Paws Companion Dog Training

08/10/2024

07/20/2024

Keeping your pup hydrated is always important - even more so in the hot summer months, given the heat ☀️ Look out for these signs from Chewy Vet Care, and make sure to:

💦 Keep water and a bowl handy, especially when you’re on the go.
🚰 If you're noticing milder symptoms like only tacky gums, offer them a small amount of cool water to drink.
📱 If you’re noticing moderate to extreme signs of dehydration, and has other symptoms, like lethargy, decreased or increased urination, vomiting or diarrhea, or they haven't eaten in 24 hours, call and make an appointment with your vet immediately.

07/10/2024

Submit your favorite area companies for consideration and be entered to win a gift card!

06/28/2024

Many thanks to Nik Mikando for this Friday's funny.

06/28/2024

Remember, you can vote every day and really appreciate every one!

Submit your favorite area companies for consideration and be entered to win a gift card!

06/11/2024

I love my dogs! They have such entertaining personalities!

05/24/2024

Crate training

The Easy Guide to Crate Training Your Dog
WRITTEN BY
BRYAN LITCHFORD CPDT-KA

PRISON OR DEN
To many, the idea of crating their dog can seem cruel and inhumane as if we are robbing them of their freedom. Unfortunately, many times this is not far from the truth. If your idea of having a pet is to keep it locked away and ignored only to be brought out when you want something from it, I would suggest that you are not being fair to that animal. I would urge you to rehome your pet to a family that has time to give your dog the attention it deserves.

A CRATE CAN BE A GREAT TOOL
A crate does not have to be a bad thing if used properly, with attention given to the dog’s emotional wellbeing, and if the dog is not left in it for extended periods beyond its ability to cope. In fact, many dogs love their crate. It can be a calm, relaxing place where they can sleep without fear of being stepped on or harassed by an overly rambunctious toddler. If you are still on the fence about the ethics of crate training, consider this: How many human toddlers do you see with free access to anything and everything? A human child’s movements are controlled by baby beds, playpens, closed doors, and baby gates. If they were not, their parents would be guilty of child endangerment. These are all tools for good parenting, and just like any tool, they can be misused; but used properly, they can help set your child up for success!

THE BENEFITS OF CRATE TRAINING
It allows you to manage your dog's behavior while he is young and doesn’t yet understand what is appropriate and what is not. Examples:
1. Chewing up pillows, socks, furniture, and other items around the house.
2. Getting into the trash and other things.
3. Chasing the cat or harassing an elderly dog.
4. Potty Training. This is a big one! Dogs don’t generally like pottying where they sleep, so putting them in a crate for short periods when you are unable to supervise them can be a tremendous help.
5. It gives them a place where they can feel safe while resting. Human homes can often be hectic, and even scary to a little pup, so giving them a den where they can be away from loud noises, children, and clumsy feet can really help them to get the rest that all pups need.
6. Gives you a break. Pups can be an amazing and enriching part of our lives, but they are also a lot of work. Sometimes you need to have a break from them, whether it be to get some rest, or to get things done without a clumsy puppy under foot.

WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE CRATE FOR MY DOG?
Generally you want the space in the crate to be just big enough
for your dog to lie down comfortably, stand up, and turn around. If it is too big, your puppy may try to use it as a bathroom. Remember, it is not intended to be a place where your puppy spends all of its time. It is also not intended as a place for playtime, so it is not necessary for him to have a lot of space. It is a place for rest, and the better your dog associates it with relaxation, the more content he will be. So keep it small, like a den.
If you have a large breed dog, and don’t want to buy a new crate every month while he’s growing, you can buy a large crate that has a divider which can be adjusted as he grows.
REMEMBER, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A PLACE WHERE YOUR PUPPY SPENDS THE ALL OF ITS TIME.

Crates come in a few different styles.
Car carriers are usually made of plastic and are very closed in. Some dogs really like this option because it feels more like a den and may help them relax.
Metal crates are used mostly in homes and are often used for larger breeds. They usually come with dividers so the crate can grow as the dog does. These are nice, because they are usually collapsible and can be put away when not in use. They are not as closed in, but some dogs like this. If you are wanting to create a more den-like experience, you can cover it with a blanket.
Cloth crates are for smaller breeds, and are usually used for carrying your pet to places like the vet or groomer.

HOW LONG CAN A DOG BE IN A CRATE
Generally puppies can hold their bladder for one hour per every month of age. An adult dog can hold it for about nine hours max. However, how long they can hold it is not the only thing to consider. There is also their mental well-being to consider. I would recommend that if you need to be gone for extended periods, like an eight-hour work day, that you find some way to come home at lunch to give your dog a break. You could also ask a neighbor or friend to visit your dog. Or you could hire a dog walker to come by and take your dog for a walk midway through the day.
HOW LONG THEY CAN HOLD IT IS NOT THE ONLY THING TO CONSIDER. THERE IS ALSO THEIR MENTAL WELL-BEING TO CONSIDER.


SO WHERE DO I BEGIN?
It is imperative that you introduce your crate at a time other than when you go to bed. If you don’t, you're probably in for a long, restless night. It's best if you can have your crate set up before you ever bring your puppy home. Line the bottom with a small blanket or towel. If you have hard floors, it is a good idea to place a towel on the floor under the crate. This is to dampen the sound of the plastic hitting the floor when your puppy walks on it which can be quite noisy which may startle your pup.
Techniques for very young puppies
If your puppy is very young, and you are just bringing him home for the first time, wait until he is sleepy, and place him in the crate. If he goes back to sleep right away, let him sleep for as long as he wants. As soon as he wakes, take him out to potty. Repeat this pattern each time he gets sleepy which will be often. If he wakes up when you place him in the crate, place a warm towel from the dryer in with him to help him relax; or allow him to fall asleep in your arms on a towel, then transfer the towel and the pup to the crate.
Keep the crate in the room with you during the day and at night. When you go to bed, place the crate as close to your bed as possible, so that your pup doesn’t feel like he is alone. Some pet owners have found that placing a small stuffed animal in with the puppy can help him feel safer.

In the beginning, you will need to get up a couple of times during the night for bathroom breaks. Keep talking to a minimum. Try to keep your pup as relaxed as possible, so that he is able to return to sleep quickly. If he does not go directly back to sleep, try placing a warm towel in with him. If he starts crying, wait a few minutes to see if it passes. If it does not pass DO NOT let him cry it out. A small amount of crying is expected but don’t wait till he is distraught. Studies have shown this to be very unhealthy. Instead, wait for a short pause in the crying of a few seconds before letting him out. This will show him that the quiet is what gets him released, not the crying. When you release him, keep it low key. You may try holding him until he goes back to sleep, and then place him back into the crate.
TRY TO KEEP YOUR PUP AS RELAXED AS POSSIBLE

Techniques for older puppies or adult dogs:
The confident dog
With your dog out of the room, place the crate on the floor with the
door tied open. It's important to tie the door with a string or bungee cord, so if he bumps it on the way in, it will not swing shut and startle him. When you bring your dog into the room, reward any interaction with the crate with a treat that he really loves. This can be walking toward it, sniffing it, or stepping inside. When you reward, place the treat near the door, preferably just inside. After he takes the treat, toss another inside, and see if he will go get it.

If he does, in rapid succession drop about five treats, one at a time, into the crate. Make a big deal of it, praising the whole time he is in the crate. Once he has finished the treats, back away and wait for him to come out. Once he is out, ignore him and wait. Try not to stare at him but rather at the door. Shortly, he will probably return to the crate to see if any treats were left behind. The instant he steps in, say good boy, and drop in several more treats. Repeat this several times, and each time as he is heading back to the crate, say “Kennel up” one time, and wait for him to enter. It won't be long before he pairs the “Kennel up” cue with going inside.
After he has repeated this step successfully several times, and will go in when the cue is given, gently close the door without latching it as he is eating the treats. When he is finished eating, open the door and release him by saying “FREE.” Repeat this several times, slowly adding more time that the door is shut before saying “free” and releasing him.
Once your dog will go into the crate, and stay for a minute or two, you can start working on longer durations. To start this step, it is important to make sure your dog is not full of energy. Take him out for a walk, and maybe do some other training with him to tire his mind as well. Once he is in a relaxed state, ask him to “kennel up.” Shut the door, and calmly drop in a treat every couple of minutes or so, making sure to only reward calm behavior. (Example: lowering his head, yawning, laying down, slowed breathing, or increased blinking.)

It's a good idea to have his crate beside your chair, so that you are not moving a lot. Be sure to not stare at him. After he is in his crate for five or ten minutes, you can say “free” and release him unless he has fallen asleep.
Remember, it's important to associate the crate with rest, so making sure your dog is tired each time he goes into the crate will help.
Techniques for less confident dogs
Some dogs may be scared of the crate; whether it be from a negative experience from their past, a lack of proper socialization, or they may just be a timid dog. With these dogs, it is imperative that we take extra care and time in teaching them that the crate is a good thing. Never force it upon them. It is equally important to realize that, in some cases, it will never work. You might need to consider alternative options. One such example would be a dog with severe separation anxiety.
To begin, many of the techniques will be the same as the ones above, once you have helped your dog to feel comfortable being in the same room with the crate. This can often be as simple as just having the crate in the room with your dog for some time. Stick it in a corner out of the way at first, then move it periodically until your pup acclimates to its presence. This may take several weeks. Don’t rush it!

After that time, play some go find it games. Toss treats around the room and say, “Go find it.” Throw some near the crate and some away from the crate. If your pup seems to be ok with approaching the crate to “go find it,” try tossing one just inside to see if he will go get it. If he is successful, quietly praise him and repeat several times. Again, don't rush it! If he will not go in, just continue the game. Tossing treats near the crate, and away, periodically tossing one in the crate. Remember to use high-value treats like real chicken, hotdogs, or cheese. You’ll get there. Just be patient.
After your pup has gone in the crate several times to get the treats, and seems to be doing it with confidence, only then should you move to the next step. Start the session of playing the go find it game, but make sure you are sitting next to the crate. After several reps, quietly praise your pup, and drop several treats in the crate one by one in rapid succession. When he has finished, and leaves the crate, praise him for a short time then ignore him for a moment. Wait for a moment to see if he goes back in to investigate. When he does, CALMLY say, “Good boy,” and drop in several more treats, one at a time.
Once you have repeated this step several times, you are off to the races. Follow the protocols written above for confident dogs, always remembering to go slow and control your excitement. You don’t want to startle your dog, or you will be starting all over.

Help them pass the time
Nobody likes to be bored. Can you imagine being stuck in a room for several hours with nothing to do? Fortunately dogs sleep a lot, but they still may get bored if left for too long. So, then what? Many dogs alleviate boredom by chewing. This can lead to them destroying that nice plush bed you just bought them. The best way to help with this is to first give them appropriate things to chew. A Kong filled with treats, or even better, their meal, is a good choice.. Once you have fed them several meals in a Kong, you may find that they may pick it up even when it’s empty, to chew on. This alleviates boredom, and it helps keep their teeth clean. Secondly, throw away that big fluffy bed. A simple blanket or towel will work, or even better, a dog cot. They are comfortable and durable. They help keep your dog cool in the summer, and most dogs prefer to be on a raised surface.
In closing
All dogs deserve to be happy, healthy, and safe. If your dog is trained properly, a crate is a great way to aid in with all three.
Bryan Litchford CPDT- KA

05/23/2024

POTTY TRAINING
PCDTRAINING
Bryan Litchford CPDT-KA
Potty training is one of the first challenges of owning a puppy. It can sometimes seem to be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you follow a few simple steps, you can have your pup potty trained in no time.

Management First
Dogs do things that benefit them. If p*eing on your carpet relieves their bladder, you can bet that is what they will do. It’s not a matter of right or wrong but rather what works. So until we can teach them that it’s more beneficial to go outside, we need to control their access to indoor spaces.
Crate training​ is perhaps the most useful tool you have for potty training. Dogs generally do not like to do their business in the same space where they sleep. Take advantage of this! Puppies sleep approximately 18 to 20 hours of a 24 hour period. So if your puppy is in a crate the majority of that time, this leaves 6 to 8 hours that needs to be managed.
Playpens​ are a great way to control their access to indoor spaces while they are awake. They are also a great alternative to crating your pup if you need to be gone for a longer period of time. I recommend using a combination of a playpen attached to a crate for this. It gives your pup a den to sleep in with access to a potty and play area. Keep a p*e pad at the opposite end of the playpen from the crate. Do not cover the whole floor with p*e pads. You want there to be an obvious difference in his sleep and play area and his bathroom. Make sure to tape the pad down, or your pup may decide to play with it.
If you are using a playpen while you are present, I would recommend not using a p*e pad. They really should only be used if you need to be gone for extended periods as they can possibly cause confusion if you are planning on the bathroom being outside.

How To Potty Train

Predictability
Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly when your puppy needed to go potty? While it can sometimes seem so random, there are a few very predictable times when he may need to go.
Here are the 3 most predictable periods that your pup may need to go.
1. Just after waking up- Whether it’s when you wake in the morning, or after your pup has woken from a nap, he needs to go out immediately. No exceptions.
2. After eating and drinking- Puppies need to use the bathroom 15 to 20 minutes after they eat. Don’t wait for them to let you know. Just take him out.
3. After play- Playing stimulates their bowels, so if your pup has been active even for a short time, you need to take him out.
Making it work for you
So now that we’ve established when they will most likely need to go, how do we teach them where to go and where not to go? As I mentioned before, dogs do what works for them. Unfortunately the very act of p*eing or pooping is in itself reinforcing, because it gives them relief. So the best we can do is prevent them from doing it indoors through management and a watchful eye, and make sure it’s extra beneficial to go outside. How? By ​immediately​ rewarding the behavior with something they love such as a treat. Later, once the pup has developed a habit of p*eing outside, you can fade out the use of treats, and you can relax your management incrementally.
Rewards / Reinforcement
Above I mentioned rewarding ​immediately​ for pottying outside. This is where most people make a mistake. Dogs most easily make associations between behavior and reward when the reward happens instantaneously following the behavior. Over the years I have heard countless times from pet parents that they gave their dog a treat after they came back in the house. The problem with this is that it is often not clear to the dog what they are being rewarded for. Is it pottying or coming into the house?
This can also cause the pup to come back in prematurely before he has emptied his bladder in order to get the treat. Then finish the job on your favorite rug. You want to be as clear as possible as to what behavior you are reinforcing.
Here are four rules for reinforcing pottying outside​.

1. Go out with your pup.
2. Make sure he is on leash, so you have control of the distance he is away from you.
3. Take at least 3 treats with you! He may need to go multiple times.
4. Have a short play or sniff session before coming back inside.

Schedule and Consistency
Beyond taking your pup out at those predictable periods, it is important to keep a schedule. This means feeding at the same times every day, keeping a consistent bedtime, and planned potty breaks every 45 minutes to an hour between those predictable periods. Being consistent with this can greatly shorten the time it takes to potty train your puppy.
Accidents will happen
Your puppy will have accidents. How you respond is equally as important as your response for correct behavior.
So what do you do? Clean it up! It is not anybody’s fault if your pup goes in the wrong place. Think about it this way. A human child wears a diaper for the first few years of their life. Why? Because if they didn’t, you would have a mess. Now obviously humans and dogs develop differently, but the principle is the same. You would not punish a human baby for soiling themselves. These things take time. This is true for puppies as well. Punishment is only going to confuse your puppy and have a negative effect on your relationship. In fact punishing a puppy for p*eing in the house can backfire big time. Dogs basically see the world in a few different lenses. Safe, unsafe, and neutral. If pottying in your presence is deemed unsafe because you have punished him, he may decide to find a safe place to potty, like behind your couch or under a bed. Good luck keeping up with that. It can also mess up any plans of rewarding immediately for going outside, because pottying near you is considered unsafe. He may instead hold it until he comes back in and finds a safe place to do his business.
Patience
All dogs are different. If your puppy seems to take longer than expected to learn this, they may have a physical issue that should be checked out with your veterinarian, or it could just be that they learn at a different rate than the puppy down the street. It doesn’t mean they are dumb or stubborn. Just be consistent and patient, and it will happen.

02/06/2024

Dogs don't wanna bite!!

https://nwaschoolfordogs.com/dogs-dont-want-to-bite/

01/15/2024

Would someone please tell this dog that he’s 8😂. We played till my feet froze off and he didn’t want to stop!

01/14/2024

Please take extra precautions with your pets during these frigid weather conditions!

12/14/2023

These make great stockings stuffers. Just saying 🤪

Buy it now, and save a dog. A portion of all sales goes to a local Dog Rescue. In this new book by behavior consultant, and certified professional dog trainer, Bryan Litchford, you will learn simple, science-based training solutions that are easy for you and fun for your dog. You will learn how t...

12/02/2023

Getting a new puppy? We can help!

Free Puppy start right package

Socialization

https://attachments.convertkitcdnn2.com/307670/850c9668-6c3f-4649-b0f7-13dffe83b2b4/Puppy%20Socialization.pdf

Crate Training

https://crate.pcdtraining.com/

Potty Training

https://pottytraining.pcdtraining.com/

Enrichment

https://enrichment.pcdtraining.com/?fbclid=IwAR1nrPhOBrsl9SD_MNQTLnODSpZagee7lyYX1lD9Y6WWXDs0Wl8L018VMU0

12/02/2023

Buy it now, and save a dog. A portion of all sales goes to a local Dog Rescue. In this new book by behavior consultant, and certified professional dog trainer, Bryan Litchford, you will learn simple, science-based training solutions that are easy for you and fun for your dog. You will learn how t...

12/02/2023

POTTY TRAINING
PCDTRAINING
Bryan Litchford CPDT-KA
Potty training is one of the first challenges of owning a puppy. It can sometimes seem to be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you follow a few simple steps, you can have your pup potty trained in no time.

Management First
Dogs do things that benefit them. If p*eing on your carpet relieves their bladder, you can bet that is what they will do. It’s not a matter of right or wrong but rather what works. So until we can teach them that it’s more beneficial to go outside, we need to control their access to indoor spaces.
Crate training​ is perhaps the most useful tool you have for potty training. Dogs generally do not like to do their business in the same space where they sleep. Take advantage of this! Puppies sleep approximately 18 to 20 hours of a 24 hour period. So if your puppy is in a crate the majority of that time, this leaves 6 to 8 hours that needs to be managed.
Playpens​ are a great way to control their access to indoor spaces while they are awake. They are also a great alternative to crating your pup if you need to be gone for a longer period of time. I recommend using a combination of a playpen attached to a crate for this. It gives your pup a den to sleep in with access to a potty and play area. Keep a p*e pad at the opposite end of the playpen from the crate. Do not cover the whole floor with p*e pads. You want there to be an obvious difference in his sleep and play area and his bathroom. Make sure to tape the pad down, or your pup may decide to play with it.
If you are using a playpen while you are present, I would recommend not using a p*e pad. They really should only be used if you need to be gone for extended periods as they can possibly cause confusion if you are planning on the bathroom being outside.
Leashes​ are a great way to keep an eye on your pup if you need to be moving around the house a lot. Just attach a leash to your waist and have him follow you around. Be careful not to step on him.

How To Potty Train

Predictability
Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly when your puppy needed to go potty? While it can sometimes seem so random, there are a few very predictable times when he may need to go.
Here are the 3 most predictable periods that your pup may need to go.
1. Just after waking up- Whether it’s when you wake in the morning, or after your pup has woken from a nap, he needs to go out immediately. No exceptions.
2. After eating and drinking- Puppies need to use the bathroom 15 to 20 minutes after they eat. Don’t wait for them to let you know. Just take him out.
3. After play- Playing stimulates their bowels, so if your pup has been active even for a short time, you need to take him out.
Making it work for you
So now that we’ve established when they will most likely need to go, how do we teach them where to go and where not to go? As I mentioned before, dogs do what works for them. Unfortunately the very act of p*eing or pooping is in itself reinforcing, because it gives them relief. So the best we can do is prevent them from doing it indoors through management and a watchful eye, and make sure it’s extra beneficial to go outside. How? By ​immediately​ rewarding the behavior with something they love such as a treat. Later, once the pup has developed a habit of p*eing outside, you can fade out the use of treats, and you can relax your management incrementally.
Rewards / Reinforcement
Above I mentioned rewarding ​immediately​ for pottying outside. This is where most people make a mistake. Dogs most easily make associations between behavior and reward when the reward happens instantaneously following the behavior. Over the years I have heard countless times from pet parents that they gave their dog a treat after they came back in the house. The problem with this is that it is often not clear to the dog what they are being rewarded for. Is it pottying or coming into the house?
This can also cause the pup to come back in prematurely before he has emptied his bladder in order to get the treat. Then finish the job on your favorite rug. You want to be as clear as possible as to what behavior you are reinforcing.
Here are four rules for reinforcing pottying outside​.
1. 2. 3. 4.
Go out with your pup.
Make sure he is on leash, so you have control of the distance he is away from you. Take at least 3 treats with you! He may need to go multiple times.
Have a short play or sniff session before coming back inside.

Schedule and Consistency
Beyond taking your pup out at those predictable periods, it is important to keep a schedule. This means feeding at the same times every day, keeping a consistent bedtime, and planned potty breaks every 45 minutes to an hour between those predictable periods. Being consistent with this can greatly shorten the time it takes to potty train your puppy.
Accidents will happen
Your puppy will have accidents. How you respond is equally as important as your response for correct behavior.
So what do you do? Clean it up! It is not anybody’s fault if your pup goes in the wrong place. Think about it this way. A human child wears a diaper for the first few years of their life. Why? Because if they didn’t, you would have a mess. Now obviously humans and dogs develop differently, but the principle is the same. You would not punish a human baby for soiling themselves. These things take time. This is true for puppies as well. Punishment is only going to confuse your puppy and have a negative effect on your relationship. In fact punishing a puppy for p*eing in the house can backfire big time. Dogs basically see the world in a few different lenses. Safe, unsafe, and neutral. If pottying in your presence is deemed unsafe because you have punished him, he may decide to find a safe place to potty, like behind your couch or under a bed. Good luck keeping up with that. It can also mess up any plans of rewarding immediately for going outside, because pottying near you is considered unsafe. He may instead hold it until he comes back in and finds a safe place to do his business.
Patience
All dogs are different. If your puppy seems to take longer than expected to learn this, they may have a physical issue that should be checked out with your veterinarian, or it could just be that they learn at a different rate than the puppy down the street. It doesn’t mean they are dumb or stubborn. Just be consistent and patient, and it will happen.

12/02/2023

Here’s a free guide to crate training your dog from PCDTRAINING.
Crate training

The Easy Guide to Crate Training Your Dog
WRITTEN BY
BRYAN LITCHFORD CPDT-KA

PRISON OR DEN
To many, the idea of crating their dog can seem cruel and inhumane as if we are robbing them of their freedom. Unfortunately, many times this is not far from the truth. If your idea of having a pet is to keep it locked away and ignored only to be brought out when you want something from it, I would suggest that you are not being fair to that animal. I would urge you to rehome your pet to a family that has time to give your dog the attention it deserves.

A CRATE CAN BE A GREAT TOOL
A crate does not have to be a bad thing if used properly, with attention given to the dog’s emotional wellbeing, and if the dog is not left in it for extended periods beyond its ability to cope. In fact, many dogs love their crate. It can be a calm, relaxing place where they can sleep without fear of being stepped on or harassed by an overly rambunctious toddler. If you are still on the fence about the ethics of crate training, consider this: How many human toddlers do you see with free access to anything and everything? A human child’s movements are controlled by baby beds, playpens, closed doors, and baby gates. If they were not, their parents would be guilty of child endangerment. These are all tools for good parenting, and just like any tool, they can be misused; but used properly, they can help set your child up for success!

THE BENEFITS OF CRATE TRAINING
It allows you to manage your dog's behavior while he is young and doesn’t yet understand what is appropriate and what is not. Examples:
1. Chewing up pillows, socks, furniture, and other items around the house.
2. Getting into the trash and other things.
3. Chasing the cat or harassing an elderly dog.
4. Potty Training. This is a big one! Dogs don’t generally like pottying where they sleep, so putting them in a crate for short periods when you are unable to supervise them can be a tremendous help.
5. It gives them a place where they can feel safe while resting. Human homes can often be hectic, and even scary to a little pup, so giving them a den where they can be away from loud noises, children, and clumsy feet can really help them to get the rest that all pups need.
6. Gives you a break. Pups can be an amazing and enriching part of our lives, but they are also a lot of work. Sometimes you need to have a break from them, whether it be to get some rest, or to get things done without a clumsy puppy under foot.

WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE CRATE FOR MY DOG?
Generally you want the space in the crate to be just big enough
for your dog to lie down comfortably, stand up, and turn around. If it is too big, your puppy may try to use it as a bathroom. Remember, it is not intended to be a place where your puppy spends all of its time. It is also not intended as a place for playtime, so it is not necessary for him to have a lot of space. It is a place for rest, and the better your dog associates it with relaxation, the more content he will be. So keep it small, like a den.
If you have a large breed dog, and don’t want to buy a new crate every month while he’s growing, you can buy a large crate that has a divider which can be adjusted as he grows.
REMEMBER, IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A PLACE WHERE YOUR PUPPY SPENDS THE ALL OF ITS TIME.

Crates come in a few different styles.
Car carriers are usually made of plastic and are very closed in. Some dogs really like this option because it feels more like a den and may help them relax.
Metal crates are used mostly in homes and are often used for larger breeds. They usually come with dividers so the crate can grow as the dog does. These are nice, because they are usually collapsible and can be put away when not in use. They are not as closed in, but some dogs like this. If you are wanting to create a more den-like experience, you can cover it with a blanket.
Cloth crates are for smaller breeds, and are usually used for carrying your pet to places like the vet or groomer.

HOW LONG CAN A DOG BE IN A CRATE
Generally puppies can hold their bladder for one hour per every month of age. An adult dog can hold it for about nine hours max. However, how long they can hold it is not the only thing to consider. There is also their mental well-being to consider. I would recommend that if you need to be gone for extended periods, like an eight-hour work day, that you find some way to come home at lunch to give your dog a break. You could also ask a neighbor or friend to visit your dog. Or you could hire a dog walker to come by and take your dog for a walk midway through the day.
HOW LONG THEY CAN HOLD IT IS NOT THE ONLY THING TO CONSIDER. THERE IS ALSO THEIR MENTAL WELL-BEING TO CONSIDER.


SO WHERE DO I BEGIN?
It is imperative that you introduce your crate at a time other than when you go to bed. If you don’t, you're probably in for a long, restless night. It's best if you can have your crate set up before you ever bring your puppy home. Line the bottom with a small blanket or towel. If you have hard floors, it is a good idea to place a towel on the floor under the crate. This is to dampen the sound of the plastic hitting the floor when your puppy walks on it which can be quite noisy which may startle your pup.
Techniques for very young puppies
If your puppy is very young, and you are just bringing him home for the first time, wait until he is sleepy, and place him in the crate. If he goes back to sleep right away, let him sleep for as long as he wants. As soon as he wakes, take him out to potty. Repeat this pattern each time he gets sleepy which will be often. If he wakes up when you place him in the crate, place a warm towel from the dryer in with him to help him relax; or allow him to fall asleep in your arms on a towel, then transfer the towel and the pup to the crate.
Keep the crate in the room with you during the day and at night. When you go to bed, place the crate as close to your bed as possible, so that your pup doesn’t feel like he is alone. Some pet owners have found that placing a small stuffed animal in with the puppy can help him feel safer.

In the beginning, you will need to get up a couple of times during the night for bathroom breaks. Keep talking to a minimum. Try to keep your pup as relaxed as possible, so that he is able to return to sleep quickly. If he does not go directly back to sleep, try placing a warm towel in with him. If he starts crying, wait a few minutes to see if it passes. If it does not pass DO NOT let him cry it out. A small amount of crying is expected but don’t wait till he is distraught. Studies have shown this to be very unhealthy. Instead, wait for a short pause in the crying of a few seconds before letting him out. This will show him that the quiet is what gets him released, not the crying. When you release him, keep it low key. You may try holding him until he goes back to sleep, and then place him back into the crate.
TRY TO KEEP YOUR PUP AS RELAXED AS POSSIBLE

Techniques for older puppies or adult dogs:
The confident dog
With your dog out of the room, place the crate on the floor with the
door tied open. It's important to tie the door with a string or bungee cord, so if he bumps it on the way in, it will not swing shut and startle him. When you bring your dog into the room, reward any interaction with the crate with a treat that he really loves. This can be walking toward it, sniffing it, or stepping inside. When you reward, place the treat near the door, preferably just inside. After he takes the treat, toss another inside, and see if he will go get it.

If he does, in rapid succession drop about five treats, one at a time, into the crate. Make a big deal of it, praising the whole time he is in the crate. Once he has finished the treats, back away and wait for him to come out. Once he is out, ignore him and wait. Try not to stare at him but rather at the door. Shortly, he will probably return to the crate to see if any treats were left behind. The instant he steps in, say good boy, and drop in several more treats. Repeat this several times, and each time as he is heading back to the crate, say “Kennel up” one time, and wait for him to enter. It won't be long before he pairs the “Kennel up” cue with going inside.
After he has repeated this step successfully several times, and will go in when the cue is given, gently close the door without latching it as he is eating the treats. When he is finished eating, open the door and release him by saying “FREE.” Repeat this several times, slowly adding more time that the door is shut before saying “free” and releasing him.
Once your dog will go into the crate, and stay for a minute or two, you can start working on longer durations. To start this step, it is important to make sure your dog is not full of energy. Take him out for a walk, and maybe do some other training with him to tire his mind as well. Once he is in a relaxed state, ask him to “kennel up.” Shut the door, and calmly drop in a treat every couple of minutes or so, making sure to only reward calm behavior. (Example: lowering his head, yawning, laying down, slowed breathing, or increased blinking.)

It's a good idea to have his crate beside your chair, so that you are not moving a lot. Be sure to not stare at him. After he is in his crate for five or ten minutes, you can say “free” and release him unless he has fallen asleep.
Remember, it's important to associate the crate with rest, so making sure your dog is tired each time he goes into the crate will help.
Techniques for less confident dogs
Some dogs may be scared of the crate; whether it be from a negative experience from their past, a lack of proper socialization, or they may just be a timid dog. With these dogs, it is imperative that we take extra care and time in teaching them that the crate is a good thing. Never force it upon them. It is equally important to realize that, in some cases, it will never work. You might need to consider alternative options. One such example would be a dog with severe separation anxiety.
To begin, many of the techniques will be the same as the ones above, once you have helped your dog to feel comfortable being in the same room with the crate. This can often be as simple as just having the crate in the room with your dog for some time. Stick it in a corner out of the way at first, then move it periodically until your pup acclimates to its presence. This may take several weeks. Don’t rush it!

After that time, play some go find it games. Toss treats around the room and say, “Go find it.” Throw some near the crate and some away from the crate. If your pup seems to be ok with approaching the crate to “go find it,” try tossing one just inside to see if he will go get it. If he is successful, quietly praise him and repeat several times. Again, don't rush it! If he will not go in, just continue the game. Tossing treats near the crate, and away, periodically tossing one in the crate. Remember to use high-value treats like real chicken, hotdogs, or cheese. You’ll get there. Just be patient.
After your pup has gone in the crate several times to get the treats, and seems to be doing it with confidence, only then should you move to the next step. Start the session of playing the go find it game, but make sure you are sitting next to the crate. After several reps, quietly praise your pup, and drop several treats in the crate one by one in rapid succession. When he has finished, and leaves the crate, praise him for a short time then ignore him for a moment. Wait for a moment to see if he goes back in to investigate. When he does, CALMLY say, “Good boy,” and drop in several more treats, one at a time.
Once you have repeated this step several times, you are off to the races. Follow the protocols written above for confident dogs, always remembering to go slow and control your excitement. You don’t want to startle your dog, or you will be starting all over.

Help them pass the time
Nobody likes to be bored. Can you imagine being stuck in a room for several hours with nothing to do? Fortunately dogs sleep a lot, but they still may get bored if left for too long. So, then what? Many dogs alleviate boredom by chewing. This can lead to them destroying that nice plush bed you just bought them. The best way to help with this is to first give them appropriate things to chew. A Kong filled with treats, or even better, their meal, is a good choice.. Once you have fed them several meals in a Kong, you may find that they may pick it up even when it’s empty, to chew on. This alleviates boredom, and it helps keep their teeth clean. Secondly, throw away that big fluffy bed. A simple blanket or towel will work, or even better, a dog cot. They are comfortable and durable. They help keep your dog cool in the summer, and most dogs prefer to be on a raised surface.
In closing
All dogs deserve to be happy, healthy, and safe. If your dog is trained properly, a crate is a great way to aid in with all three.
Bryan Litchford CPDT- KA