How to Crate Train a Chihuahua

Hello, Check out the Surprise method from the article linked below and practice crate training with that method often for 30 minute -1 hour periods during the day throughout the day when you can to help pup adjust to being alone more quickly. https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate At night, ignore any crying unless it has been at least 2 hours since pup last went potty. When it has been at least 2 hours and pup wakes up crying, take pup potty on a leash and keep the trip super boring - no treats, talking, or play, and return them immediately to the crate after they go, ignoring any crying that happens when you return them. Keeping trips boring helps pup learn to only wake at night for potty needs and not play or food, to begin sleeping longer sooner. Pup will need to go potty 1-2 times at night right now at this age, even when fully crate trained, but being consistent, practicing crating during the day, and keeping trips outside boring, can help pup wake less at night, cry less when first crated, and start sleeping through the night sooner as their bladder capacity increases with age. Know that its normal for pup to cry in the first two weeks. The first three nights tend to be the worse, with pup gradually getting better and better after that. It's really important to stay firm and consistent. The easiest time to teach this is 2-3 months old. After that a puppy is less sleepy and the crying can be even more persistent. Some puppies are quite dramatic, that's also normal. Pay attention to timing of potty trips so you will know if it's a potty need that needs addressing or simply pup getting used to something new and still learning how to calm back down. Crate Training when done in the right way can actually prevent future adult separation anxiety - which is more more severe and much harder to address than what's usually seen with puppies adjusting to the crate and being alone. Crate training can also help potty training - many puppies who sleep in the bed before they are fully potty trained will start having accidents in the bed around 3 months when they are less sleepy at night and wake to go exploring more. Crate training is important for preventing adult destructive chewing habits that require more long term confinement when not supervised to prevent - opposed to puppy chewing that most dogs will grow out of if you can work on things like Leave It when you are home and confine pup somewhere safe with their own toys to chew on when you can't supervise, so they aren't practicing destructive chewing without interruption for it to become ingrained....I say all of that to encourage you in your resolve to crate train. In the end crate training also means more freedom and adaptability for puppy too...Not to mention that your relationship with your partner and freedom to go places is more than enough reason alone to do it, so if there is some crying involved, stay strong. It's normal for puppies to cry during practice. They eventually discover that you always come back though, nothing horrible happened to them while in there, and they can relax. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Sept. 19, 2022