Puppy
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8 min
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Alongside toilet training and your usual ‘sit’ and ‘paw’ commands, crate training is often top of the list when it comes to settling in your new puppy.
Although puppy brains are little sponges ready to soak up any new tricks, crate training can be one of the more difficult things to perfect. But when you’ve nailed it, it can come in handy for the rest of your puppy’s training, or for any other scenario where your pup needs a safe space.
We have all the expert advice you need to perfect your pup’s crate training, and create the best space for them to nap and settle.
There are many reasons and benefits to crate training your puppy. Some of these include:
The features of your crate should match the type of puppy you have, and should remain suitable for them as they grow.
When shopping around for their crate, be sure to consider the following:
Whether you’ve reached the end of your crate training or are in the midst of it - having a place where your pup’s happy to give you a break from all the chaos can feel like a god sent.
However, it’s very easy to misuse this new training tool and cause problems for your pup in the long run. This might include encouraging destructive and attention-seeking behaviour, causing anxiety or even physical harm. And no one wants that!
When crate training, be sure to remember the following;
Crate training is going to look different for each puppy, but however you approach it, it’s always good to stay patient, calm and most importantly - positive!
When beginning your pup’s crate training, consider the following steps;
1. Get the crate cosy. You don't need extensive bedding inside your puppy's crate, just something to cover the bottom of it. Perhaps you could pop in the blanket you brought them home in, or something that smells like you to keep them calm.
A soft basket or bed that’s specifically for crates are also great, just as long as they don’t take up too much space.
2. Introducing your puppy to their crate. Once the crate is set up and ready, show it to your pup! They’ll already be curious, so let them sniff and explore at their leisure. Open up the door and show them all the strange noises and movements it makes to help reduce any nervousness or anxiety.
3. Encouraging them inside on their own. As tempting as it may be just to plonk them in there, you should allow your pup to make their own way inside their crate. This way, they can feel entirely comfortable, and you can avoid any stress.
4. Reward them once inside and create a positive space. Once they’ve happily made it in, reinforce this behaviour by telling them how good they are - and don’t forget those treats!
For the perfect puppy training treat, try our Puppy Jerky! Small in size but mighty in taste, our Puppy Jerky makes for the best high-value treat - which is a must when it comes to keeping your puppy’s focus during training.
You can pair this with additional training to introduce ‘crate’ or ‘basket’ cues. This way, your pup can learn to go in their crate when asked.
5. Gradually, practice having the door shut. When your puppy is completely happy being inside their crate, start shutting and locking the door
Whilst they’re inside, keep up with providing treats, a calm demeanour and a positive attitude, especially when they’re sitting quietly and comfortably. Open and close the gate whilst they’re in there to get them accustomed to the action.
6. Begin distancing yourself from the crate. Now your pup is fully acquainted with their crate, gradually begin distancing yourself once you’ve shut the door.
Keep stepping back and returning to your pup until you’re eventually out of their eyeline, or even out of the room. Once they’re happy and quiet, open the crate back up and reward them with treats and a well-deserved fuss.
If you have blankets over the crate, you can also practice covering it whilst gradually distancing yourself.
7. Listen out for your pup. Once you’ve built up your training to the point where you can leave the room, you can begin to lengthen the time until going back to them.
When you’ve stepped away, listen out for their reaction. If they start to whine, take a moment to see if they eventually calm down. If it sounds like they’re beginning to get too stressed, quietly visit the crate to let them know you’re still there. Try placing your hand on the crate so they can smell you instead of opening the crate. That way they can learn that their cries won’t result in getting their own way.
This can also be handy when crate training at night. If your pup cries, visit them without making too much of a fuss - opting for hush tones and a little bit of attention until they’ve settled again.
8. Take them out for a pee or poop when needed. Usually when your puppy’s crying during crate training, they’re looking for attention or they need to pee or poop. Be sure to consider the latter when attending to your puppy which will help deter them from having accidents in their crate, as well as teaching them that crying in their crate will only result in going on a potty break.
9. Repeat until they can sit in their crate quietly and peacefully. After a lot of back and forth, positive reinforcement and a whole lot of patience, your puppy should learn that their crate is a happy place - one where they can nap and feel safe.
Once your pup‘s stopped whining when left in their crate, and can quickly settle, you’re ready to continue to use their crate for the remainder of their training.
Crate training can be difficult and may throw some spanners into your family life. But it should always be approached gradually and strategically with your pup’s wellbeing at the forefront of your mind.
When crate training, be prepared to tackle the following;
1. Whining and crying. And we do mean from your pup - that said being kept up all night by a screaming pup might make you shed a few tears too! But not to worry, with a tight crate training schedule, this will turn itself around in no time.
For ultimate dog pawrent etiquette, be sure to warn any neighbours of potential late-night whining, and assure them you’re doing all you can to make it a temporary thing.
2. Separation anxiety. Placing your puppy in the crate is probably going to be the first time they've spent some time away from you since you brought them home.
This is going to trigger some separation anxiety at first, which may present itself as excessive whining, chewing, little accidents and getting nervous as soon as you start showing signs of leaving them in the crate.
However, with the right training and attention to positive reinforcement, pups will soon begin to see their crate as their safe space, curbing any feelings of anxiety.
3. Stress. Sleeping on their own and being in a new space can cause your pup stress, and all the reactive behaviours that can come with it. However, be sure to be patient with your pup as, with the right training, they’ll pick it up soon enough.
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