Crate training is not cruel nor should it be punishment for Puppy. A crate the proper size for Puppy is: a safe place to be while sleeping; safety when you are not around to watch him; a place to eat uninterrupted; a place to go to get away from it all. Dogs are den animals and many like a place they can curl up in and feel secure.
Why Use a Crate?
There are many reasons why as pet owners we would use a crate. If a dog needs to left home alone for an extended period of time a crate will give you peace of mind that the poochie will not get into trouble while you are gone. Remember a dog does not have the reasoning skills as us humans. If he does something wrong and is punished later, he will not know what he is being punished for, crates will make house training much easier.
Crates also will keep our pets safe when traveling. In the event of an accident, a crated pet will far less likely be injured. It will prevent the pet from bouncing around, getting on your lap while driving and blocking your view.
A crate is not a substitute for human companionship. A pet should not be in a crate for more than 8 hours at a time. Less for younger pets. Because the crate is a safe haven do not allow children to torment the pet while inside the crate. Make sure he has fresh water, a good bed and safe toys.
Measuring a Crate
The crate should be big enough to cover the full length of the dog. He should be able to stand up, sit, turn around and lie down stretched fully out. It is always best to get a crate slightly larger as opposed to too small.
Dogs love to be around people. You do not want the dog to feel banished so put the crate in a family room or bedroom.
Introducing the Crate
First remove your dog's collar so he will not get caught. It happens rarely, by why take the risk. NEVER crate a dog with a choke collar on. Choke collars should NEVER be used for everyday use - they are for training and walks only, then should be removed. The same for a pinch collar! Set up the crate in the place you wish to keep it. Encourage your dog or puppy to enter the crate by enticing him with bits of food. Use something he cannot resist like cooked chicken or hot dog slices. Praise as he enters.
Let him walk in and out a few times. Now start to encourage him to lie down quietly and relax. Give him a couple safe toys and close the door. Sit with him and talk softly. Let him out. Now start to leave for a short time. Even if he cries and whines, do not weaken. He should adjust to the crate eventually. Just keep making it a positive experience.
Crates as a House Training Aid
Always have a feeding and potty schedule for your puppy or adult dog. This makes house training much easier. If you are not able to be with Puppy, put him in the crate. Take him out on lead and encourage him to go potty. Once he does, praise lavishly and bring back inside. Should he not go, put him back in the crate and try again in a little bit. Dogs do not like to soil their beds as a rule.
Should he soil the crate, take him out while someone cleans the crate. Do not punish for eliminating in the house unless you catch him in the act. DO NOT rub his nose in it or hit him. Just give a loud, firm, growly "AAAAAH! NO!!!" and get him out immediately. Try to get him to potty outside and then praise lavishly when he goes.
Remember, the younger the Puppy, the smaller the bladder capacity. It is unreasonable to ask a young puppy to hold an eight-hour day. Consider a dog walker for a midday potty break. Also, sometimes-older dogs have bladder control issues. Sudden house soiling in a dog without problems could be a sign of an underlying problem such as a bladder infection.
Unaltered or spayed dogs are also more apt to soil in the house. Males if not neutered have a greater chance of wanting to mark their territory and may do so inside. I also know females who mark.
Do not paper train or use those pads designed for puppy to eliminate on. This only teaches Puppy it is OK to potty in the house. Paper training could actually delay house training.
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