Originally published here: Puppy Crate Training
Some people think that crate training a puppy is cruel and unusual punishment and that the dog is being forced into confinement. This could not be further from the truth. Crate training your puppy is the most effective way to housetrain him, keep your house safe and mess-free, and increase his sense of security and safety.
Housebreaking and Crate Training a Puppy
Crate training your puppy is an effective – and arguably the most effective – method of housebreaking your puppy. Everyone loves their adorable new additions to the house, but no one loves to wake up in the morning to little messes all over the house. Puppy crate training works because dogs do not want to soil their sleeping area. Puppies as young as eight or nine weeks can hold their bladders and bowels for up to seven hours.
Of course, you should keep in mind that when first starting crate training with young puppies, they will not have that level of control so they shouldn’t be left in the crate for extended periods of time. To help insure that puppies have a better chance of not soiling their crate, take them outside immediately before and immediately after they go in the crate. This establishes a routine and lets the puppy know he’s going to get a chance to relieve himself. Do not put water in his crate; just a blanket and a chew toy are needed.
Mess-Reduction and Crate Training a Puppy
Dogs often feel a sense of anxiety when separated from their owners. Some puppy owners will return home to find chewed-on shoes, pillows, clothing, or furniture, dog messes, and all kinds of puppy destruction. Crate training your puppy is an effective way to end such behavior. Putting your puppy in his crate when you leave the house is a good way for him to get used to being in your home without making a mess.
If you take him out for walks and play before and after he goes in the crate, your puppy will be content to stay in his crate while you are unable to supervise him. As he gets older, you may trust your puppy to remain out of the crate while you are gone; some dogs, though, prefer to remain in the crate. That leads us to safety and security.
Security and Crate Training a Puppy
Far from being a punishment, crates are often havens for puppies. Some will even go in of their own volition when they are stressed or bored. Getting a puppy used to a crate is similar to getting an infant used to a crib. They may whine or bark at first – this doesn’t mean they are in pain. It means that they have to get used to it. Starting with small stints is best.
As they become used to it and the routine surrounding the crate, they will willingly and eagerly go into the crate at night or when you have to leave the house. Many dog trainers recommend that owners use crates for their puppies because they like to know they have their own space. This also cuts down on feelings of separation anxiety.
For many people, a big problem with puppy crate training is whining. If your puppy won’t stop barking while crate training, make sure you’re being consistent. If you put the puppy in his crate some nights but not others, this will confuse him.
If your dog barks, ignore it. Like the baby who wants her mother to pick her up, it is a trick! Don’t give in. If it persists, try squirting the dog with a water bottle. That makes barking or whining an uncomfortable thing to do, so it should cease.
Crate puppy training is the best way to allow your pet to feel secure, keep your home from being chewed on, and to help him learn how to control his bladder and bowels. It is not a form of punishment and should not be used as such.
If you punish your puppy by putting him in his crate, you are undoing all of the crate training you have already done. Find another way to discipline your dog, like squirting him with a water bottle or rewarding good behavior. Crate training a puppy is effective and safe: your puppy and your shoes will thank you.
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