Load Up: The Scoop on Crate Training
Crate Training: What You Need To Know When Crate Training Your Puppy
A good thing to look for is a breeder who has already introduced your puppy to the crate before you take him home. If not, then introduce the crate to your puppy as a safe and fun place to be on the first day you bring him home. And recognize that some dogs are far more trusting by nature and will work easily into the safety and comfort of the crate. Use consistent language to help the dog understand the command to enter the crate, reinforcing the behavior in a positive way, verbally and also with a tasty small treat.
Make the crate seem like the best place to go for your puppy. Don’t force him inside as a punishment. During the first couple of days, place some toys inside and let him go in and out on his own. If he goes in, don’t close the door to the crate. Let him know that he can come and go as he pleases at first. Chances are he will go inside and take a nap.
While you are at home the first few days, crate him for at least an hour a day while you go about your business in the house, and of course at night when you go to bed. If you have a plastic crate, take the top off so he won’t feel closed off from you. But place the top back on when absolute confinement is a must, such as when you are leaving the house or going to bed.
The purpose of a crate is to give them a feeling of security. I like to think of the crate as their own little condo. You can create a comfortable crate for her by placing bedding (old towels or a blanket) which make it cozy. Don’t be alarmed if your pup kneads and sucks on her blanket; this behavior is an act of security. Replace the blanket if holes start forming or use a heavier blanket that will hold up longer. Bedding inside the crate is also useful in case your pup has an accident. Crate mats are specially designed to offer a sense of security, comfort, and durability. There are even blankets that double as crate mats and are perfect for when you travel with your furry friend.
It’s not necessary to crate your pup if you are close by and can keep an eye on her. I recommend, however, that even if a family member can be home all day, it is still a good idea to crate your puppy for at least two consecutive hours a day. Your pup needs to get used to the idea of spending a few hours in a crate because she will inevitably need to be crated at some future time.
Crating your pup also produces a healthy separation time between you and him. You don’t want to form a dysfunctional relationship with your dog, in which it always needs to be near you. You may think this neediness is cute at first, but you will not want your puppy to be so dependent on you in the future. This is a problem that may later find itself manifesting in separation anxiety issues and highly destructive behaviors.
Crating your puppy also keeps her from getting too destructive if you cannot always keep your eye on her. Puppies between the eighth and ninth month can cause severe damage to your furniture and other personal belongings, so keeping them in a crate when they are not being supervised is a wise preventative measure.
There’s great information on dog beds, crate mats and travel fleece in the article on Perfect Dog Beds.
