Since we're first time dog owners, we didn't do the crate training when we first brought him home. He's had a free run of the house on the first floor - not too big, but big enough for him to explore. We are just now understanding the advantages of crate training - is he too old to learn or is there still hope?? Thanks.
2006-12-22 15:43:05 · 23 answers · asked by arby721 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
No it is not too late to crate train. It may or may not take longer. Just make sure that when he is let out you take him outside immediately. This way it helps the dog to understand that he needs to relieve himself outside. When you let him back in the house let him have some free roam but watch him carefully. If done right he will learn to go to the door when he has to go out. Do not get mad if he has an accident in the house. Scolding him only confuses the animal as they will think going to the bathroom is bad.
2006-12-22 15:54:44 · answer #1 · answered by logan 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I did not start to crate train my bouvier des flandres until she was 4 months. You have to remember one thing, the crate should be a "good" thing. Never for punishment. I started by saying the words "kennel up", putting her in,closing the door, and giving her a treat, saying "good girl". You may have to train her/him by doing this several times a day, for a few minutes at a time, as she/he may bark, become excited, nervous. I would recommend, doing it and leaving the house for 5 minutes to start. Come back, let him/her out, and give praise. NEVER close the crate door when the dog is out of the crate. He/she will eventually learn this is a safe place, and you may discover in the future that he/she will willingly go in the crate just to have some "alone" time. It isn't a quick training deal, you need to be persistant, and patient. It also helps to make sure the bed/liner of the crate has something soft for the pooch to lay on. I would not put water in the crate either, as you may come home to a sopping wet dog. Good luck. Remember, that saying, you can't treat an old dog new tricks is HOGwash!!!!
2006-12-22 23:45:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlike the misconception of some people, crate training is not purely for housebreaking. It is also a very safe and effective way to keep your puppy from getting into trouble or harming himself by chewing on things or gaining access to poisonous household cleaners whenever the puppy cannot be supervised.
The key to crate training is to "convince" the puppy (with rewards and praises) that the crate is it's den, and it will feel most safe and comfortable inside the den. Help the puppy associate the den with all things positive (never EVER use the crate as a punishment) and it will speed up the process of crate training.
My dogs run in to their crates waiting for treats whenever I open the doors.
2006-12-22 15:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by Wags 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! You CAN teach a not-so-old dog new tricks! You will have to train yourself as well, however, to have it work. You have probably loved your puppy really well and now, well, you can't stand to hear him cry. He is gonna cry when you first put him in there. The trick is, you can't answer - or he will have the upper hand. I have had the joy of sharing my life with about a dozen dogs. And although I didn't know the crate deal for all of them, since about 1988 on, all my 4 legged babies have had their own home inside of ours. And that is how it works by the way, when the dog gets to really know the joys of the crate. BTW, you will too, because there will be no more surprises when you get home from work or wherever. Makes your dog always glad to see you and you are glad to see him because nothing got destroyed in your absence. Buck up, lil Buckeroo, you can do it!
2006-12-22 15:53:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is never too late to crate train. I'd start immediately. When you can watch him, leave the crate door open and occasionally toss a yummy treat or a favorite toy into the crate for your dog to get.
Feed him in his crate with the door open at first. Practice putting him in there for longer and longer time periods.
And never use the crate as punishment, make it a happy place to go.
My 12 year old Akita/Pit mix still loves his crate and is quite distressed when someone has closed the door and he can't get into it.
2006-12-22 15:47:11 · answer #5 · answered by rualass 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is at a good age for crate training. Just be prepared he is going to whine a bit when first in the crate. You need to ignore him and let him get use to it. It may mean a few sleepless nights for you but the pup will quickly learn that whining and crying does not phase you. If you let him out of the crate every time he whines and cries he will never get use to it.
2006-12-22 15:54:37 · answer #6 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think crates are bad for animals. I feel like they're in jail when they're locked inside a crate. So I won't use them and I never have. I have a dog that's 2 yrs old and pups that are 16 weeks old. I've housebroken them without a crate. I used the 20 minut outside rule and it's worked great. I take them out every 20 min. to go. After a while you can up the time spans to 30, 45, and hour, etc. and they'll catch on. They'll even start going to the door when they want to go out.
2006-12-22 15:48:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
He's at a good age for crate training-he's just now old enough to have some bladder control. It's also time neuter him-it's easier to stop the marking behavoir before it ever starts!
Also, they make belly bands (one brand name is Mr. Wags Bad Boy Belly Bands) for male dogs-it can help control the mess when they are in the learning stage.
2006-12-22 15:48:02 · answer #8 · answered by hoodoowoman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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/aL2DG
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.
2016-05-14 18:37:09 · answer #9 · answered by Teresa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He'll be fine to crate train.
Just be sure that you know how to do it right. There are tons of websites that can help. Never use the crate as a punishment. Your dog should enjoy his crate, and think of it as a safe comfortable place.
2006-12-22 15:51:00 · answer #10 · answered by Emmy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋