Training your puppy to like a crate is worth the effort. Not only is crate training the easiest way to house train your new family member, it will make travel a breeze for the life of your pet. Once your puppy learns to like their crate, you can leave the house with confidence knowing that they are safe from getting into trouble.
Puppies almost always adapt quickly to crate training as long as you follow some basic guidelines, especially when first introducing them to the crate. This guide will give you three training methods that you can use together to ensure the best experience for your young dog.
In addition, we will provide you with some tips and tricks to make crate training your new puppy easy and painless for you and your young fur-ball.
Tips for successful crate training:
Things NOT to do with crate training:
Remember:
If your
puppy is going potty in the crate, you are failing her by leaving her in there
too long. Always take your puppy out to potty before and after you put her in
the crate.
Learn to listen for signs that your puppy may be whining to go out to potty while in the crate. If you think there is a chance that she needs to go out, take her out to potty, then put her back in the crate. If she routinely spends time in pain in the kennel holding her bladder, she will come to associate the crate with torture and refuse to go in.
Likewise, be sure you are using the crate as it is intended: A safe place for your puppy to rest in between more vigorous play and social time. It can also be used to help you find some time to run to the store while you leave your puppy alone for a short period of time.
However, the crate is not a substitute for spending time training and playing with your dog. Make sure that your young dog is getting plenty of mental and physical stimulation throughout the day in order to get the most out of her puppy days to grow into a wonderful family pet.