Crate training, what do you think? Any tips?

Question

I am getting a new puppy in 2 weeks, a male lab. (thanks to those of you who answered my last question). I plan on crate training, and I am just curious of general thoughts, warnings, and suggestions on the topic. Is it good to start using the crate right away after he comes home?

Answer 1

They are only to be used to give a puppy a secure place to go. Unfortunately, most people stick a dog in a crate when they just don't have time for it themselves. Crates are not to be used as punishment, or because the dog is inconveniently in the way or you have white furniture yet still want a pet.

I used to recommend crates, but lately I have seen way too many people using them as 24/7 containers because they think they want a pet, but don't want any hassles. Last night, I spoke with a man who bought a crate that his dog could not stand up in, or could barely turn around in because he didn't want the dog having enough room to use the bathroom in the crate. So based on the number of idiots recently encountered while volunteering in pet stores, I have to revise my former recommendation. If you don't have time to take care of a puppy, don't get one. You are especially asking for trouble with a male lab, as they are chewing machines and very playful. If the dog chews your couch, do you throw him in the crate? No, wrong answer. That's punishment.

Puppies are cute, but are a pain in the butt. They are babies, and like any babies, want to be held and comforted and sleep with a warm being at night. They poop, they pee, they chew, they bark. They are A Responsibility. Grown dogs, if confined to crates for too long, wind up with arthritis problems later. People will say "dogs are den animals." Well, they don't stay curled up in the freakin' dens for 8-12 hours, which is what people expect their pets to do while they're at work.

I hope you will get some good suggestions from folks on here, but would instead strongly suggest you get one of the professional training books available at the pet stores. There are too many borderline abusive situations with crates these days.

Answer 2

Yes it is good to use it right away. If you are planning on keeping him in the crate while you are not at home, try not to use it as a punishment place. A crate has to be comfortable and homey to the dog. Make sure you put a blanket or a bed in there for him and some toys. If you have a hard time getting him to go in there use some treats. My dogs automatically go in there crate when I open up the treat jar. Sometimes it even helps to put the dog in there throughout the day even while you are home, like when you eat or something. He will get use to it eventually. Make sure its not in area that is going to be too hot or too cold. You can also try putting a blanket over the crate if he doesnt chew it up. Goodluck with your new puppy.

Answer 3

I think it's a good idea to start right away. I'm giving you an article from a humane society below about the right way to crate train a puppy. I agree with everything they say. One thing I always did was to put a nice fluffy towel on the floor of the crate. It was very easy to replace one with another, since I liked to launder them frequently. Have fun with your new puppy!

http://www.cuhumane.org/topics/crate.html

Answer 4

Yes, my moms dog ( 5 now) was broght home and put right in the crate. we all waited in the hall for the puppy to come out, instead it fell asleep. One hour later the puppy woke up and cried and my mom called it out of the cage. We all held her, she always went back to the crate.
My mom said that we could never touch he in the crate that was brands spot and a safe place for her. when she was little we locked her in when we went away or at night.

later she was trained so she now has the run of the house because she waits to be taken outside.

My sister will not let he go in her room and even though my sister is in college is still will not enter....you have to train.

Answer 5

The best advice for someone starting crate training is that consistency is key. Get on a strict time schedule and stick to it. This is especially important with a puppy. Otherwise accidents will be much more likely. Crate training a puppy is perfectly fine as long as you take them out frequently enough, are consistent and make sure the crate isn't too big for them. If its too big they will do their business in one end and sleep on the other which defeats the whole purpose.

Answer 6

crate training rules! it is soooo much better than the damn wee-wee pads. with crate training the puppy will learn not to pee/poop where it sleeps. with a lab, get a larger crate, and make sure that it has a divider that can be moved to accomadate it's growth. you keep it at the size that the puppy is at the moment, and move it as he grows. it worked so well for my dach, i know, MUCH smaller dog, but it's the same principle. start using it as soon as he comes home, so that he gets used to it. depending on it's age, he should be comfortable in it. put some old towels in the bottom, so that if he does pee, it doesn't matter. don't hit him if he does pee/poop in it, because he'll learn. remember that labs are a huge amt of work, and need lots of play time. if you can't spend a lot of time with him, maybe this isn't the best time to get him. my mother had to give hers back because of this problem. very sad! good luck.

Answer 7

We began crate training immediately with our dogs. We just say the word "cage" and they both run off to their room to get into their crates. You need to be consistent and not let the dogs think it is a punishment or they will not want to get in their crates. Patience and a lot of treats and I am sure you will do great. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Crate training is great - it's a method of confinement but only so your puppy will be allowed greater freedom as he gets older. Never use your crate as a tool for punishment and remember a young puppy can only hang on for so long!

http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/puppy-crate-training.html

Good luck with your Lab.

Answer 9

I'm seeing a lot of responses from lazy people who are crating a puppy so it won't inconvenience them by pooping until the person is ready to let it poop. Hmm. I'm with Charlotte on this one, seems like some borderline mis-use because people want a pet but don't want it to have body functions that aren't okay with the person's schedule...what if our bosses did us like that? "Sorry, Mary, you'll have to stay in your cubicle until I'm through with my big conference up in Virgina."
PetSmart has a large book selection. I'd look for expert advice, not what your fellow Americans are doing. I've got eight dogs, all arrived at various times as pound pups, and never had to put one in a crate.

Good luck to you and your new guy/gal.

Answer 10

She very good could be upset from the travel size, principally if that was her first expertise with a crate. Good for you for trying to crate educate your dog! It is this kind of good thing for canine and owner alike. Maintain at it; I've met very few dogs unable to be crate knowledgeable and that was for extreme aggression or seperation nervousness problems. Giving her treats in her crate is a first-class approach to . Additionally feed her in her crate, as that could be a constructive organization (until she is displaying signs of food aggression, then you definitely must manage that first before feeding her in the crate). You're doing correct via providing her with treats and such even as in her crate. I normally suggest a couple exclusive types of toys (kong, "chewie", stuffed toy) so she isn't losing interest with simply "one" object. Additionally, some form of bedding is excellent to have if she does not chunk it up. I totally propose carrying an ancient tee to bed, and placing that in her crate. Change out each 3-7 days. This gives her your scent whilst she is in there, which will also be comforting. You may not be competent to crate teach her in three days. It more commonly takes every week to a month to crate train a dog. The truth that she is going to go in there to sleep is excellent and also you should no longer have that tough of a time crate coaching her. When you do situation her in her crate, close the door, and stroll away (either to the opposite aspect of the house or outside, the purpose is she does not see or hear you) commencing at small intervals, like 2-5 minutes. You must be doing this a couple of occasions a day, atleast 3, however no longer an excessive amount of to begin with. While you "return" immediatley take her out of her crate, praise/treat her, and take her outside to move potty; regardless of how she behaved. Every day you could increase the time through 2-5 minutes. The proposal is to get her used to you "coming again" and her getting praised. She wishes to partner the crate with good feelings. As with every canine coaching, persistance and consistancy (you react the same way whenever you're taking her out) is essential. Are not making a huge deal out of her going into the crate both. Fortunately, she remains to be a dog (albeit a greater breed), and you will have to be competent to conveniently choose her up and position her within the crate. No tugging/shoving, and so on. Also, are not making a large construction out of leaving. Place her in the crate and depart. If you're upset, even over her whining, it best extentuates her unwell-emotions-she is getting them from you. HTH! Maintain at it! You're doing high-quality!