Crate training

[lara-n-doug]

Can someone tell me how to use crate training as a tool for housebreaking? I was told I should Leave the dog in the crate at all times except for when feeding and taking her to go do her business for the first week, and if thats what it will take i will do it, but it sounds a bit harsh to me and i dont want her to think of her crate as a jail cell.

 

[cashisking]

I didn't do it that way

Not to say my way is right, but it is what worked.

I would put Cassius in for naps, and IMMEDIATELY take him out when he woke up, and WAIT outside until he did his business, and PRAISE like mad! Same for after meals, with a new puppy it is a good idea to take him out every hour, at least. The crate really just lets you have a little more control as far as housebreaking goes. Theoretically, a dog won't go where they sleep, this is not to say there won't be accidents along the way. PATIENCE and PRAISE for going out side.. If you are going to be around for that first week, I think as long as you can keep close watch on your baby, you don't have to confine him constantly.. Good rule of thumb is that pups can hoold it 1 hour per age in months plus one,(correct me if I am wrong) So Cassius is about 4 months now, he could probably hold it 5 hours, though he is never crated more than 4. If your baby is 8 weeks, then 3 hours is MAX..

It is frustrating at times, just remember it gets better everyday!

Good Luck

 

[cashisking]

oops

This was in response to crate training by lara n doug. I don't know how to move after posting

(Thread merged by moderator)

 

[Eric J]

I followed the teachings of Jean Donaldson in the book "The Culture Clash" for this one. In the beginning Jedi was kept in the crate most of the time. We would sit or lay down next to it and play through the bars. The first half hour after he potties you can play with the puppy out of the crate, but then back in you go, so no accidents happen.

As Jedi got older I increased his out time and now he is out more then in during the day. If you take him out and he doesn't go, crate for a half hour, take outside for potty again, then when they go, you have that half hour to play.

Jedi was in the crate from day 1 of coming home and he does not see it as a jail now. In the beginning he had issues with it (like most dogs will) but now it is just another place to hang. It is slowly becoming a refuge of safety for him.

If you haven't picked up the books Culture Clash and The Dog Listener (by Jan Fennel), do so. They will make the whole puppy process logical and easier on your sanity.