Crate training a puppy can be valuable for a number of reasons. Being able to rest calmly in his crate is a skill that will serve your puppy well down the road. At the vet, when traveling, and if your puppy is ever ill and restricted on activities are times when a crate can really help your little pooch. In addition, a crate trained puppy is easier to teach rules to as well as train in other behaviors because he already knows how to understand what you want. Here are a few tips that may help you with the process of crate training a puppy. Crate training a puppy is about routine and rules. If you do it properly, there should actually be very few if any problems with the process. First of all, it is usually best to have the puppy spend time in the crate in your bedroom while you sleep. You can always start letting him out as he reaches adulthood, but for the purpose of crate training a puppy you should start with night time.
Used correctly, puppy crate training is a great way to house train a puppy or dog. BUT it's often misunderstood and used incorrectly. Follow these 7 sure-fire tips for success.
#1. When initially introducing your puppy to the crate, proceed slowly and gradually until she becomes accustomed to the crate. It should be a safe secure place for your puppy. It should never be associated with punishment.
#2. Set up a dedicated toilet area. A small gravel area in your backyard works fine. Or if you live in an apartment, you may need to consider a dog potty tray, pads or pile of newspapers in the house. Always take your puppy there on a leash.
#3. Confinement periods should be short. It's purpose is to develop proper bladder and bowel control. Young puppies will not have this control.
#4. You need a routine that suits the puppy. During the day, the puppy will need to eliminate approximately every two hours for a two month old puppy, every three hours when it's three months old and every four hours when it's four months old.
#5. Put her in the crate around half an hour before she is due to eliminate.
#6. When you let the puppy out of the crate, put her on a leash and take her immediately to the toilet area. If there's no action, put her back in the crate for another 10 to 15 minutes, then take her back to the toilet area.
#7. Your puppy should only be confined to the crate when you are at home. It must never be used to lock up your puppy so that you can forget about her.
The Key To Success: :Successfully crate training a puppy is about getting him to understand that when he is in the crate alone, nothing bad happens. In fact, good things may happen. He may get food in his crate or even some of his favorite toys. Never make the crate a punishment or somewhere the puppy has to go forcefully. Additionally, don't put him in there when he is sleeping. If he wakes up suddenly confined, it can really create problems.
Make it a Pleasant Experience: Crate training a puppy is easier when the puppy finds the crate enjoyable. Make it a good place to take a rest, since puppies need plenty of sleep. Put a few of his safest chew toys in the crate along with a treat or two that will help him feel comfort and go sleep well. If your puppy enjoys the crate and can sleep there through the night, it will be better for you and him both. Crate training a puppy is not hard, but it does take a little know how and a lot of patience. If, though, you take the time to follow the tips above and make the experience a good one for your puppy, you will find yourself with a dog that understands rules and offers you few behavior problems.
One of the most dog friendly methods of training your pet is crate training. The process is very natural and uses the den instincts of the puppy or dog to help them understand where a safe place in the house is for them as well as giving them their own space and area. Since dogs naturally do not want to soil this area they are less likely to mess in the crate leading to faster and more efficient housebreaking.
Routines
Crate training works in conjunction with a puppies body functions. Establishing a routine with the puppy will help with the process and will avoid any unnecessary accidents. To use crate training techniques follow the steps outlined below:
?Feed and water your puppy at the same times (or as close to the same times as possible) each day. Most puppies are fed at least two to four times per day depending on their age.
?When the puppy has finished eating place them in their crate with some toys and soft bedding material. The crate should be where the puppy can still see people and feel part of the family, not where they feel that they are being isolated or punished for bad behavior.
?Approximately 15 minutes after placing the puppy in the crate take them outside or to the area that you wish them to use a bathroom. If you puppy has spoiled the crate prior to this 15 minute mark don't punish them, simply clean the crate and plan the next time to take them out 5 minutes earlier. This is a process of trial and error but you will eventually find out just when the little puppy will go to the bathroom after eating.
?Have the puppy walk with you to the outside area or toilet area. Praise them when they go. If they are outside for more than 3-5 minutes and are showing no signs of relieving themselves simply place them back in the crate and try again in no more than 5 minutes. Don't scold or pay undo attention to them until the go outside and eliminate. Immediately give lots of praise and attention and return them to the house for further attention and socialization.
?Puppies quickly learn that by going outside and relieving themselves they will get lots of positive attention and will come back into the house and play with or be around the family.
Cautions with To be sure that crate training is completed correctly make sure that the following occurs:
?Make the crate comfortable with toys, soft, washable bedding and lots of ventilation. It is to be a positive place that is the puppies "den".
?Never use the crate as a punishment or isolation area. If your puppy begins to associate the crate with being ignored or punished they will quickly stop wanting to go to the crate.
?Keep the crate somewhere that is part of the activity centers of the house so that the puppy can still see people and be in a familiar area.
?Do not keep the puppy in the crate for prolonged periods of time. Confining your puppy to the crate is a form of punishment to the puppy and will make the crate a negative place to be.
There are many resources and books about crate training that provide additional information. Crate training your puppy makes it easy to travel with the dog as they are always at home in their crate no matter where you are or what type of transportation you use.
Both Nick Clipton & Kelly Marshall are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Nick Clipton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Getting Pregnant and Teeth Whitening. If you want to care about your puppy then simply click here for and visit this website for more information. Nick Clipton's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.
Kelly Marshall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Lose Weight and Bodybuilding Supplements. Kelly Marshall creates for Oh My Dog Supplies, which offers unique dog gear like dog beds,. Kelly Marshall's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.