Crate training?

Question

When crate training a puppy how long should it be in the crate during a 24hr period...? how many times should it be put in and how often should it be taken out? How do u know if its fully crate trained? Do you still use the crate after its been crate trained?

Answer 1

He should be in the crate no longer than an hour at a time to start. After a week or two, if he has not had any accidents, increase it to two hours, eventually up to four hours at a time. Any time you cannot give him your full attention, he needs to be in the crate. Take him out at least once an hour, and take him out to use the bathroom as soon as you take him out of the crate. Put some food and water in there, and his favorite blanket or one of your shirts or something in the crate with him, and make sure he has plenty of toys. Kongs are great for crate training, they are very durable rubber toys, and you can put treats inside them, they will keep your dog busy for hours trying to get the treats out. Any time you are not home, your dog should be in the crate, for no more than 4 hours at a time once he is completely potty trained. Dogs naturally look for a 'den', some place that is small and where they will feel safe. This is what the crate should be to them. Eventually most dogs will go lay in the crate even when you are home, or go there to get away and be alone if you have other animals.

Answer 2

A lot of these questions depend on the age of your pup.

Crate training is, in my opinion, the most useful tool in housebreaking a puppy.

If you cannot keep a constant eye on your pup, the pup should be in the crate, in the same room you are. For example, if you're washing dishes, the puppy should be in the crate in the kitchen. If you're working on a project for work in your study, the puppy should be in the crate in the study.

The only time the pup should be out of the crate is if you are watching him 100% of the time, or if he is tethered to you with a leash (you can wrap the leash through a beltloop on your pants).

You must give the pup ample opportunities to go outside to potty. Depending on the age of your pup, you will need to take it out every 1/2 hour to hour to try and go to the bathroom. It's very important that you make a BIG DEAL with loads of praise when the pup pottys outside. We clapped and said "YAY! GOOD POTTY".

You will know when the pup is housebroken when there are no more mistakes in the house.

If you catch your pup making a mistake you say NO! and pick the pup up go outside and put him where he ought to be and say "Go Potty". It's very critical you catch your dog IN the act. If you find it after the pup is done, you cannot admonish the dog for the act because it will not remember having done it. Dogs live in the now.

My dogs are both housebroken now, but they are crated daily when I am working or when I need to leave the house. I often leave them crated when I'm home too so they don't automatically associate the crate with "mom's leaving." They associate the crate with "time to go in my crate."

Everytime my girls go in their crate, they get a special crate treat. Dried liver squares is what we use. They only get this treat when they are in their crate. It's a treat. Crate = treat. Also everytime the pup goes into the crate, say CRATE so they'll learn the command.

Crates are awesome and your dog will use it for it's life if you train it right. My girls often choose their crates to get away from each other or the cat or the people roaming my house. It's a comfort zone for them.

There's a ton of websites out there that will show you how crate training works. It's really easy once the dog stops whining. But you've got to get past the whining stage (that was hard for me).

Feed your dog in the crate to get him used to it. Leave him a blanket, some water, and most importantly some toys to keep him busy. Leave some music or a tv on to help him feel like he has company.

My favorite training site on the web is: http://www.leerburg.com

All the best! Crate training is awesome!

Answer 3

Puppies don't have full bladder or bowel control until 6 months of age. Before this, they must be taken out at least every 2 hours around the clock to relieve themselves.

Crate training is a great way to house train your puppy. You can continue to use the crate after the dog is crate trained, or you can continue to use the crate. I choose to continue with the crate, so my dog has a calm, peaceful place of his own to go to.

At first, coax the puppy into the crate with treats. Never let the puppy out of the crate if it is whining, barking, or making a fuss. To do this will encourage the behavior, so wait until he is quiet to open the door and let him out.

There are more details to crate training, but to much to put here for all of it.

http://www.libertydogtraining.com

Answer 4

You should leave your pup in the crate most of the day. Your pup should go out after eating, waking and hard playing, how often depends on how old the pup is but every couple of hours is good, longer as they get older. You pup should have some play time(30 minutes) in the house after going out. You will know when it is fully crate/house broken when there are absolutely no more accidents. You continue to use the crate until you are sure the dog will not destroy things in the house, It is also good for training.
Dogs are den animals so they look at the crate as a space of their own.

Answer 5

The advantages of using a crate

With the help of a crate:


You can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that he is comfortable, safe, and not developing bad habits.
You can housebreak your pet more quickly by using the close confinement to motivate your pet to wait until taken outside, since canines naturally avoid soiling their den.
You can travel with your pet without risk of the the dog getting loose and becoming lost or interfering with safe driving.
Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of den of his own to which he can retreat when tired or stressed.
Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to problem behavior.
Since he can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he has his familiar "security blanket" along, your pet can be included in family outings, instead of being left behind alone.
Purchasing a crate

Crates can be purchased at pet stores, department stores, and from pet supply catalogs. Look for a wire crate that includes a removable metal floor pan. Plastic crates can also be used, although some dogs will chew the plastic. For your pet's comfort, look for one with a smooth floor. Purchase crate large enough for your pet to stretch out on its side and to sit or stand erect. If you have a puppy, it is more economical to buy a wire crate that will accommodate him as an adult, then partition it to the right size. A movable wire or pegboard partition can be made or purchased. Too large a crate can undermine housebreaking because your pet may eliminate at one end of the crate and lie down at the other. For bedding, use an old blanket or buy a washable crate pad. Depending on size and construction, a new crate may cost $40 - 150. This is a bargain compared to the cost of replacing a sofa, woodwork, or carpeting.
Where should I put it?

Dogs are social animals. Place the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time - kitchen. family room, etc. The top of the crate can serve as extra shelf or table space. At night, move your puppy's crate into your bedroom so you can hear him if he needs to go out.

Crating a puppy

A young puppy should have no problem accepting the crate as his place. Crying at first is caused, not by the crate, but by adjusting to an unfamiliar household. Do not reward barking or whining with attention! If you are sure he doesn't need to eliminate, ignore him until he is quiet, then praise him or take him out of the crate. Do not leave meals in the crate or feed your puppy immediately prior to confining him. Most puppies will spill water left in the crate. Do leave a safe chew toy in the crate for your pet. Close your pet in the crate whenever he must be left alone or can't be closely supervised by a responsible person.

Never crate your pet longer than you know he can wait to eliminate, and definitely less than 4 hour intervals during the day. If you occasionally must be gone longer than this, place the crate with the door open in an enclosed area such as a bathroom or laundry room. Place newspapers on the floor of the room to facilitate clean-up. Your puppy should soon stop eliminating overnight and then may be crated in his regular place.

Crate training dogs over 6 months old

Often problem behaviors in this age group result from the pet feeling insecure when left alone. A crate can actually help alleviate this anxiety, but it must be introduced gradually and in a positive manner. The dog's first association with the crate should be pleasant.

First secure the door open so that it can't suddenly shut and frighten the dog. Encourage your pet to enter voluntarily by tossing a treat into the far end, praising him enthusiastically once he enters, then letting him come right back out. Once he enters the crate confidently, coax him to lie down and relax, using food, if necessary. Shut the door briefly, while you sit beside the crate or when there are people in the room. Again, don't reward barking or whining, with attention.

When you feel your dog will remain quietly in the crate, leave him alone for 15 - 30 minutes. If all goes well, you can leave him for longer intervals. Eventually, you may no longer need to shut him in the crate, but he will probably appreciate still having access to his special place.

Does the crate always work?

Unfortunately, no. There are some animals (usually adults) that can or will not tolerate this form of confinement. A few will show no desire to keep the crate clean.

Use - don't abuse!

Children should be taught that the crate is a special room for the pet and that they should not pester the dog or pup when it is in the crate or use the crate as a playhouse.
The use of a dog crate is NOT RECOMMENDED for a dog regularly left alone all day, although some individual animals can tolerate it. If it is attempted:
The pet must be well exercised before and after crating.
The crate must be equipped with a heavy, non-tip dish of water.
Your pet should get lots of attention and complete freedom each night.
If you do not have time to take a puppy or dog outside to eliminate and exercise as recommended here, you should reconsider getting a dog as a pet. Crate or no crate, any dog consistently denied the attention and companionship it craves, may still find ways to express bored anxiety, and stress

Answer 6

All I know is that you start really small and build longer. You can eventually get to the point where the dog can be there all night. I think you start when the puppy is at least 6 months old. You should call a pet shop or look it up. That would prob have more info
Try: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art13003.asp

Answer 7

young dogs shouldn't be left in the crate for more then a hour or two. the older the dog the longer it could stay.

Answer 8

Here ya go


http://www.retrievertraining.net/crate/kennel.htm

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Answer 9

No offense but why don't you climb in that crate and sit there awhile.The answers to your questions will become very apparent.

Puppies do not belong in crates.
If your home catches fire while you're gone {God Forbid} that puppy has no chance at all but to die a horrible death.
If people were'nt so lazy they'd tire the puppy out BEFORE they leave or go to bed and the pup will sleep instead of tear things up.
And if people were'nt so inconsiderate they'd provide the pup with things it CAN chew to keep it occupied.
If you wanted a dog that would'nt pee in the floor and chew things up you should have bought a stuffed dog not a puppy.You'd save yourself alot of aggravation.
Puppies are very much like toddlers.They're in awe of everything.Everything goes in the mouth and they have to be toilet trained.Babies get sick or scared and keep it's parents up at night and so do puppies.They both need mental stimulation while awake.
If you stuck your toddler in a crate you'd go to jail and the kid would be placed with others so why is it o.k. to put your dog in one?

Answer 10

puppies can not be left in a creat long as their bladders are very small and can not hold it lon the younger the dog the less time they should be left in the create