A portable crate is the most effective tool in housebreaking a dog. It is good because it develop the natural instinct of dogs to keep their area clean. The idea behind this crate training is that, dog's natural tendency to keep his eating and sleeping area clean is enhanced. The dog sees the crate as its hide out and as much as possible avoid not to soiled it.
An established routine is the key to effective and successful crate training. This daily routine will help him in establishing a reliable behavior not to eliminate in wrong areas of the house and to eliminate on the designated toilet area. Moreover, never forget to reward your dog with praises and traits such as foods and toys every time he is able to perform his toilet properly.
The difference between a crate and a confine room for puppy is that the former is where you confine your puppy if left unsupervised. It is ideal for a short-term confinement. Since a crate requires no supervision, the puppy will think that the place is his own and so he keeps it clean. Naturally, dogs are clean animals. That is why you see that they keep their sleeping and eating area clean. They eliminate usually a few feet away from their home place.
Puppies should not be confine in a crate for a long period of time because this will leave them with no other choice but to soil their sleeping area. Crate is ideal for a short-term confinement and should not be abused. Every 45 minutes the puppies should be taken outside to eliminate. If he is able to do his business, reward him with praises or treats. If the attempt was unsuccessful, take him out again after 45 minutes and give him few minutes to eliminate. Again, reward him if he is able to eliminate.
Accidents cannot be avoided especially during training. Therefore, it is normal for your puppy to commit mistake during his crate training. If this happen, never yell or scold your puppy. Just clean it up and ignore him when he comes to you while cleaning his mess. This will give him idea that you dislike what he did. Yelling or scolding at your dog will not make him associate the scolding to his act, instead it will cause him fear and confusion.
Keep track of the toilet schedule of your puppy. It will help you in housebreaking of your puppy. When he is able to do his toilet in a regular basis and pattern, you may start to give him free run around the house for him to play and explore.
