BASICS:
• Don’t use the crate as a punishment
• Crates can create a sense of security, dogs have a natural “den” instinct
• Remember to praise your puppy when they go inside their crate- verbally and in the beginning with treats
• Crates should be big enough for the dog to be able to stand up and turn around
– Some places let you rent crates, so you can upgrade as needed
Introducing the Crate:
• Place the crate in a active room like the living/family room
• Place a towel/blanket inside, and if possible temporarily take the door off
• Let the dog explore the crate on it’s own, use treats, toys or food to encourage if they are hesitant
• Try standing near the crate and using a happy tone gesturing towards the crate
** Dogs don’t like to soil their “den,” so they are less likely to have accidents inside their crate- still remember regular potty times
TIMING:
• You don’t want to crate your dog for too long, they will not be getting enough exercise/human interaction – this can cause depression/anxiety
• Puppies under 6 months shouldn’t be in the crate for more then 3-4 hrs at a time
- they don’t have control over their bladders or bowels yet
• Once your dog is passed the chewing phase and potty trained (around 1 year to 18 months) you can leave the dog crated for up to 8 hours
• After the dog is trained and you can trust them, the crate should be a voluntary place for the dog, leave it open so that if they chose they can go in on their own
• Use occasional rewards to reinforce the crate as a good place, such as treats
• Practice with food, put the dish in the crate as far as the dog will reach, gradually move the dish further back into the crate
• Try sitting near the crate for a few minutes with them in it, then moving to another room for a few minutes, then come back and repeat adjusting the timing- help them adjust to being in the crate
• Find a regular daily schedule for potty breaks, feeding and crate time- dogs will get use to schedules and will even remind you if you forget
-Like my dog knows around 10pm it's bedtime potty time and he will be ready at the door to go out
Night Time:
• Start off with the crate in your room/nearby hallway, you’ll want to be able to hear them for potty times
• As they get use to sleeping in the crate, you can slowly work on moving them further away; eventually potentially to a whole other floor of the house
• When they whine, if they have not been rewarded previously by being let out, they might just be testing you, try waiting it out if you can, and they will stop
• Sleeping in the crate also trains the puppy to sleep through the night
Each dog is unique with how they grow and become their own personality. These time frames are general time frames, results mat vary a little depending on the dog and the environment. Remember to give them some hugs and cuddles :)
Comments