Crate right away?

[tab_b]

just wondering...should I be introducing Cash to the crate right away when he comes home, or should it be a gradual thing? Like maybe start it out as more of a place for his toys, then gradually turn it into his bed? I'm just wondering what you guys have done with your new babies.

Thanks!

 

[Jan]

I would do it right away. Well at least at bedtime that night. That was the first time that Moto went into his crate. Make sure that the crate is right beside your bed, within reach of your hand. When your puppy fusses, you can put your hand down so that he can sniff it. It will comfort him to know that you are nearby. Moto was pretty good. He only barked and whined for 10 minutes or so. It is important that you ignore him and don't say anything. Just put your hand down so that he can sniff it. Praise him when he is quiet.

Good luck!

 

[Lola's mum]

Both of mine were introduced to the crate right away, Lola never did take to it so we relented but Zeb loved his.

 

[tab_b]

I would do it right away. Well at least at bedtime that night. That was the first time that Moto went into his crate. Make sure that the crate is right beside your bed, within reach of your hand. When your puppy fusses, you can put your hand down so that he can sniff it. It will comfort him to know that you are nearby. Moto was pretty good. He only barked and whined for 10 minutes or so. It is important that you ignore him and don't say anything. Just put your hand down so that he can sniff it. Praise him when he is quiet.

Good luck!

Jan, I'm a little confused...I know I'll need to praise him when he's quiet, but won't that just start the whole noise-making thing again?

Also, it's a pretty decent-sized crate. I won't have a "proper" divider, so I'm assuming a stiff piece of cardboard will do the trick?

As far as blankets/bedding...I'm thinking that a few days/nights before he comes home, I'll sleep with the blanket I'll be putting in his crate. Is this an okay idea, do you think?

 

[Jan]

I not sure how long a piece of cardboard will contain you puppy. A strong cardboard box might work better.

Praise is fine as long as they are being good. It's very important that you don't say a thing when they are protesting their confinement. Hard though it is, you must ignore it.

Take a towel with you when you go to pick him up and rub it all over his mom and littermates.

 

[tab_b]

Oh duh! What a great bunch of ideas! Thanks, Jan!!

 

[cagham]

Please excuse my ignorance but it seems that a lot of people on this board put their dogs in crates. What are these? Our dogs sleep in doggy beds on the floor in our bedroom and then are put outside in our backyard during the day. Our Sylas is 9 weeks old and when he is inside at night we cuddle him because he is just so yummy. Should we bring his bed into our lounge room and make him sleep in there while we watch tv instead of cuddling him so that he knows that is his spot to lie down. I can just imagine when he is full grown trying to sit on my knee to watch tv. I don't want to confuse him just because he is cute and cuddly at the moment.

 

[ELubas]

Hi. Crates are "homes" for the dog. They come in different sizes, etc. but basically it is a safe, secure place for your dog whether while housebreaking as a pup or to keep them out of mischief whil you are out. My dogs will retreat there if they are tired for a quiet place to take a nap. Crate traning is also great as if you ever have to board your dog or he is at eth vet he will be used to being crated and it will comfort him-it will be familiar. To your other point whatever you allow now the dog will expect to continue so if you think the time will come you do not want to sleep with him, have him on the couch, etc. you best start retraining him now One last thing-is it warm where you live? Do they have shelter outside? Nine weeks is young to be outside all day-but I live in a very cold climate so that would never work this time of year. Best of luck to you

 

[cagham]

We are in our last month of summer in Australia, I live at the bottom of the country and we have reasonably mild summers and winters. Our backyard has plenty of shade and we have snuggly outside beds for our dogs. They are usually in and out anyway as I don't work fulltime. The crates sound like a good idea but I've never seen one. Might see if I can found some on the net.
Also he is white should I be sunscreening him? Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Deacon]

Correct me if i am wrong someone. I read some where that white boxers are more prone to sunlight then normal color dogs because of the light colored skin is more sensitive and will burn more easily. So leaving him/her out in the sun for extended times during the day could cause skin problems and is not recommend. They are not albino despite what people think or say. they do have brown eyes albinos do not.