Crate Training for Your New Puppy
Crate training is a highly effective method for house training your new puppy. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:
- Purpose of Crate Training: Puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, making crates a great tool for house training. When used correctly, your puppy will see the crate as a safe, cozy den.
- Choosing a Crate: Select a crate that is large enough for your puppy to lie down, stand up, and turn around comfortably. Avoid crates with zinc nuts and bolts, as they can be poisonous if swallowed. Wire crates are a good, portable option.
- Location of the Crate: Place the crate in a central area of your home where the puppy can see and be near the family. At night, move the crate to your bedroom so your puppy feels close to you.
- Introducing the Crate: Remove your puppy’s collar before placing it in the crate. Expect some initial crying or whining. Offer a treat, close the door, and leave the room but stay nearby. If the puppy barks or whines, intervene with a firm "NO." Once the puppy is quiet, keep it in the crate for 10 to 45 minutes. If it starts to cry, take it outside to relieve itself, then praise it and allow some playtime before returning it to the crate.
- Consistency: Be consistent with crate time and playtime. Correct the puppy if it starts chewing on something other than its toys by saying "NO," taking the object away, and giving it a toy. Gradually increase playtime as the puppy gets used to the crate.
- Elimination Needs: Puppies need to eliminate immediately after waking, eating, or playing. A young puppy will need to go out during the night. Quickly take your puppy outside or too the Wee Wee pad as soon as you let him/her out of the crate.
- Bedding: Initially, place a towel or blanket in the crate until you're sure the puppy won't wet its bed. Once trained, you can add comfortable bedding.
- Chewing: Provide safe chew toys and bones, especially during the teething stage (up to 8 months). If the puppy continues to chew destructively, it may be bored and need more activity.
- Maturity: By 5-6 months, your puppy should be able to control itself for an hour or so between trips outside. By 1 year, it should be mature enough to be trusted overnight in the house. Keep the crate available, with the door open as a safe, familiar space.
- Travel and Safety: Use the crate for safe travel in your vehicle. In case of an accident, the crate protects your puppy and makes it easier for emergency personnel to care for it.
Be careful not to overdo crate confinement. While your puppy can stay in the crate overnight for sleeping and for up to four hours during the day, longer periods require more space. If you’re away for extended periods, ensure your puppy has more room until they can fully control their bowels and bladder. For extended periods of confinement, consider using a small, puppy-proofed room or an exercise pen with papers spread on the floor during the day, while reserving the crate for nighttime when your puppy sleeps. A crate is too small to keep your puppy in both day and night. If you’re often away all day, it’s a good idea to have a friend, family member, or dog walker come by to let your puppy outside for bathroom breaks.
Crate training provides your puppy with a secure environment and helps with house training and curbing destructive behavior. With consistency and patience, your puppy will come to love its crate!
