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The Puppy Guide >> Puppy Training >> Crate Training
Crate Training
A crate is a very useful piece of equipment for your puppy. Crates come in many different sizes, are normally rectangular, and look like a cage. To those not familiar with the crate it can, at first, seem rather cruel to put your puppy into one. However, the crate not only provides a place that you know your puppy will be safe and warm, but dogs like to create dens and should see the crate as a fun, safe place for them to be in.
A crate is really useful for using at night time, and any time of the day when you have to go out of the house. A crate will keep your puppy safe from any hazards in the house, and stop him from chewing or destroying any of your furniture or belongings.
Try to get your puppy to associate the crate with good things. For example, give plenty of praise and treats when your puppy goes in there. Make sure there are blankets or bedding so the puppy can feel warm and comfortable. Also provide plenty of toys to play with and a bowl of water for drinking.
When the puppy is young you should also provide newspaper in one area of the crate for urination, as young puppies cannot go through the night without going to the toilet. Bedding will need to be changed and washed and the crate cleaned everyday. The easiest way to do this is to empty the crate and use some spray designed specifically for cleaning dog urine, then leave to dry before making up the crate again.
Some trainers recommend putting the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks the puppy is with you. This allows him/her to see you and not feel lonely at night. Eventually you can move the crate to a more suitable place, such as a utility room.
If your puppy howls or barks at night because he is lonely you should not go to comfort it, unless you want to do this every night, as the puppy will come to expect it.
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