are happy puppies.  If your puppy was 8 weeks old, I would say it is absolutely not ok.  I would say about four months old is when pups have a real understanding of bladder control.  I think that your puppy should be fine, just make sure he goes out to wee right before you put him away.

My concern is that your crate might be too large.  I know, I am a big softy too, all of my dogs could use a size smaller :)  If your puppy has enough room to sleep on one side, and wee on the other, it will do so.  

As for comfort and entertainment, I like to get a rope toy wet, and then freeze it.  Your dog can really work at it, and the cold feels good on teething gums.   A Kong toy with a treat wedged inside works well also. I also like greenies.  They are healthy and take a while to chew up.

One more idea.  Make sure you get him used to the crate for shorter periods before leaving him in there all day.  If he sleeps in it at night, then you should be ok.

Good luck, and happy puppy training.

Answer 3

The best way to house break a puppy is to crate train him.  Dogs will generally not use the bathroom where they eat and sleep.  The crate should not be too large.  You DON'T want to give him enough space to have a potty area and a napping area.  Just make sure that you let him out to go to the bathroom IMMEDIATELY when you return home.  If you can come home during the day to let him outside, that would also be good.  You should include a sleeping surface, (bed, towel, etc.) a toy or two, a bit of food and water, and I have found that it helps with separation anxiety if you include an article of clothing that you have worn.  That way he will be surrounded by your scent and will be calmer.  Another plus to crating him during the day is that he will be safe and sound during the day. You won't have to worry about him getting into something that could be harmful to him.  Remember, he will cry for a while after you put him in the crate.  DON'T LET HIM OUT WHEN HE DOES!   If you do, it will be harder to get him in next time, because he will have been "rewarded" for crying to get out.  Hope this helps!

Answer 4

yes just make sure you walk your pup and feed her and play with her when you get home, puppies that young can stay in a crate for 8 hours without harm.

Answer 5

Crate training is good for them. Just be sure to let him out before you put him in and as quickly as possible when you get home. Be sure to give him plenty of exercise and attention when you are home and he will be happy. Make sure you praise him when he goes potty outside and maybe give him a treat. Try to let him go potty every 1 or 2 hours also.

Enjoy

Answer 6

the crate should not be that big.  l have 3 dog and they are all create trained and i love it. yes the dog will last because a dog will never pee in his cage this is his safe haven. just give him a chew toy or bone and have a bottle of water for him.

Answer 7

as long as it's comfy, with food and water and toys etc. but if you leave it in their too long then the dog will not be very sociable and will become too attached to the crate and won't like life out side of the crate

Answer 8

How long is school? Is it about the length of time you're asleep? It seems to me as though it's pushing the limit, since you're keeping him in there all night, and then keeping him in there for ~7 hours with no break. Now, he won't die, since he DOES go for all night while you sleep, but he will probably be a very bored pup.

Is there anyone who can let him out during the day and keep an eye on him? If so, work it out so that he can get some exercise and attention during the day. If not, is he housebroken? Do you trust him not to get into things? You could try puppy-proofing your room (if he's housebroken) and leaving him in there during the day, with some toys and maybe the television on to make him feel less alone.

If he isn't housebroken, and the weather is good, you could keep him in the backyard with access to food and water. During bad weather, look into getting a shelter if he still isn't housebroken.

If none of those are a possibility, then at least feed him an hour before you leave for school, and take him to the bathroom 15~30 minutes later. Make sure to give him attention and food as soon as you get home. Put some toys in the crate with him to keep him busy. However, I really recommend that you find some way to make sure he gets out during the day if you're able to do that.

Once he's potty trained and doesn't get into things, he should be fine roaming around the home.

Answer 9

Yes Crate training is the best way to get your dog housebroken.  Just be sure to take your pomeraniain out right before you put him/her in there and take them out right as you get home.  Most dogs/puppies DO NOT like to use the bathroom where they lay.  

You could put a favorite toy in there for them and maybe a little blanket for them to lay on.  If you do put a toy in there, make sure it is one that is safe for a dog to chew on that way it doesnt have any thing it could break off and swallow or choke on.