CRATE TRAINING
Dogs are naturally a “den animal”, and we can use that to our advantage when we help a new puppy adapt to a new home and household routine. The most convenient way to provide a substitute den for you pup is to use a standard airline-style dog crate. The important thing about the crate is that it has solid sides and top so that it reminds the dog of a tunnel or den.
SIZE: The crate should not be too large, or it won’t feel cozy and protected. If you plan on using the same crate when the dog is an adult, it should be just large enough for the adult dog to turn around in. If you plan to use the crate only during the growing stage, make it large enough for the dog to turn around in comfortably when it is half grown. It should be sturdy and have no sharp edges inside.
SLEEPING IN THE CRATE: The ideal thing is to start with the crate right away when the puppy comes to its new home. Cozy blankets and a stuffed animal can be added to make it seem like home. At bedtime, “tuck the puppy in” by putting him in the crate with a brief period of attention. Then try to keep the room where the crate is as quiet as possible. Now comes the hard part: when the puppy whines to get out, IGNORE HIM! If he gets his way once, it will make it much harder to convince him to settle down. If the puppy really seems lonely for its littermates, a sturdy metal wind-up alarmclock with a loud tick can be put under the bedding to simulate the regular heartbeats of mother and brothers and sisters. The biggest advantage to keeping the pup in the crate at night is that it will speed up the housetraining process. Young dogs naturally try not to soil their “den”, and, and will try to hold their eliminations. As soon as you take the puppy out of the crate, it should go directly outside to urinate and defecate.
USING THE CRATE WHEN YOU ARE GONE: Young puppies can be left in their crate when the owner is gone. This prevents elimination accidents and destructive behavior. A small snack (2 Milkbones) and 2 special toys can be left in the crate at these times. Appropriate toys include indestructible chew items (such as a Kong Toy), and these favorite chew items should ONLY be given to the dog when it is confined to the crate during the day. This will make them special so that they will hold the pup’s interest for a while.
USING THE CRATE WHEN YOU ARE HOME: Because the crate becomes the dog’s comforting special place, the door can be left open so that the pup can go in the crate when he is tired or just wants to be left alone. You should respect your puppy’s “personal space” and let him have his privacy when he goes in his crate voluntarily.
DON”T FEEL SORRY FOR YOUR PUPPY; IT ISN'T PRISON! Field studies of wolves and coyotes reveal that the pups often spend 23 hours a day in the den, waiting for mom to come back from hunting for food. The den is comfort and security, and when used properly it is a valuable aid in training. As the pup gets older, the periods of confinement can be less frequent. By four months of age, most puppies are housetrained and can be left out of the crate except at times when confinement is desirable (such as when visitors come to the house).
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