Crate Training Question...?

Question

Okay... So, I adopted a really nice, friendly 8-week old puppy from the shelter a couple days ago and bought a crate (with hopes of crate-training her) yesterday. Before I begin trying to train her, though, I have a question about the whole process...
In all of the articles I've been reading on the matter, it is stated that the puppy should be gradually introduced to the crate (first fed in the crate, later left in the crate for short periods of time, and lastly left in the crate while I'm at work/asleep).
Here's the question: since leaving her in the crate while she sleeps - or I'm at work - comes last, what should I do in the meanwhile? Should I just allow her to roam around the house as she's been doing while I've been at work (or sleep in bed with me at night)? Or, should I just disregard the order of the steps and simply have her spend the night in the crate to begin with (instead of working up to the in a step-by-step process)?

PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer 1

Depends on the dog and your desires. Some dogs love their crates and use them as a private place of their own> Ideally, the crate is left open and the dog can come and go at will and he uses it as a sleeping place.

If you are going to potty train with a crate that's an entirely different matter. Dog is in the crate and taken out to pee every hour or so until he learns to go out. You can place a bell near the door down low and each time you take him out let him see you ring the bell. Eventually, use her nose or paw to ring the bell. With luck she will use the bell later, to tell you she wants out.

An 8 week old has a SMALL bladder and should go out at least every hour. If you are at work, pin her up in the bathroom with papers or one of those pee/pads from the pet store. It is not a good situation to work and have an 8 week old. She should not be left in the crate for 8 hours without a break.
You don't want her to pee in the crate and long periods she will not have a choice...nature will call.

If she has been left out and suddenly introduced to the crate she may think it is punishment and that is not good. It should be a happy place for her.

luck

Answer 2

I think that the pup is supposed to be in the crate at night, and when ever you cannot pay total attention to her. If you need to do laundry, dishes, vacuumn, in the crate she goes. When you are done, you put her on leash and take out side and give her a verbal cue like "lets go potty" or "do your business".....this is not play time...you ignore her. If after 10 -20 min, bring back in, but watch her......you should be having her out after playing, eating and after sleep times.

There are alot of good crate training sites, you might also just ask your vet if they have a simple crate training guide.

Also, if you just got her from the shelter she is used to spending time in a crate or cage.....use that to your advantage. And remember, she is just a baby, and be prepared for accidents. Never hit a puppy for house training accidents.

Good luck.

Answer 3

The puppy stays in the crate all the time. When you take her out you take her potty right away. Play with her then put her back. First thing she always does when she first comes out is goes potty. Then you can play. (Be sure to praise her when she goes.) Don't let her roam free. Food and water should be kept outside the cage and fed when you bring her out. Try again after eating and before putting away to go potty. Good luck. I have an 8 year old dog who has NEVER went in my house due to this training. It's the best way.

Answer 4

Ideally, you'd have a confined area that you could still put the dog in (a bathroom, laundry room, etc), where it can't do any damage.

However, try putting the dog in the crate before you worry too much. She might already be familiar with crates and might not mind being in them.

Answer 5

When we did it, we started out with nighttime in the crate on the very first night. When he cried, we took him out to go potty and put him back with no fuss. He quickly learned that crying for attention didn't work, but if he had to go potty, then he was let out immediately.

As for work, my husband came home to check on puppy a couple times a day early on and let him out. He works close by.

We did not do a gradual introduction - we just started using it from day one and our dog did fine.

Answer 6

disregarding the step-by-step is likely to end in a miserable experience for both of you. try to keep the puppy confined in a room with no carpet and puppy-proofed (such as kitchen) using a baby gate; keep the crate in that room also (during the day anyway) with the door open and blanket or towel and something with your scent on it (old sweaty t-shirt works well). that will signal to the puppy that the crate IS a safe place to sleep, but not prison. rushing crate-training is what makes most puppies have accidents in their crates as well as rejecting it and crying/barking. best wishes!

Answer 7

I never heard of feeding in a crate. I wouldn't think that that is a good idea. I heard of treats and toys in the crate though. I think you should put her in the crate while you are at home, but doing things like taking a shower. She will whine at first but she'll get over it.

Answer 8

I would NOT advise leaving an 8 week old puppy out to roam while you are asleep or at work.
A mess will happen, and there are too many unsafe things for the puppy to get into.
The crate is the safest place for her!

Answer 9

She already has been exposed to living in a cage in the shelter environment. Continue to use the crate before she learns how to play you.

Answer 10

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