Imagine this: You have just arrived home with your brand new puppy. It is the sweetest, most adorable puppy you have ever seen. Now it’s time for the reality check. Puppies need tons of care and attention. You must be completely available for your new lovable pup. Your free time is now devoted to your new puppy. Hopefully you’re still with me and haven’t given away your puppy yet. I am going to fill you in on how to properly crate train your puppy.
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"A crate is a portable 'kennel' that is just large enough to contain the dog it is intended for, made of either metal or plastic. 'Crating' is the practice of using this kennel for training purposes, usually in housetraining and house proofing a dog." (Moore) Many people feel that it is cruel to crate a puppy. Dogs have a natural denning instinct (Moore). That is why you will see many dogs sleeping under a table or a piece of furniture. The dogs need a safe area to call their own. Puppies learn from their mother that they should not soil their sleeping area. (Bohnenkamp) |
The puppy must have positive associations regarding the crate. The crate needs to be comfortable for the dog. When the puppy first arrives, have the crate ready with a blanket creating a warm, inviting environment. Don’t ever force the puppy into the crate. This is new to the puppy. He needs to explore this new place. Be sure to leave the crate door open so the dog can come in and out as it pleases. I find that it works well to use a small treat to lure the dog into the crate. When the dog first arrives do this several times so he begins to understand. Also when he is going in the crate I use the command "kennel up". Many other variations are acceptable. It is basically whatever you are comfortable with, but remember to be consistent.
The next big step is the first night. I play with the puppy until he's tired, make sure he has pottied outside and place the comfortable crate (with pad and towels etc.) on a chair or table right next to my bed where I can reach it while I'm still lying down. I place the puppy into the crate (possibly with a safe toy), go to bed and turn out the lights as usual. If the puppy whines, I place my fingers in the grate of the crate and talk softly to the puppy until he falls asleep. I may lose a little sleep that night and possibly the next but I will NOT open the door for the puppy for at least four hours. (I repeat: the puppy has successfully pottied just before this!). I do not get angry with the puppy or yell at him but I do not give in and let him out either. Usually he will fall asleep within an hour, less if he is tired. At eight weeks of age you cannot expect the puppy to go more than four hours without pottying (about-dogs). So, as soon as the puppy whines after waking up, have your sweats, shoes and shirt ready to take the puppy outside. Dress yourself quickly before you open the crate, carry the puppy to the potty area immediately, praise softly and gently for a job well done, bring him back in and without getting into a play session with him, return the puppy to his crate, turn the lights out and go back to sleep. If the puppy fusses for awhile, talk softly and put your fingers in the grate of the crate. Don't blame or scold the puppy if he has an accident. It is your responsibility to get the puppy out BEFORE he has had a chance soil his den. Later on, after the puppy is used to his routine and after he no longer needs to go out every four hours, you can put the crate on the floor of your bedroom or somewhere else in the house.
At some point you have to go to work or go out somewhere and
can't take the puppy. He's made it through his first day and night at his new
home. He is familiar with his crate. Make sure the pup has been exercised and
has pottied. It is helpful if he has played a bit and is tired. Lure him into
the crate with a treat and your command ("kennel up") or physically place the
puppy into the crate gently. Close the door and leave the house. No talking to
him etc. He may whine a little. Don't stay away too long. An hour or two is
best. If you have to go to work and have no other choice, then arrange to come
home at lunch to feed, exercise and potty the puppy during your break or have
someone else come in and do this for you. A puppy cannot be expected to go
longer than four hours without a potty break and it is very hard to retrain a
puppy that is used to soiling his crate. (about-dogs)
With time the puppy will begin to enjoy his crate. This is his home. Once he gets adapted to the routine he will think nothing of going into the crate. He will stop whining at night and start pottying on a regulated schedule. When the puppy is tired or just wants to get away he will go to his crate. You have taught him that his crate is a comfortable environment.
About Dogs. (2003). Puppy Dog Potty Training. Retrieved on February 20, 2003, from http://www.about-dogs.com/puppy_potty_training.htm
Bohenkamp, Gwen. (2003). Perfect Paws. Retrieved on February 20, 2003, from http://www.perfectpaws.com/crt.html
Moore, Cindy Tittle. (2003). What Is Crating?. Retrieved on February 20, 2003, from http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/crating.html