11 Week Old Puppy Crate Training

Crate training for dogs is usually taught when a puppy is 10 to 11 weeks old, and involves training the animal to be comfortable inside its crate, or den. The theory is borne from the knowledge that dogs are den animals in the wild, and use their dens to rest and sleep while feeling comfortable and safe. By introducing a den into the house, an owner allows his dog this luxury, while also making the dog more controllable and making cohabitation much easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a suitable crate for your dog. The size of the crate will depend on the size and breed of your dog, and whether you are willing to purchase bigger crates as the dog grows. If you wish to buy one large crate for your puppy to grow into, purchase one with dividers, so you can section off an appropriately sized section for the puppy. Pet shop staff should be able to advise you on the necessary size for your dog, although as a general rule your puppy should be able to stretch out in the crate, both when standing up and lying down.

    • 2

      Place the crate in a familiar room for your puppy. It is advisable not to move the crate around, because this may stop your puppy from recognizing it.

    • 3

      Fill the crate with familiar items and smells. This could include your puppy's bed or blanket or old clothes that carry your scent. These items will make the puppy feel more at home in the crate.

    • 4

      Leave the crate door open, so that your puppy can explore the crate. Encourage it to go inside, but do not close the door at this stage. Allow the puppy to get used to the crate being in the house, and to explore what it is like inside. Praise your puppy every time it enters the crate.

    • 5

      Use a command to tell your puppy to go into the crate. For example, you might say "Bed" or "Bedtime." Say this word clearly every time your puppy goes into the crate, so that it begins to link the command with being inside the crate.

    • 6

      Encourage the puppy to enter the crate by offering toys, and using the command word. Do not physically force the puppy into the crate.

    • 7

      Close the door for a few minutes. Stay close to the crate, so the puppy can see you, but do not interact with the puppy. Repeat a few times, until the puppy will happily sit in the crate for 10 minutes.

    • 8

      Open the crate, and immediately put your puppy onto a leash and take it outside to use the bathroom. Do this every time you open the crate, even if your puppy is not showing signs of needing the toilet. This will establish a routine.

    • 9

      Allow the puppy a few hours to relax and explore the crate if the animal is interested in it. This ensures the training is not too intensive, and does not stress the puppy.

    • 10

      Encourage the puppy back into the crate, using the command word. Say goodbye, and leave the room.

    • 11

      Wait nearby, so you can hear the puppy, but the puppy cannot see or hear you. Time an hour, and do not respond to the puppy during this time unless it becomes very distressed. Some distress is normal, as the puppy gets used to the new routine. Do not respond to crying or barking, as this reinforces the behavior.

    • 12

      Open the crate, praise the puppy and take it outside to eliminate. Leave the crate open, so the puppy can retreat into the crate if it wants to.

    • 13

      Repeat, slowly increasing the time to up to two hours. This is the maximum time a puppy of 11 weeks should be left in the crate. As your puppy gets older, the maximum time will increase, although it is dependent on breed. Your vet should be able to advise you on how long your dog can be left in the crate.

    • 14

      Keep the crate open at all times. As your puppy becomes used to the crate, it may wish to retreat there in the day to rest or relax, or for security.