04/29/2021
The pups survived their first night sleeping in their crates. Bedtime was at 8pm. They cried for about 10 minutes then they were quiet the rest of the night. I woke up to 2 dry crates and 1 p*e crate. I'll take a p*e mess any day over p**p. First thing this morning they were immediately let out to potty, after their business was completed, they went back in their crates for breakfast. Already the pups are picking one crate and going inside it to eat instead of 2 or 3 attempting to go in a single crate. Good puppies!
Crate training tips:
1) Let the pup eat in the crate. Since we have multiple dogs (both personal and clients) we always feed the dogs in their crates. It makes life simpler plus it helps prevents a fight if a dog decides to play musical bowls. Our dogs don't have food aggression for the record. It's an animal and they have bad days just like us.
2) Give the pup a toy/chew in the crate (we like Kongs or Nylabones) Do not put stuffed toys or ropes in crates.
3) Put treats or food inside the crate before you call your dog to go into the crate. We are using the command "kennel" with the pups. It is important for the pups to walk in the crate on their own and not be put inside.
4) Optional: You can put a blanket or mat in the crate, but I have found it is more laundry and a mess when first crate training. Plus puppies tend to chew. I add these after the dog has matured.
5) For pups that bark a lot or are nervous in the crate put a blanket over the crate, this often calms pups, and creates the den effect. We started doing this the second we introduced the crate a few weeks ago. It made the pups want to visit the crate more. We often found them napping inside the crate willingly.
6) When you leave the house leave the tv or radio on to if the dog has separation anxiety.
7) Location is very important. You want to put the crate where it isn't isolated, but not in a high traffic area.
8) Buy a crate that fits the size of your dog currently. Your dog should be able to stand up, lay down, and turn around in the crate.
9) do not let the puppy out when it is whining, crying, or digging at the crate door. Be patient. The second the pup stops quickly open the door. As the pup gets older make it wait longer to exit the crate---crate manners. We have started this with our puppies.
10) Remember puppies potty after they wake up, eat, drink, and play hard. Make sure you potty your puppy before crating. A 8 week old puppy can only hold their bladder for about 2 hours. A 3 month old puppy can hold it for 3 hours, etc. I do not put water in their crate, but there are families that do. If you notice your pup is drinking too much that leads too often p*e accidents in the crate, take the water away.
11) All puppies hate being crated. They cry and carry on, its what they do. If you want to crate train your dog, stick with it. They will learn to enjoy their crate. We hope beginning crate training at 6 weeks old will help our puppy families.
If you have questions regarding crate training contact us. We would be happy to help you.