How to Crate-Train a Lab Puppy in One Day

Labrador retrievers, commonly referred to as labs, are one the most popular breeds in the United States. Labs are loving, loyal, affectionate and highly intelligent. They are patient, good-natured, eager to please and easy to train. Crate training a lab puppy is important and useful for both puppy and owner. The crate provides a secure, den-like refuge for the puppy while restricting unwanted behavior while unattended.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Dog toys
  • Dog treats
  • Dog food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a crate large enough for the lab puppy to lie on its side and sit up comfortably. Be sure the crate is not too large, as that could hinder the feeling of security and delay progress of bowel control. If using a crate large enough to accommodate a full-grown Labrador retriever, block off a section to keep your pup from soiling the opposite end of the crate.

    • 2

      Place a soft yet durable cushion or blanket in the crate to keep the puppy warm and comfortable. Disperse the bedding throughout the crate to encourage bowel control--your puppy will not want to soil its sleeping area.

    • 3

      Throw chew toys and treats into the crate. Close the door so the puppy can see and smell the treats but can̵7;t get to them. Open the door of the crate. Allow the lab puppy to enter and exit at will. Praise the puppy every time it approaches or enters the crate.

    • 4

      Close the door behind the puppy once it appears comfortable. Leave the door closed for about 10 seconds. Keep movements slow and relaxed. Gradually increase the amount of time the door is shut while the puppy is inside the crate. Consistently praise and encourage the puppy while it is in the crate.

    • 5

      Feed the puppy inside the crate. Once the puppy appears comfortable and relaxed, try leaving the room. Start by leaving the room for only short intervals. If the puppy fusses, do not open the door. This will only encourage bad learned behavior. Wait for the pup to stop fussing or fall asleep before you open the door.

    • 6

      Move the crate into different rooms to keep the puppy from being isolated. Once the puppy is comfortable being in the crate alone, allow the puppy to stay in the crate with one or more people in the room. This way, the puppy won̵7;t view the crate as a place of strict isolation. The puppy will come to view the crate as a resting place, a safe zone and a feeding area. Within a few hours the puppy can easily be placed in the crate for potty training purposes or restricting undesirable behavior when unsupervised.