privacy | contact | about | dog training blog

Crate Training for Very Young Puppies

The best time to crate train a dog is when they are young. That is not to say that an adult dog cannot be crate trained, but it is much easier to crate train a puppy.

If you have a puppy or you are considering bringing a puppy in your home, don't wait until they are older. For the best results, begin crate training immediately. Ideally, you should have a crate waiting when you bring your puppy home.

When crate training a puppy, keep in mind that puppies are not able to stay inside a crate for anywhere near as long as adult dogs. As your puppy grows older, he will be able to be in the crate for longer periods of time. An eight week old puppy that has just been weaned will only be able to stay in the crate for an hour at the most (at the very most). Do not expect him to be able to stay inside for longer. Keeping them in the crate for half an hour is better.

Also remember that all dogs, puppies in particular, need socialization. They should not be isolated. If possible, you might consider using two crates and place one in the living area of the home and the other in your bedroom so that your puppy can be close to you. It is extremely cruel to keep a puppy closed up in a crate all day or even for most of the day. This is what makes crate training cruel, and its not crate training - its extended confinement.

That said, most of us still have to go to work. If we can't leave the puppy in the crate all day, what do we do? If possible, enlist a friendly neighbor (or a couple of friendly neighbors) to stop by and give the puppy walks and play breaks during the day. Sometimes, there's an older person available that is terrific at this, and the play breaks become real treats for both the puppy and the elderly person. Having a teenager or older child stop by right after school is good, too - if they have proven themselves responsible.

If you can't get someone to stop by, you'll need to set up a play area - a small fenced area - either in a laundry room or a small bathroom or in a corner of the kitchen. Check out some of the baby gates available, and some of the dog enclosures that are made specifically for puppies.

If there's any way you can afford it, try to get the puppy to a dog daycare place at least once a week. If the puupy is very young, and still suspectible to Parvo, even spending the day with a friend's dog will make a big difference. Puppies need to be with other dogs - they need to learn dog etiquette so they can be comfortable, confident adult dogs.

When crate training a puppy, or a dog of any age, it is a good idea to develop a specific word that he will associate with going into the crate so that you can train him to go in on command. You might simply use 'crate' or 'kennel' to encourage him to go inside at the appropriate time.

Crate training your puppy early on will teach him how to be comfortable and relaxed while resting inside his crate during those time periods when you are otherwise occupied.

ARTICLES:
Crate Training a Puppy

Crate Training a Dog

How Crate Training Uses Your Puppy's Den Instinct

Potty Training for Puppies Under 16 Weeks Old

Your Puppy's First Night Home

Puppy Growling & How To Handle It

How to Stop Puppy Biting

Does Your Puppy Whine in Its Crate?

Crate Training for Very Young Puppies

How to Pick the Right Crate for Your Dog

Crate Training for Puppy Mill Puppies

The Importance of Eye Contact in Dog Training

How to Potty Train your Dog

How to Stop a Dog from Pulling When Walking on a Leash