Why Crate Training Your Puppy Is So Critical

Crate training your puppy as soon as possible should be your first priority for his well being and the best decision you can make in his life. It ensures all the other steps in his training happen so much more smoothly, much like a solid foundation makes for a superior structure.

It will establish you as the alpha member of his "pack" which is another good reason for crate training your puppy when he is very young.

A further reason for puppy crate training is that dogs love predictability. To know what is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy, and more apt to be the best behaved dog he can possibly be.

A strong crate is the basis of good puppy training and a wire crate with a lock is the best kind. Make sure it is large enough for him to stand up and turn around in but that's all. A too large crate will inhibit house breaking.

A crate of just the right size will be perceived as his "nest", where he'll never "go potty". They will learn to hold on if you don't make a prison out of the crate. Never leave a puppy under 8 weeks of age any longer than one hour in his crate or he will soil it, after struggling and suffering for as long as he can.

Put a nice pad inside with a bone. If you begin with a tasty treat, he will go in and get it. Do this several times without closing the door. Then let him come in and out freely for an hour or so. Praise highly each time your puppy goes into the crate to make sure he feels good about it.

Then when his attention is on his treat, close the door. Praise him quietly, eg "Good boy, it's okay, you're a good boy". After 10 to 20 seconds, no longer, let him out without a word, no praise, just a pat. Do this for increasingly longer intervals, but do not give him a chance to get upset. Do this several times the first day.

Make sure every training session ends on a happy note, as this is crucial.

Once he sees the crate is his own private territory, he will go in there on his own, expecting treats and your attention. When he does, say, "Wanna crate?" with a big smile while getting his treats. Put the treats in the crate with him and then leave the room for 2 minutes. When you return, don't make a fuss; just walk over and open the crate.

In 3 days he will be officially crate trained, ready to be left alone for an hour, but no longer at first. Gradually leave him longer, though slowly and carefully.

Note: Do not make a prison of his crate. Do not use it as punishment. Do not leave him there for more than 2 hours; just long enough for a nap and some chew time. Longer than that and he will cry but don't remove him while he is crying. This will make him think he has to cry to get out. Make sure he is being good when you open the door so he will learn he has to be quiet to get out.

When you are letting him out, just quietly open the door and take him out to potty. After he potties, praise him to high heaven! Dogs naturally don't soil where they nest, but occasionally it happens. Don't scold him, just clean it out with a bland face. If possible, try to clean it while he is outside so he returns to a clean crate

Remember, crate training at a young age is critical for a dogs well being.