Crate Training Your Puppy

One of the most useful devices for raising a puppy is a fold-up wire or thick plastic crate (We do not recommend fabric crates as the puppy can chew their way out of it).  This device can be used as an aid in housetraining puppies.  It can also save hundreds of dollars in damage to household items, as puppies can’t chew things when they are in a crate.  Since the crate is portable, it can easily be taken along on trips.  This makes overnight visits or vacations with the family pet more enjoyable.  People who raise, train, and show dogs have been aware of the benefits of crates for years.

Using a crate to prevent problems is based on several canine tendencies.  These include the pup’s preference to bed down with, or in the presence of others, to bed down in a sheltered, den-like atmosphere and to learn through association with others. 

1. The crate should be large enough for your pup to stand, turn around, and lie down in comfortably.  Owners of large breed puppies can buy larger crates and divide it while the pup is small.  If the crate is too large, the pup will use part of the crate as a restroom area and the other part as a den which will defeat the crate’s purpose.
2. Assemble the crate and place it in your bedroom.  We recommend this room because the pup wants to be with you while you sleep.
3. Introduce your pup to the crate by placing several treats around it.  Toss a treat into the back of the crate and say a word (ex: “kennel”).  The pup will run to eat the treat thereby learning to associate the crate with a pleasant reward.  When you say the key word (like “kennel”) again, he will know it is time to run into the crate.
4. Long before bedtime, toss a treat to the back of the crate while saying the key word.  Once your pup runs in, close the crate door.
5. Leave the room.  Stand outside of the door to monitor your pup’s behavior.
6. At the first sign of any separation responses (barking, whining, howling), intervene with a sharp, raised voice.  The idea is that your pup will associate its behavior with the inflection in your voice.  Some pups will not respond to a raised voice; however, many will respond to the sounds of a shaker can (an empty soda can filled with a few coins, its top sealed shut with tape).  Your goal is to startle, not frighten, the puppy.
7. Eventually your pup will settle quietly in the crate.  Once your pup is quiet, keep it inside the crate for about 10 minutes.  Do not release or praise your pup while it is vocalizing.  This will reinforce the negative behavior.  Wait until he is quiet (even if only for a second) to praise your pup.
8. After a 30 – 45 minute interval, repeat the procedure.  Eventually extend the pup’s quiet time in the crate to about 30 minutes.
9. While the pup is in the crate, provide one toy.  A Kong toy is ideal due to it’s ability to be stuffed with food.  Make sure that whatever toy you select cannot be swallowed or eaten by the dog.  Also, be sure to remove any collars from your pup to prevent entanglement.

Once bedtime arrives, your pup has associated being quiet while inside the crate.  Also, the effects of separation are lessened because of the crate’s location in the bedroom where a family member sleeps.  Be advised that usually after waking the pup will need to go to the bathroom.  It will probably whine or bark since dogs tend to avoid eliminating in the bedding area.  Your pup can then be taken outside to take care of its business.