How long should a puppy be in a puppy crate? This is the 6teenth article in series definitive guide to crate training puppies. So far, have you been through plenty of theory and practical talk in the preceding posts, it s now time to begin laying it to use and actually implementing it. In this post, demonstrate you how to crate train puppies and finally take them from always having just seen a crate in a store to being happily spending time inside it and even actively seeking it out as their favorite place of rest.
For this first step, you need to be consistent about keeping puppy in a crate at night without the toys. Puppies can be easily pacified by giving them a treat or food after they have been put in their crate. Keep doing this until puppy is used to the idea that when you say “let go” they will be able to roll up on their tummy to get the reward right away. If puppy wakes during the night to pee then do not give them any rewards otherwise they will think that it is normal to wake up to do their business. Once puppy understands that when you say “let go” he will be rewarded for using the litter box at night without the comfort of the familiar comfort of the crate.
The next step is to set up your dog’s crate in a very positive way, you do not want puppy to dread it because he knows that if he does not get his treats during the night he will have to go outside and do his business. A great way to do this is to put a leash on him and allow him free range of movement and then tie him up so he cannot run away. The door to puppy’s crate should be left open as this will create a positive association between the crate and the outside world. This is also the best way to potty train puppy because you are able to observe what puppy is doing. If puppy goes potty on the floor immediately lock the door and take him outside. This will create a positive association between the crate and potty breaks.
Try using a leash while puppy is still inside the crate. If puppy goes potty near the door praise him and give him some love and do not reprimand him. Puppy wants to please his owner and will become anxious if he does not receive his treats immediately. He may even become fearful or irritated if you reprimand him.
Step Four: After puppy has become accustomed to the use of the crate keep him there for an hour and then take puppy outside to finish his potty break. This step can be very effective. Just wait until puppy finishes his potty break and then take him outside. Puppy’s learn by repeating their actions over again. It will take puppy some time but with consistency in his training he will learn to go outside without anxiousness. Praise him when he goes outside to finish his potty break.
Step Five: During the first two weeks of puppy’s life his body is very sensitive and he can feel when somebody is around. For the first two weeks his crating schedule should be at least thirty minutes at a stretch. For example, at four in the evening he should be crated and then put in his crate during the night and come out again in the morning. You should keep changing his crating schedule so that it is not too much or too little.
Step Three: When he is about ten weeks old or just got his permanent puppy collar, you can increase his crating time from four to ten minutes. One good rule of thumb is if he is not whining, crying or anything else when you put him in his crate do not increase the time any further. If your dog whines do not give in to him. You need to remember this in order not to confuse your dog and to keep his mind off the fact that he is in his crate. After about ten minutes give him a pat on the head and say, “Good boy!”
Step Four: After about ten minutes, increase the amount of time he spends crating by one minute and do it every day after that. If puppy gets anxious and starts whining, you should stop the puppy immediately. If you praise him he will feel good and will try to please you by either by finishing his meal or by giving you some type of reward. The goal is to get him used to the idea of going into his crate and he will not be anxious when he gets there.