Darin Shepherd’s Atlanta Dog Training Blog

Here is a great article on house training puppies that is archived on our website.  While supervision is preferred, the obligations of daily life and work make it necessary for some people to be away from their puppies for hours at a time.  The article details a management system of "crate training with a doggie door", which works great for many of our clients.  Below is an alternate plan that works well for those homes without fenced yards or dog doors.  Create a small living environment for the puppy.  Combine a common puppy exercise pen, small crate, drain pan, and sod to create a safe environment in which to house your puppy.   The idea is to give the puppy the safety and security of his kennel, freedom to play, and a suitable place to eliminate as needed.  I set up the exercise pen in a safe area like an air conditioned garage, basement, sunroon, or screened porch to provide protection from the weather.  Place the drain pan ( I like a plastic drain pan commonly used under laundry and washing machines) in the exercise pen.  The drain pan will serve as the puppy’s bathroom area.  Line the pan with a suitable material like sod or pinestraw.  I like to condition my puppy’s to use the same materials that they will ultimately find in my yard.  Next place the puppy crate in the pen beside the sod pan and secure the door in the open position.  Add in the water bowls and suitable chew toys and you have a great self contained management system for those times when the puppy must be left unattended.  The puppy can take his naps in the kennel and move to the grass area when it’s potty time!