The goal of crate training all puppies, including Labradors, is to make the crate a safe place for your dog, and one that he enjoys going to. Never use the crate as a form of punishment, and never leave your dog in the crate all day and night. Labradors, especially, need plenty of exercise. They can become depressed and anxious if left in the crate too long. When a puppy is properly trained on how to use a crate, he will think of the crate as his own space.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Pad
- Treats
- Toys
Instructions
Understand the proper use of crate training. Not all Labs will respond positively to crate training, according to 8PawsUp.com, a website that offers information on Labrador Retrievers. The more you understand about the crate, the better you will be able to work with your lab.
Plan what you intend to use the crate for. Possible ways to use the crate are when you have to leave your dog alone in the house, as a housebreaking tool, when you travel in the car, as a safe place for your dog to go during the day or as a place for him to sleep at night.
Purchase a metal crate, not a plastic one. Labradors have been known to chew through the plastic crates, according to 8PawsUp.com. This site recommends a wire crate with a removable floor. This makes for a sturdy crate and one that cleans easily. Also, keep in mind that your Lab puppy will grow to be a big dog. If you buy a crate that is the right size for the puppy, he will outgrow the crate. However, if you buy one large enough to accommodate the adult Lab, it will be too big for the puppy and he may soil it. The solution is to get a large crate that comes with a divider. Crates should only be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in.
Place the crate in the center of the room, where all the activity is. If the puppy does not feel isolated, it will be a more positive experience for him. You can later move the crate to a less visible spot.
Make the crate comfortable. You can buy comfortable and washable pads to place on the bottom of the crate or you can use old towels. Because Labradors like to chew and retrieve toys, place a toy in the crate too. Make sure that the toy you use is specifically for heavy chewers, as Labs are. In fact, any object you put in the crate must be checked for how well it will withstand a Lab̵7;s chewing.
Introduce the puppy to the crate by putting small food treats inside. This reinforces a positive experience with the crate.
Praise your dog when he enters the crate on his own. Never push or force him in.
Play crate games. Hide a treat or a toy in the crate. Ask your dog, ̶0;Where is the treat (or toy).̶1; Then say, ̶0;In the crate,̶1; (or whatever you will call the crate, such as room or bed). Let the dog find it. Keep the door open during this playtime.
Start closing the door to the crate for short periods while you are with the dog.
Know the time limits for puppies in the crate. For puppies 9 to 10 weeks, 30 to 60 minutes; 11 to 14 weeks, 1 to 3 hours; 15 to 16 weeks, 3 to 4 hours; 17 plus weeks, 4 plus hours.