In recent years, cages have been used in the home to house train young pups. However, some people have failed to achieve a clean pup by using this method. The reason is that, for this type of training to work for your new family member, you need to understand WHY it works and the simple reasons as to why it DOESN'T work in some cases.
Most dogs, even when they are young pups, are naturally clean animals. They will not, given the choice, lie or sleep in their own mess. Therefore, the cage should be treated as the pups nest, with bedding, a vet bed or an old jumper is ideal for covering the base of the cage. The pup will naturally do his utmost not to mess his nest.
Every time he wakes from a sleep, he will want a wee. Baring this in mind, it is VERY IMPORTANT that the cage is not too big. A common mistake is to buy a cage to fit an adult dog. This enables the pup to wake from his sleep, go to the end of the huge cage, have a wee, then go back to his nest. If this happens you can very quickly train a pup to wee in his cage. In a smaller cage however, he will do his best to make you aware that he is awake and you can then take him into the garden. Stay with him to praise him when he relieves himself. If this is done EVERY TIME he wakes from a sleep he will very quickly learn to be clean.
If the pup falls asleep when out of his cage, put him back in the cage to save any accidents. Otherwise, if he wakes, he will wee before you are aware he has woken up.
Feed the pup in the cage. He will want to relieve himself about 15-20 minutes after he has eaten (you will get used to your pups own routine) so take him from the cage to the garden. Again, stay with him and praise him when has done the deed!
To help him get through the night he needs to be as empty as possible. So, when putting him to bed, pick up his water bowl about 3 hours before you leave him for the night and put him in the garden last thing. Make the night as short as possible - late to bed and early to rise. At the start the night should be no longer than 8 hours.
By following these simple guide lines you will very quickly condition your pup to be clean. NEVER scold your pup if he has an accident, you will undo all your good work.
The cage can also be used to teach your pup patience. If you are busy and cannot give him attention for periods of the day, put him in his cage, possibly with a rawhide chew, and he will learn to wait his turn. Always start a period of play / contact time, on a good note.
If used correctly a cage can be a great help in conditioning correct behaviour from a new puppy. They will quickly learn to love their cages and see it as a bed they can't get out of. NEVER a punishment cell or a play pen, but a place of rest.
