Make a Date with the Crate
(1 vote)
Dogs can find comfort, security, and protection in a crate—think of it as your pet’s resting and relaxing space. Once your dog is accustomed to the crate, it can help with a variety of issues, including house training.
Choosing the Right Size Crate
Choose a crate that will accommodate your puppy's full adult size, then section it off with a crate divider or place a box inside the crate to take up extra space. Your dog should have just enough room to stretch out when lying down. Dogs typically won't soil their sleeping area, so if they can't find a corner to soil in, they will attempt to hold it.
Choose a crate that will accommodate your puppy's full adult size, then section it off with a crate divider or place a box inside the crate to take up extra space. Your dog should have just enough room to stretch out when lying down. Dogs typically won't soil their sleeping area, so if they can't find a corner to soil in, they will attempt to hold it.
Introducing Your Dog to the Crate
Starting early on, let the crate be the place where your puppy sleeps and rests. When you bring the crate home, allow your puppy to explore it by entering and exiting freely without closing the door. Don’t force your puppy into the crate—if he or she backs out or seems shy about things, remember, it’s normal. Take it slowly. Encourage your puppy to go into the crate on his or her own. You can even toss in a treat for encouragement.
Feed your puppy in the kennel, throw in toys for games of fetch, and put in a soft blanket for naptime. Don't leave food or water in the kennel for extended periods of time, because it will interfere with potty training. When your puppy goes into the crate on his own, offer calm praise.
Once your puppy is comfortable with the crate, you will be able to close the door to the crate. Praise your pet when he or she is inside. Also consider putting the crate in your bedroom at first.
Housetraining with the Crate
Once your puppy is used to the idea of the crate, start leaving him in for longer periods. But be sure to let him out at least every 2-4 hours to go to the bathroom. Until 4-5 months of age, puppies need to use the bathroom frequently, and should not be left in a soiled kennel. As your puppy grows, you can gradually increase his time in the kennel up to eight hours.
Establish a routine for taking your dog out: let your puppy out of the crate, take the same route to the door each time, praise your pup at the door and take him or her out to the part of the yard you want them to go potty.
Keep it Positive
Your puppy should associate the kennel with feelings of safety, so it's important not to use it as punishment. Also, try not to let him out of the crate for barking or crying. Wait until he quiets down for at least 30 seconds, and then let him out. This way, he won't associate vocalizing with being let out of the crate.
Your puppy should associate the kennel with feelings of safety, so it's important not to use it as punishment. Also, try not to let him out of the crate for barking or crying. Wait until he quiets down for at least 30 seconds, and then let him out. This way, he won't associate vocalizing with being let out of the crate.
Tags:
Comments
You must be a registered user to post comments.
Sign up › or Sign In ›