There are several reasons some pet owners would rather NOT use a crate to potty train their Pug. Some people think that it’s inhumane. Other’s may not want to keep their dog in a crate? So what does it take to learn how to potty train a Pug without a crate?
How To Potty Train A Pug Without A Crate?
The only successful way to potty train a puppy without a crate is to constantly monitor their every move and keep them by your side 24/7. We will cover everything you need to know about toilet training your dog or puppy without the use of a crate.
*This page contains affiliate links to products I recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you
Be sure to check out our huge resource for potty training Pugs and get all the answers you need.
If you’re thinking about investing in a crate because you understand that your dog will consider it their safe haven, be sure to check out some of the best crates for Pugs.
Should You Crate Train A Pug?
There’s a huge debate about whether or not you should crate train your puppy. Some pet owners think that it’s cruel while others believe it’s the fastest way to potty train a dog.
While it’s true that crate training is the fastest way to potty train a dog, it’s not the only way to do it.
Crate training is best suited for people who can stay at home all day with their puppy. This usually consists of the retired, self-employed, or anyone who stays at home all day. It also works best for a dog that has a fear of crates.
It won’t work well for people who have a busy schedule or just don’t have time to supervise their puppy 24/7.
What You Will Need
You will need a harness, collar, doggie treats, and enzyme cleaners for the occasional accident.
You can also purchase a playpen that will safely hold your puppy when you’re busy cooking, cleaning, or can’t supervise your puppy. A playpen should be big enough for your puppy to stand, move, and lay down.
Always take your puppy outside before putting them in the playpen, otherwise, they will pee and poop in one corner of it.
Steps to Potty Train Your Dog Without A Crate
#1 Keep Your Puppy By Your Side
Attach the leash to your pup’s harness and tie the other end to yourself. I recommend tying it to the belt loop on your pants. This will ensure your puppy is always at your side, while you’re in the house.
The purpose of using a crate to potty train a puppy, is you don’t have to constantly supervise them. They are in a smaller area and naturally they don’t want to go bathroom.
Having your puppy right by your side will make it much easier for you to supervise them and catch them before they have an accident in the house. You’ll be able to monitor their body language and know when she needs to go outside.
Your puppy is NEVER allowed to roam in the house without any supervision during their training.
When you go to the kitchen, so does your pup.
If nature calls, don’t leave your puppy standing outside the door, otherwise, they may have a surprise waiting for you when you get out of the bathroom.
When you sit down to eat dinner, your Pug will be sitting right beside you attached to the leash.
Basically, your new puppy will be attached to your side until they are old enough to hold their bladder.
#2 Establish a Routine or Schedule
Even though you’ll have your puppy by your side 24/7, it’s still important to get her used to a regular routine.
This means you’ll schedule mealtimes, playtime, naps, walks, and bedtime to make it easier for your pup to learn when to pee and poop.
It will take several weeks for your pup to get used to their new schedule, however, with time they will learn to pee and poop like clockwork. I’ve created a potty training schedule to help you get started training your Pug.
When setting up a schedule that works for you, it’s important to remember a young puppy will need to go out every 30 minutes to an hour. While an older healthier Pug will be able to hold their bladder long.
#3 Pick A Word
Pick a word you’re going to use for the potty. I chose “potty” because it was easy. You can also use outside, grass, pee pee, toilet, lawn, grass or any other word you like.
Choose a one syllable word that is easy for your dog to understand. Take your puppy to their designated poopie area and give them the one-syllable command. With time, your dog will learn what they are supposed to do when they are in that spot.
#4 Learn Your Puppy’s Cues
If this is your first time owning a puppy, you may not realize the cues. Every dog is different, but all of them will send cues that they have to go bathroom.
Don’t worry, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your Pug, it won’t be long before you learn their cues.
Some of the most common signs a puppy needs to potty are:
- Whining
- Sniffing
- Abrupt changes in play, behavior or activity
- Lying down by the door or pawing at it
- Licking or sniffing the groin area
- Circling
The biggest clue is when your puppy is playing with a ball or toy, and she suddenly stops playing and walks to a corner or specific area of the house.
Potty Training When You’re Not Home
It’s crazy to think that you won’t ever leave your puppy home alone during their potty training regime. After all, you can’t take your puppy with you to a doctor’s appointment, therapy sessions, restaurants or etc.
So at some point, they will be expected to stay at home by themselves.
You’ll also want to invest in a baby gate, or some type of pet barrier to prevent your puppy from roaming around your home when you run out for errands or appointments.
If you know that you’re going to be gone for several hours, you may want to consider laying down some pee pads so your puppy won’t make a mess on the floor.
Potty Training At Night Without A Crate
Nighttime potty accidents are more likely to happen because you’re not able to constantly monitor your puppy’s body language. They are more likely to have an accident, especially, since they are not in a crate.
You’ll want them to sleep in the bed with you or on their bed next to yours. A light sleeper will be able to hear her when she whines or starts stirring in the middle of the night.
If you can’t sleep with your puppy then you’ll want to puppy proof her room, preferably with pee pads. You can also set an alarm to wake up and take your puppy out every 2-3 hours for nighttime potty breaks.
Just make sure you get out of bed and take her out, otherwise, you’ll wake up to an accident on the floor.
Taking her outside every 2-3 hours will ensure she doesn’t have an accident. Just make sure she climbs into bed and falls asleep before you do, otherwise she may wander throughout the house and make a mess.
You don’t have to use pee pads to keep your home clean at night, just make sure you don’t roll over and go back to sleep when the alarm goes off.
Why This Method Won’t Work
The only reason this method won’t work is if you don’t keep your puppy with you 24/7. You can’t let your pooch out of your sight while they are being trained.
Young puppies that are less than 4-5 months old don’t have enough bladder control.
So when they have to go, they need to go quickly. Having your puppy by your side at all times will ensure you get her outside quickly so you can avoid accidents.
If you notice your puppy showing any unusual behavior, pick her up and take her outside. She may act like she doesn’t have to go, but make sure you give her plenty of time to take care of business before you take her back inside.
As soon as she goes, don’t forget to give her plenty of praise to let her know she did a great job.
Final Word
Using a crate is one of the fastest ways to housebreak your pooch. That being said, if you’re willing to have your four-legged best friend by your side 24/7 you can get her to pee and poop outside.
It’s just going to take you longer because you’re not using a crate!
There are several benefits of crate training a Pug, so make sure you understand why so many experts recommend it before you disregard it completely.