Crate Training
Provided by Purina
Crate training is not putting your dog/puppy in a "cage" or "jail", and you are
not being cruel if you follow these tips. Dogs feel secure in small, enclosed spaces,
like a den. Dog crates make excellent dens.
A crate offers your dog security, a den with a roof, and a place to call his very
own where he can go to get away from it all. It is also a safe place for him to
stay when you're away or when you cannot watch him.
There are basically just a few steps in crate training, and they are as follows:
- Choose a crate the same size as your puppy/dog. He should only have enough room
to stand up, turn around and lie down. His crate is for sleeping or for a safe place
to be when you cannot be with him. If you have a large breed puppy, you may have
to buy two different size crates or purchase a crate with a divider you can move
as he grows.
- Use a single-word command for your dog to enter his crate and throw in a treat or
piece of kibble. When he enters, praise him and close the crate door. Gradually
increase the time he spends in the crate before you let him out. Remember, your
dog still needs time to play and eliminate. Maintain a regular schedule of trips
outdoors so as not to confine him too long.
- As a general guide, your puppy can stay in his crate comfortably for several hours,
depending on his age. Take his age in months, add 1, and that's how many hours he
should be able to stay in his crate (up to about 8 hours). For example, a 2-month
old puppy should be comfortable in his crate for about 3 hours.
- Providing your dog or puppy with a crate that is way too large may allow him to
relieve himself in one end and sleep in the other. Placing food or water in his
crate will allow him to fill up his bladder and bowel and he will have no choice
but to relieve himself in his crate. Make sure you take your dog or puppy outdoors
to eliminate on a regular schedule and especially prior to being left for prolonged
periods of time. Always take your dog outside on a leash to the same area in your
backyard to eliminate so you can praise him when his job is finished. This will
take the guesswork out of his visits to the backyard.
Also, don't forget to play with your dog and exercise him. He needs this kind of
stimulation for his mental and physical wellness.
