One of the very first things you will be working on with your puppy once you bring them home is crate training. Some people feel that crates are cruel but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A crate is a safe place for your puppy, and they will learn to love having their own cozy space. In addition dogs often need to be crated at the vets office or groomer, boarding facilities, during travel and are crucial in the event of natural disasters or emergencies.
There are several different options when choosing a crate. Wire kennels are convenient because they can be folded down and stored or transported easily, and usually come with a divider to make the kennel smaller for your young puppy. Plastic kennels have the advantage of feeling more den-like for your puppy, but the same can be achieved by covering your wire crate. For miniature sized puppies (under 20 lbs full grown) we recommend a 36” crate. Medium sized puppies (under 40 lbs full grown) a 42” crate. And standard sized puppies a 48” crate.
We like to place a kennel pad & blanket in the crate, something that will be easy to wash if your puppy has an accident. As well as a chew toy to entertain them, and a favorite toy. Keep the kennel door open for your puppy to explore its new crate. You can sit on the floor with your puppy and play with toys etc in and around the kennel. Try to make it a positive experience. We like to give a treat when we put the puppy in the kennel. Once trained, many dogs and puppies choose to rest in their kennel even when they don’t have to.
Puppies come with a pre-programmed need to be around their mother and littermates. The hardest part about crate training puppies is helping them understand that the crate doesn’t mean they will be separated from their family. For the first few days, have the puppy’s crate wherever you are when you’re home. This will encourage her to hang out in her den without feeling lonely or isolated. The best place is a central room like your kitchen or family room. But it’s best to keep her in the same room as you for the first bit. At night, I like to put a small carrier or kennel on my nightstand. This way the puppy doesn’t feel alone, and if they are crying I can put my fingers in the kennel and talk to the puppy to comfort it. This isn’t forever, just until your puppy adjusts to their new home and family. Then you can move the crate into its permanent place in your home.
Crate training a puppy takes time and patience. Stay focused on the end goal: giving your pup a safe, secure location to call her own.
There are several different options when choosing a crate. Wire kennels are convenient because they can be folded down and stored or transported easily, and usually come with a divider to make the kennel smaller for your young puppy. Plastic kennels have the advantage of feeling more den-like for your puppy, but the same can be achieved by covering your wire crate. For miniature sized puppies (under 20 lbs full grown) we recommend a 36” crate. Medium sized puppies (under 40 lbs full grown) a 42” crate. And standard sized puppies a 48” crate.
We like to place a kennel pad & blanket in the crate, something that will be easy to wash if your puppy has an accident. As well as a chew toy to entertain them, and a favorite toy. Keep the kennel door open for your puppy to explore its new crate. You can sit on the floor with your puppy and play with toys etc in and around the kennel. Try to make it a positive experience. We like to give a treat when we put the puppy in the kennel. Once trained, many dogs and puppies choose to rest in their kennel even when they don’t have to.
Puppies come with a pre-programmed need to be around their mother and littermates. The hardest part about crate training puppies is helping them understand that the crate doesn’t mean they will be separated from their family. For the first few days, have the puppy’s crate wherever you are when you’re home. This will encourage her to hang out in her den without feeling lonely or isolated. The best place is a central room like your kitchen or family room. But it’s best to keep her in the same room as you for the first bit. At night, I like to put a small carrier or kennel on my nightstand. This way the puppy doesn’t feel alone, and if they are crying I can put my fingers in the kennel and talk to the puppy to comfort it. This isn’t forever, just until your puppy adjusts to their new home and family. Then you can move the crate into its permanent place in your home.
Crate training a puppy takes time and patience. Stay focused on the end goal: giving your pup a safe, secure location to call her own.