Proper Crate Training for Puppies

If you just brought home a new puppy, start its training immediately. One important aspect of training a puppy is crate training. Don't worry. It is not cruel to keep a dog in a crate. It is a dog's instinct to find a "den" and if you crate train your puppy properly it will come to see its crate as a safe place. The crate will become your puppy's own bedroom. A crate can also save you the time and stress of cleaning up a young puppy's accidents. Because dogs rarely soil their sleeping area, crates are a useful potty training tool.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

  1. Help Your Puppy Get Used to the Crate

    • 1

      Purchase a crate that is the proper size for your puppy. Your dog should be able to stand fully, turn around and sit and lie comfortably. Buy a crate that will be big enough when your puppy is fully grown. Put blankets or cushions in the crate to make it a comfortable place to sleep.

    • 2

      Don't force the puppy into the crate or you risk scaring it. Place treats on the cushion or in the blankets to entice your puppy to go inside. Start by putting the snacks near the door. When your puppy is comfortable snatching those out of the crate, hide treats farther back. Reward the puppy with praise each time it goes into the crate.

    • 3

      Close the crate door after your puppy is comfortable going inside on its own. This may alarm your puppy, so don't keep the door closed for long periods. The crate should always be a positive place to be. A few seconds at a time is OK at first. Slowly increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed. Your puppy will eventually get used to being in there, and may even start to seek refuge in the crate when it is ready for a nap.

    • 4

      Leave your puppy in the crate when you leave the house. It is best if you wait until your puppy is accustomed to the crate before you start doing this. You don't want to encourage fear or resentment of the crate. Never leave for more than a few hours at a time. Even an adult dog starts to feel cramped after awhile. Young puppies have poor bladder control and should be let outside every two to three hours.