22/12/2022
https://www.franklyfundogtraining.com/blog/frankly-fun-crate-training-guide
Crate training is a difficult concept because everyone is going to need to do it differently. Do we feed the dog in the crate or not? Do we use a playpen and puppy pads?
Do we keep the dog in the crate overnight? Everyone is going to have a different approach, and that’s okay, because everyone has a different lifestyle. What’s important is we figure out REALISTIC MANAGEMENT and then implement our own unique Crate Training plan.
Do you live in a highrise apartment where it’s going to take at least 10 minutes to get your dog outside? You’re probably going to want the “Puppy Apartment” setup: A large playpen; and inside of it, a crate, bed, potty area, food, water and toys. This is often the most efficient method until the puppy is old enough to hold their bladder for the entire 10 minute trip downstairs.
Do you live in a house with a fenced-in backyard? Then you’ll be using the crate mostly for naps and to keep your puppy out of trouble overnight, until they can be trusted. You’ll still want a puppy-proofed area, but it’s up to you if you want to use a playpen (I do highly recommend them).
Remember, the main purpose of the crate is to prevent your pup from practicing undesirable behaviors, such as chewing up furniture, pottying inside or stealing.
So how do you get your dog to love the crate so you can keep them in there and out of trouble? That’s an excellent question!
First we’re going to build a positive reinforcement history inside the crate. That means, for the next 10 minutes, your pup is only going to get a treat when all four of their paws are inside the crate.
You’re going to start by tossing kibble into your dog’s crate, one piece at a time, in order to get them to go inside. When all four paws are inside, you’re going to praise them and give them a high value reward, like liver or cheese.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE is the key to quick and successful crate training. Your dog should never feel pressured to go into the crate. So hold off on closing the door just yet! We have to build build build that reinforcement history!
Next we’re going to RESET by walking out of the room. It might even be time for a potty break. When we come back into the room, your pup should show interest in the crate. We are going to resume tossing food inside. With enough resets, your dog will begin to run towards their crate and clamber inside, sweetly anticipating their reward!
When you have reached this stage, it’s time to offer a FOOD TOY. You’ve probably seen these before, the Kong is a classic example. We want to keep your pup busy while they’re in the crate so we can start closing the door!
Stuff the Kong by putting some kibbles, treats and a tiny dab of peanut butter or something else mushy inside. Then offer this to your pup while they’re in the crate. When you can tell that they’re really into the Kong, it’s time to close the door and count to 5. After you count to 5, open the door again.
Did your pup come out? Yes? Well that’s okay, they’re still a little unsure about the crate. We’ll keep practicing.
No? EXCELLENT! We’re ready to move to the next step! Let them finish the Kong and end the exercise for the time being.
The next time you revisit the crate training exercise, your dog should be ready and eager to go inside. Repeat the same exercise as before, but this time, after you close the door, you’re going to count to 10 and open it again. This is called building DURATION.
The next few times you practice this exercise, you’re going to increase the duration by 5 seconds.
OVERNIGHT:
Keeping your pup in a puppy-proofed area overnight is essential, whether that’s in a crate, playpen or simply an empty room. Some puppies learn quickly not to potty in the middle of the night, others take longer. Until you know your dog can hold their bladder overnight, I recommend keeping them in a crate next to your bed. They’re going to want to be close to you at night.
For an 8 week old puppy, I recommend waking up halfway through the night and taking them to relieve themselves in their designated potty area. Usually by 4 months they’re sleeping all the way through the night, but it depends on the dog.
Finally, the question that everyone asks: Should I let my puppy or dog “cry it out?” The answer is a solid “No.” This unkind method solves nothing, and by doing this we quickly lose trust and progress with the crate. The crate should first and foremost be a safe place where your pup knows they can relax and settle in. If your puppy is crying in the crate, it’s likely that their needs have not been fully met and they’re frustrated.
It’s important to put a lot of time and work into the crate if you know your schedule won’t be reliable or you won’t have a lot of time for your dog. Work on their crate manners NOW, and worry about obedience later.
Right now your job is to build trust, maintain a safe environment for your dog, and set a good example.
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Crate training is a difficult subject because everyone is going to do it differently. Do we feed the dog in the crate or not? Do we use a playpen and puppy pads? Do we keep the dog in the crate overnight? Everyone is going to have a different approach, and that’s okay, because everyone has a diffe...