How To Sleep Crate Train A Puppy – Home / New pet / New dog / How to crate train a dog: a step-by-step guide from an expert
If you’ve just brought home a new dog, potty training is probably high on your priority list. What if we told you there was a way to simplify the home training process
How To Sleep Crate Train A Puppy
Help your puppy feel calm and safe at the same time? It’s true – and it’s all about crate training.
Crates Are Forever
What is crate training? It’s the process of helping your dog learn to spend time in his crate – and eventually, to adopt it as his own personal space in your home. Crate training involves your puppy’s natural tendency to keep their sleeping area clean – they are less likely to go potty where they hang out and sleep. Using a crate also has benefits beyond just potty training; it also helps keep your dog safe and out of mischief when you’re not around to supervise, plus it provides a comfortable haven when the hustle and bustle of the household gets overwhelming and your pup wants to relax.
But crate training involves more than simply putting the dog in the crate and closing the door. Dogs need to gradually adjust to spending time in their crates, with lots of positive encouragement from you. Rush the process and you risk causing stress and anxiety in your puppy, which can create negative associations with the crate that are difficult to overcome.
So how do you crate train a dog and what do you need to know to get started? We have your complete guide to crate training a dog.
Advantages of crate training Crate training supplies Crate location How to crate train a dog: step by step, tips and tricks
Puppy Crate Training Demystified — Brilliant Family Dog
Your dog’s crate may look like an ordinary crate to you, but if you use it properly, it will be one of your pup’s favorite places—besides your lap, of course. Here’s how crates can help both you and your dog:
Some pet parents worry that “crating your dog” might be cruel, but the reality is far different. Yes, it’s true that one benefit of crates is that they keep your dog safe (and out of mischief). But when used properly, your dog’s crate won’t look like a cage. In fact, you will feel right at home! The trick is to introduce the crate gradually, without rushing your dog to adjust to it before leaving him alone in it. Let them settle into the crate on their terms and your puppy will repay you with a peaceful and happy crate stay for years to come.
If you want your dog’s crate to be his happy place, you have to make sure it’s just right for him. Here’s what you’ll need:
Once you start looking at crates, you’ll see that there are many options. Choosing the right crate for your own puppy is not difficult if you consider a few things:
Puppy Schedule (potty, Sleep, Feeding & Crate Training Schedule)
First is the type of crate, which can be classified into two categories: aircraft-style hard plastic crates, like the Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel, or wire crates like the Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. Most pups can learn to be comfortable in either type, but wire crates have more options when it comes to fitting doors and adjusting the size of the partitioned interior.
Next, you’ll need to choose the correct size – one of the most important considerations when figuring out how to crate train a dog. Your dog crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably, but not much bigger. While it’s tempting to buy an oversized crate to give your puppy more room, this can disrupt the potty training process by giving your puppy room to go to the bathroom at one end while staying dry at the other.
Puppy parents, especially large breed puppies, can anticipate their dog’s growth by purchasing the largest crate their dog will need when fully grown and using an adjustable crate divider to keep the available space within the right size. The Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate comes with a divider and is available in sizes up to XL, so your crate can grow with your pooch.
The perfect place for a dog crate is a place that is quiet enough for your pup to rest, but not so far away that it is isolated from the household (so the garage or basement is outside). The corner of the living room, dining room or other space where the family regularly gathers is an ideal place.
Is It Necessary To Use A Crate For Potty Training?
The position of the crate is especially important at night, especially for young puppies who often need to go potty at least once before morning. You’ll want to put the crate close enough to your d that you can hear them asking to come out – and somewhere that’s easy for you to get to, so you don’t have to fumble around in the middle of the night. If keeping the crate in your bedroom isn’t an option, consider using a dog monitor near the crate so you can hear when your pooch needs a potty trip.
It can be beneficial to purchase two crates, especially for pet parents with larger dogs who need oversized crates that are not easy to move. Keep one in the common area where your puppy will be during the day and one where he sleeps at night.
One of the secrets to successful kennel training is to give your dog enough time to feel comfortable inside the crate before you close the door and leave him alone for the first time. The goal is for your puppy to have a positive association with being inside, so the crate feels like a safe and comfortable place to rest—and you can’t rush that feeling. So remember:
. Spend as much time as you need on each step to ensure your dog is happy and stress-free. This is how you lay the foundation for a lifetime of waiting for their crate.
Crate Training Your Deaf Dog
Start the crate training process by keeping the crate door open and letting your puppy explore it at his own pace. Drop a treat inside and praise the dog when he comes in to eat it, then give him another while he’s in the crate. You can also entice your dog with a work toy filled with treats – anything to make that crate as attractive as possible! Be happy and cheerful as your puppy explores the crate, making sure to praise him a lot when he gets inside. Keep the door open at this stage.
Practice this step as many times as necessary to get your dog comfortable in the crate. At this stage, the choice to enter the crate is up to your puppy. Don’t force them if they seem reluctant. If your dog is hesitant to come inside, you can give him treats to reward him for taking a step in the right direction, such as looking at him or stepping toward him. These small successes will encourage your pup to keep going! If they don’t come near him, simply leave the treats inside for them to pick up when they are ready.
Once your puppy has formed a positive association with going to the crate, he will be ready for some longer sessions inside. First, play with your dog and take him outside for a potty break—this will help him calm down when it’s time to crate. Then give them a lightly stuffed toy to enjoy in the crate. Stay close while they enjoy the treats and experiment with closing the door while your pup enjoys the toys and treats inside. Let your dog out immediately after he finishes his treats or at any barking, whining, or pawing at the crate that might indicate he wants to go out. Again, continue this step until your dog is relaxed and shows no signs of stress inside the crate.
In subsequent sessions behind closed doors, try to leave the room after your dog has focused on the toy. Listen at the door for whining or barking that tells you your puppy is ready to go out. But at this stage, your dog might surprise you by settling easily into the crate. In fact, if you time your play session, potty breaks, and crate time right, you might come back to find a puppy napping in the crate!
Crates 101: A Guide To Crate Training
If your dog is okay with you going away for a while, try leaving him for longer periods of time: one minute, then five minutes, then 10. If your puppy stays content inside, try leaving the house for short periods of time. You can use the pet cam to check on them while you’re away.
If your dog still won’t settle into the crate, he may experience separation anxiety or discomfort. See our tips on how to deal with a dog’s separation anxiety, especially with a puppy, and talk to your vet for tailored advice
