Why a crate for housetraining?

QUESTION: Why do I need a crate to housetrain?

answered by Ian Dunbar

ANSWER:

It's the easiest way to housetrain. When he's in his crate, your dog's bladder and bowels are slowly but surely filling up. Dogs don't like to soil their sleeping area, so your dog will probably "hold it" until you release him and take him outside. Then he's likely to eliminate pronto. You'll be right there to reward him handsomely for doing the right thing in the right place--the key to successful housetraining.

Some people don't like the idea of crates, but remember, they're only a temporary training measure. Once your puppy's housetrained, he'll have free run of your home for the rest of his life. And you'll probably find that after just a few days, your puppy learns to love his crate--his very own quiet, comfortable den.