Crate Training For a 9 Week Old Puppy?

Question

Hi everyone, I recently adopted a 9 week old puppy (10 weeks this Saturday) and I wanted to know what your thoughts were on crate training. About half the information I read in books, online, etc. says that it is excellent while the other half thinks that it is cruel and inhumane. I agree that I don't want to confine my puppy because she's so upset and barks for hours on end but when I go to my classes, I don't want her to ruin anything within my room due to her jumping and excessive biting because of her teething. What do you guys think about crate training and what's the easiest way to crate train her? I appreciate all the help!

Answer 1

I have successfully crate trained a Poodle and a Chinese Crested. I felt bad about it at first, but mind you, I only confined them, while I slept, or was away at first. The rest of the time they did what they wanted. It did not take long at all, and most of the time, if the house was busier than normal or they wanted to sleep they would go to the crate on their own. After a few months, most all time spent in the crate was voluntary or for travel. I would suggest putting the crate in a non-busy area, and give the puppy plenty of attention and praise out of the crate. If you feel bad, you could also get an x-pen ( I had one of those too), it is like an portable fence that you could use inside, for a smaller puppy that could not move it around. My poodle was fine in it also, but preferred the crate. Good Luck...

Answer 2

Crate training is NOT inhumane. Crate training when done properly is a comfort for your dog. They consider it their den.

Your puppy is very young and cannot be left alone for any significant time because her bladder can hold only for so long.

Don't worry about her making a fuss in the crate by crying or barking. You just keep her in there. NEVER give into the whining (unless you know she needs to potty). If she learns that you come to her everytime she cries, it will just compound your issue.

Crate training your dog is a wonderful thing.

http://www.leerburg.com had pages and pages of dog training tips for you including podcasts and DVD's.

Good luck and keep up with the crate training.

Answer 3

Crate training is EXCELLENT if done properly. The pup should be confined at night, when you aren't home and when you cannot watch him. Otherwise if you can keep an eye on him keep him close by. When you take him out of the crate take him outside to do his business. When he finishes eating take him outside to do his business. When he finishes playing take him outside to do his business. Every half hour take him outside to do his business. If you are going to be gone to work for 8 hours or more arrange for someone to come in and walk him or come home during your lunch hour. 8 hours or more is too long for a pup too be confined without a walk. If the dog has an accident and you witness it tell him "no potty outside" and take him outside. If he has an accident in the house and you do not witness it unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it. NEVER put your pups nose in his mess or scream at him or otherwise frighten him for having an accident. Do not just open the back door and let the pup in the yard take him out on a leash and stay with him until he goes. When he goes outside praise him as though this is the greatest thing in the world. Remember lots of praise for the good. And consistency and you will have the dog trained in no time.

Answer 4

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL1zi

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 5

Crate training is not inhumane. Build value for the crate by always rewarding the dog while in the crate, give great chewie treats that the dog can have only while in the crate....be sure that your dog is not *only* put into the crate when you're leaving. As far as guidelines - see link below.

Answer 6

A crate or kennel, provided it is large enough for your puppy, (he should be able to stand up, turn around and lie comfortably) is NEVER a bad idea. Especially if you have company and need to keep him contained (due to children OR adults that may be afraid) or in your case, specifically, so that he is contained safely while you are in class. We only use our dog crate when we are away from home and our dog needs to be contained and she loves it. It is her own personal space and she seems to greatly appreciate that (much like wild animals have dens/holes that they protect, she thinks of it as HERS). Leaving the puppy in it for breif periods (10-15 min to start) while you are home will help it get used to staying in there for longer periods while youre away. After you take him outside, put a toy of his in there and encourage him to go in, leaving the door open. If he feels as though he is comfortable enough to come and go at first, it will make staying in there easier b/c he will quickly learn that you DO intend to let him out. When he goes in,(EVERY TIME) tell him in an energetic and happy, yet firm tone "kennel up". He will associate this command with entering his "house". Eventually you should be able to state this command and him comply easily. CONSISTENCY is KEY!! :) This has worked with ALL of our dogs and they ALL love their kennel, not to mention they are easily controlled and manageable when we have guests.

Answer 7

Crate training keeps your puppy safe and secure and helps to housetrain her more quickly.

Two scenarios.

1. You go to class. You come home to find out that your puppy has destroyed the house and eaten something toxic. You're stressed and your pup's life is in danger.

2. You go to class. You come home and your puppy is safe and sound. You let your puppy out and immediately take her outside to potty. She goes, and you give her lots of praise.

Now which scenario seems cruel?

Answer 8

Oh, crate training is fine!! its only inhumane if its never let out! :] I dont know how to train it.. but good luck!!

Answer 9

crate training is a very good idea. dogs need a home of their own too

Answer 10

There are a few real keys to dog training, whether you are trying to train your dog to come when called, sit, stop barking or any other behavior. Understanding their importance is critical to achieving rapid results that are long lasting and help develop the bond between you and your dog. Learn more http://OnlineDogTraining.enle.info/?t47D

The first is simple; you must win your dogs mind. If you don’t achieve this first then you will be struggling the all the way. When I talk about winning your dogs mind what I really mean is that your dog looks to you for all the decisions. Before you do anything else watch one of the amazing video sites that show you the 5 Golden rules to establishing yourself as the pack leader. If you aren’t putting these in place then you are setting yourself up to fail. Just at the crucial point where you really want your dog to listen they will go and do their own thing. For sure your dog may play ball occasionally or even most of the time, you may even have a dog that is obedient 99% of the time, however if you want a dog who always listens to you and does as you ask then you need to win your dogs mind.

The second key to success is to motivate your dog. It is really important that you discover what it is that your dog enjoys both in terms of exercise and play but also in terms of a reward. If you can make the experience enjoyable then you will both achieve more and look forward to training.

Some dogs love to fetch, others love agility, and other dogs simply love obedience training, or swimming out into water and retrieve. At least to start with find out what your dogs love is and help them develop this, what I am saying is work with your dog. The other point to recognize is to make training enjoyable reward your dog.