Another cage training thread..

[evanb]

I am bringing home my 8 week old fawn puppy tonight. I purchased a cage with divider and assorted toys. I have read many articles on this site as well as some other dog related sites.

I plan to put a couple toys inside the cage as well as some treats to intice the puppy. I was wondering if its ok not to put any type of towel or blanket inside the cage? I figured it would just get messed up so it would be easier to clean without. Am i missing anything here? Is their anything else that is recommended to put in the cage? I want to potty train the pup as soon as possible so any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Lolita]

Crate

I have crate trained two puppies now and with both of them I put down a blanket for them. I used a blanket that was washable because even thoough they never had accidents on them, they got that funky doggy smell after awhile. I usually wash them every week or two as needed.

 

[evanb]

Do you usually leave water in the crate?

 

[Ciscobxr]

I also use a blanket, and no food or water. How long will your pup be in there at a time? Cisco is never left longer than just a few hours, so that is why I do not worry about food or water in there.

 

[mancin]

I started Tyson out w/ a bed inside of the crate and the only time he's had an accident was when he was sick. You can try putting a bed in there, but if the puppy is in there for an extended period of time, it will be quite easy for her/him to relieve herself/himself on the bed and not have to worry about sitting in it because it will be soaked in. It's up to you. I don't think it's mean if you don't put a bed in there. I mean they do sleep on the floor sometimes after all.
As far as water goes, that again depends on how long the pup will be in the crate. You can buy a bottle that hooks onto the side of the crate that looks like a water bottle you'd give a hamster. That way they can get some water, but it won't be all over their crate. I believe I read another user put a bowl of frozen water in the crate, so the water wouldn't get all over the crate. It would be hard to get a sufficient amount of water this way until it was thawed, but again it comes back to how long the pup will be in the crate.

 

[evanb]

Thanks for the help. I am so excited so far. last night he cried for the 1st hour in the crate, then slept thru the night. I woke up around 6:30 played with him outside for a lil after he had a nice pee. I then put him back in the crate while I got ready for work, then fed him and took him for a 30 minute walk. He did not do his business during the walk which was upsetting since he did not go last night when I walked him as well.

Well i came home from lunch today, let him out back and he had a nice pee. I then fed him and then let him play in back and did a short walk in back and again no poo. Well I let him stay outside for a little bit alone and I came back and there it was. I hope the whining gets better each night and I hope he will get int the habit of going after he eats. I may try feeding him and then putting back in his cage while I get ready and then taking him for a walk. Any suggestions?

 

[Anna Begins]

Just a tip

Well i came home from lunch today, let him out back and he had a nice pee. I then fed him and then let him play in back and did a short walk in back and again no poo. Well I let him stay outside for a little bit alone and I came back and there it was. I hope the whining gets better each night and I hope he will get int the habit of going after he eats. I may try feeding him and then putting back in his cage while I get ready and then taking him for a walk. Any suggestions?

What I did was when Luka "went" I'd say the "comand" word I wanted to use so he would go when I wanted him to go. (I use "bathroom). I'd say it as he was going, and then of course, praise, praise, praise. Now he knows "bathroom" means "go now, please" :D
BTW- I've read it takes about 12 hrs for kibble to be digested. What are you feeding him?

 

[evanb]

I am feeding him science diet for puppies. Last night was miserable, he whined and barked for 8 hours straight. I got no sleep. When i got home I took him for a long walk he seemed tired by the end of the walk. Then let him hang out while we watched a movie and he layed by our side. When it was bed time he did his crying routine which had stopped the first night after aout an hour, but last night it went on from 11pm to 6:30 am when I took him out for a walk. He did not stop for a second, Can i try putting a sheet over the crate? What about moving the crate to a different room? I basiaclly ignore him when he whines which is what I heard is best

 

[KellysMom]

I am so glad I found this thread. I'm anxious to see what help you get because I am in the same boat! Harley SCREAMS all night long if left in a crate. It doesn't matter what room it's in...he just SCREAMS. I stopped putting him in because I feared the neighbors would call the police. I tried leaving the crate open in his area so he can get used to it. No way!! He has nothing to do with it. I keep him in the kitchen now and it's working ok but I know that crate training makes life so much easier. I wish I knew why he hates it so much.

 

[magoo's_mama]

Putting a sheet over the crate might help, have you thought about a radio next to the crate, Magoo liked NPR when he was little A ticking clock I've heard works well, or hot water bottle?