11/30/2023
To crate train or not to crate train?!?!
Crate training a puppy takes advantage of the dog’s natural instincts to seek out a comfortable, quiet and safe place when the environment around them becomes too loud or overwhelming. It’s an important tool in preventing dogs from chewing on items in the home or during housetraining. Crates are also a safe way to transport your dog in the car.
Do not leave your puppy in a crate all day. This creates anxious behavior. Puppies under 6 months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can't control their bladders or bowels for that long.
Crate your dog until they are able to be alone in the house without accidents or destructive habits. You can graduate your dog from a crate to an enclosed area of your home, like your kitchen, before giving them access to the full house when you’re away.
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences. It's important to keep two things in mind while crate training: The crate should always be associated with something pleasant and training should take place in a series of small steps. Don't go too fast.
(We introduce crates next week!!! To help familiarize them with the concept and not have another new thing to get used to when they leave).
●Call them over to the crate and give them a treat.
●Give them a voice cue to enter, such as "crate." Encourage them by pointing to the inside of the crate with a treat in your hand.
●After your dog enters the crate, praise them, give them the treat and close the door.
●Sit quietly near the crate for five to 10 minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time and then let them out.
●Repeat this process several times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you leave them in the crate and the length of time you're out of sight.
●Once your dog will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight, you can begin leaving them crated when you're gone for short time periods and/or letting them sleep there at night. This may take several days or weeks.
We personally use these crates. Puppy can see what's going on outside of it. However some dogs like a blanket set on top so it's more den like. You will have to play around to see what your puppy responds best too.
