{"id":1885,"date":"2017-12-13T18:11:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T18:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puptownhouston.com\/collegestation\/crate-training-for-puppies\/"},"modified":"2022-01-10T19:36:47","modified_gmt":"2022-01-10T19:36:47","slug":"crate-training-for-puppies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puptownhouston.com\/collegestation\/crate-training-for-puppies\/","title":{"rendered":"Crate Training for your Puppy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why to Crate Train a Puppy<\/h4>\n

\"puppy<\/p>\n

Dog crates can serve many purposes, but two stand above all others- potty training<\/a> and safety.<\/p>\n

Anyone who has raised a puppy knows they are like small human children, and must be watched constantly or the puppy could chew up electrical cables, bedding, chew the paint off walls (yes- that too), or swallow small objects that can pose a choking hazard. It is in the puppy’s best interest to be crated when it can\u2019t be monitored, if only to keep the puppy safe.<\/p>\n

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How to Choose a Good Dog Crate<\/h4>\n

Consider a well ventilated crate<\/a> large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in easily. Bear in mind as your puppy grows (and they do grow fast), he will need more room. It\u2019s usually a good idea to invest in a full size crate adjusted for his expected adult growth! If your dog is a mixed breed, consider the expected size of the larger breed in the mix.<\/p>\n

Also, try to avoid purchasing an overly large crate. Too much room might allow for your puppy to make a mess without disturbing his immediate bedding.<\/p>\n

Be Patient<\/h4>\n

Crate Training<\/a> can take days or weeks, depending on your dog\u2019s past experiences. In the case of shelter dogs, workers sometimes can\u2019t get to the puppy in time; proper training may take longer because the dog is used to eliminating in his enclosure.<\/p>\n

Crating and Potty Training<\/h4>\n

\"puppyDogs prefer not to relieve themselves in small confined areas or where they sleep. In the crate, your puppy will hold his bladder as long as he can. Bear in mind- that is a very small and underdeveloped bladder; your puppy will need frequent potty breaks.<\/p>\n

Make it Comfortable<\/h4>\n

Don\u2019t think of your puppy\u2019s crate as a cage, but more of a comfy doggy den! Make sure the bottom is lined with soft blankets or other comfortable material. Leave a favorite toy or two in your dog crate. Most of all- never, ever, associate your crate with punishment. In order for your training to run smoothly, you\u2019ll want your little one to enjoy his little den!<\/p>\n

Start Small & Familiarize<\/h4>\n

This is possibly both the most important step to the training process and the most neglected. In order to avoid anxiety from developing, you absolutely must be patient and let your puppy become accustomed to his or her crate. In other words, don\u2019t start off the bat crating for hours at a time unless it is absolutely unavoidable.<\/p>\n

Begin by letting your puppy inspect the crate with the door open. After you do this once or twice, start out by creating your pup for short 5,10 or 20 minute intervals while you are in the room. After you\u2019ve done this a few times, you can begin crating and leaving the room for short durations.<\/p>\n

If you have to work on Monday, try starting out Friday after you return home. In order to create further pleasant associations, begin feeding your dog in his crate at feeding time.<\/p>\n

Be sure to set a potty training\/ crating schedule for your puppy to help familiarize them to the process!<\/p>\n

Your Puppy’s Perspective<\/h4>\n

Dogs all too often developed separation anxiety, sometimes to an extreme, possibly even causing injury in attempts to escape or tearing up blanketing to confetti, because owners start out by caging them for day- long periods. Remember, dogs do not understand why they are being caged, and often think their pack- family member and parent has left them, never to return. How would you feel if you were placed in a small cell with no explanation or other human contact?<\/p>\n

The entire idea behind this gradual process is to give your puppy time to adjust, showing him or her you will always return and he doesn\u2019t need to worry. Remember to crate various times throughout the day to help your puppy familiarize himself to the process!<\/p>\n

Summary<\/h4>\n

Introduce your dog to the crate.
\nBegin crating while you are in the room.
\nFeed your dog meals in the crate.
\nStart leaving the room.
\nSlowly lengthen crating periods (with appropriate bathroom breaks).
\nBegin crating your puppy when you leave.
\nCrate your puppy at night.<\/p>\n

Why Never to Use the Crate as a Punishment<\/h4>\n

Comfortability ranks right up there with familiarity and patience above. You always want your puppy to form positive associations with his crate at all times! If you crate your puppy directly after chastisement, he will learn \u2018crate means my parent is upset; I don\u2019t like the crate because I don\u2019t want the parent to be upset\u2019.<\/p>\n

A Small Bladder<\/h4>\n

Crate training a puppy is different from crate training an adult dog. Even if you have to work, expect to come home to soiled bedding if you leave your puppy crated all day. Small puppies are still growing and developing, and need frequent potty breaks.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, it is a good idea to begin crating your puppy overnight. He will probably whine at first, and you probably won\u2019t get a full night\u2019s rest (but that is to be expected for any young puppy owner). Most puppies should be able to sleep the entire night without a potty break by 4 months of age.<\/p>\n