Crate Training Puppies
By HollywoodPet.net |
Tue, 12 Dec 2006
A new puppy and puddles on the carpet go together. Puppies are not naturally housebroken and need encouragement and direction to shorten the process. Like a baby, a puppy will not understand punishment. Crate training can help by playing on your puppies natural instincts.
Crate training appeals to a puppies natural desire to have a den. The crate will become his home, his safety, and his place of retreat. Some puppies whine and make a big show at first, but your puppy will quickly adjust.
Supervision is the key in the beginning. The puppy should be let out as frequently as possible, while keeping an eye out for accidents. Once your puppy associates the crate as home, your pet will naturally not want to relieve itself in its den. This is a great advantage for you. Always make sure the crate is large enough for your puppy to lay down and stretch out. Allow for growth too.
When your puppy makes a bathroom mistake indoors, be sure not to yell, spank, or push his nose in it. Take your pup outside immediately to associate the bathroom with outside. Eventually they will use the restroom outside. That is the time for praise and encouragement. Whenever you let your puppy out, make the bathroom trip outside be the first thing you do. Watch if your pet is turning in circles or smelling the ground. This is a clue it is bathroom time, and time to be removed from the crate and taken outside.
Put a treat or toy in the crate before returning your puppy to its crate. This and good soft bedding will make the crate an attractive home for your pet. Don't give in to whining or it will turn into howling. Giving in to whining only reinforces the behaviour.
Crate training is a real winner for puppies or older dogs. Keeping your pet in a crate can prevent a lot of damage in your home in addition to making travel more pleasant. To us a crate looks like a cage, but to a well-trained pet it is a place of comfort and security. Remember to cover your floors with paper in the beginning and keep doors closed to contain your curious puppy. A few well-timed positive reinforcements and your puppy will be at the door letting you know when it is time to go outside. A well-trained dog makes for a happy household while a well-behaved pet is a joy.
