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Setting up a playroom

Troubleshooting | What to Expect

HOUSETRAINING 101: 6 months and up

Introduce your dog to her crate | Setting up a playroom | How to start housetraining


Overview

While housetraining, there'll be plenty of times you can't be around. For those long stretches while you're at work or school, your dog will need a bigger space than a crate in which she can rest, play, and potty. Here's how to set up a dog playroom.

Steps to setting up a playroom

    • Pick a corner in a family room or kitchen, preferably one with an easy-to-clean floor, and gate it off. The best room is one that isn't isolated from the rest of the house since you'll want your dog to continue to be exposed to household bustle.
    • Stock it well with a crate or dog bed and at least two food-stuffed chew toys. If you know you're often going to be gone for several hours at a time, consider setting up an indoor toilet.
    • Put your dog in her playroom.
    • Gradually increase the time you keep her in the room.
    • Practice putting her in the room by herself at least once a day for a week, or until she's comfortable staying alone.
DogTime tip: Introduce the playroom when you first bring home your dog, even if you aren't going anywhere. This will better prepare her for the first day you have to leave her alone. Be sure to give her a stuffed chew toy every time you put her in her playroom.


Troubleshooting

If your dog won't calm down or stop barking or crying:

  • Feed her all her meals in her playroom until she learns to settle down quietly with a chew toy after meals so she learns to associate the space with something good, and delicious. Note: Leave her bowl of food on the ground for no more than five minutes, and take it away even if she hasn't finished. Continue to do this until she learns to eat quickly.
  • Don't ever let your dog out from her playroom when she's crying and carrying on. Wait it out. Only when she pauses in her protest should you reward her with cuddles and play.

Note: Some dogs do better if their playroom is closed off from the rest of household so they're not constantly reminded that they're penned up.

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Dear Labby

What to expect

Your dog may whine at first because she can't reach you. But don't run over to let her out--she'll only learn you'll come get her when she whines. Do quietly reassure her.
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