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Crate Training your Dog (at any age!)
posted on February 21, 2009
Today Margaret and Damian will be helping with a great subject, Crate Training Your Dog!
You have Probably been told by a well intentioned someone that you need to 'crate train' your dog. And that is great advice as long as your dog agrees with it! (because we know that some dogs bark in the crate, and whine in their cage, refuse to stay clean in the crate!)
In this cast we will give you tips to 'crate train' even the most reluctant dog.
We are aware that there are many names for a 'crate'. And you can substitute any you would like, kennel crate, den, confinement area, bathroom, house, whatever. We don't care as long as you choose to use it!
Please Enjoy!
Podcast Lenth: 11:30
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Friday, March 20, 2009 11:06 PM
Our puppy was born on Christmas day... She is being Crate trained. She no longer cries when place in the crate, and seems very confortable with it. Our problem is
sometimes we have found she has peed in the crate, now I was under the understanding that she would not pee in her crate. I read that it would be a good idea to make her sleeping area smaller, so she would have no place to pee - (since she would not sleep where she has peed).. Is this a good way to go? I don't hear her cry in the night to get out - we place her in the crate around 10:00PM and she is wanting out by 6:30AM and will go right out and pee in the AM with no problem. Should I set the alarm and get her up about 4AM to be sure to catch her. She is doing very well with going out side, as long as we keep her right by our sides.and watch for signs.
Thank you for any help you can give us.
Linda Huneycutt
Sunday, March 22, 2009 12:38 PM
Thank you for question! Unfortunately not all dogs got the memo about keeping the sleeping area clean.
All puppies want to be clean when they are born. Unfortunately not all breeders work to keep this instinct alive. The 3-week-old puppy will urinate and attempt to move away. If, however the puppy steps into another puddle he or she quits trying.
Here are the things to try with your new friend. Place the crate next to your bed. Your puppy will typically sleep longer since he hears your breathing and feels a part of the pack. You will hear his movements and respond quicker to his plea to go out. Setting an alarm clock may work in the short term but can backfire in the long term. Dogs become conditioned to ‘time’. Waking your dog up at 4:00 A.M. each morning will condition him to wake up at that time each morning.
Consider your dog’s feeding schedule. Try feeding him earlier and later. I know that sounds confusing but not all dogs respond the same to feeding schedules. If you are adding water to his food or feeding any type of canned or semi-moist food, consider switching to an all-dry kibble diet. Pick up your puppy’s water after 7 P.M. Offer ice cubes if he seems thirsty. Remove comfort items from your puppy’s crate such as towels and blankets.
Try making the space smaller. Be aware that sometimes making the space larger works better. You need to experiment. Placing a grate in your puppy’s crate so that if he does urinate, at least you are not constantly washing your puppy helps your morale.
Your puppy will benefit form our Basic Obedience 101 online course. Remember that the first lesson is free! Let me know if this helpful! Our mission is to help dogs through educating people!