Getting our boxer in about a week

[myboxergriz]

Hi all, this is my first post and I was hoping to get some good insight. My wife and I are set to pick up our pup (Griswald) in about a week. We plan on Crate Training him and we will start Potty Training immediatley. I have been researching crate training and there are a multitude of answers out there, so I thought I would ask the best source, you guys. any advice you have for a new puppy owner would be welcomed with open arms. Thanks in Advance.

 

[Swampo]

I'm sure you'll get a lot of advice on the best way to handle house breaking. Here's what worked for us.... Confine your pup to one area where you will be. We used the living room and baby-gated all of the doors leading out of the room. We took ours out(on leash) about every 45 mins to an hour to begin with. With each trip out, we would say "Let's go pee-pee" and took them out the same door every time. When they did their business, we praised, praised, praised and gave them each a small treat. Always take your pup out immediately after eating or sleeping. At night, ours were each crated. We would take them once in the middle of the night (2 or 3 am) and then put them back in their crates. Occasionally they would whine and let us know they needed another trip out. Usually though, once a night was the standard for a while. Have lots of patience. Even with the best intentions and a watchful eye, accidents are going to happen. When they do, just clean up the mess and move on! They will eventually get it. (side note: Now when we say the word "pee-pee" they go right to the door. Or...if said outside, they will go and potty!)

 

[jrczib]

Hi!

Well first of all Congratulations to your new addition.

Our Bruno was a "little" bit slow (I think) with house training. We got him when he was nearly 8 weeks old, the breeder did not have him crate trained, but we started with it as soon as he came home. We have started by putting in a toy or a treat in crate - still open so he could go in and out. After couple of times, we have shut the crate for about 5 mins, still staying in the room....and then 10 mins, then we left room for 10 mins, or so, so he got used to it a bit. He did cry at the beginning, then by the end of the day he was happy to stay in it.....for about 15 mins, .
The first night was a nightmare! I didn't have much experience with crate training, so I left my gorgeous puppy in, crying at times, all night! Not a good idea as he has pood and weed in the crate. So next night I set allarm for 12am and 3am, and took him out. After about 2 weeks, I set allarm for 2am, we had to do this for another 4 weeks! I was shattered! But when he was about 13 or 14 weeks old, he could sleep through, most of nights and if he needed to do "business" he'd whimper. So, we have cracked it! Now, Bruno is 20 month old, the crate is long gone and forgotten about and he is good. Sleeps all night - and most of the day, hard life being a dog, . I now work from home - most of the time anyway, so he has a company(not much when i have to work, but better than nothing) and I don't feel guilty leaving him all on his own. (I used to work p/t so he was left 5hrs on his own).
Anyway, I wrote a lot more than I wanted, so sorry for rambling on.
My advice is: Every dog/pup is different. so at least at the beginning let them set the pace. Good luck ;-)

 

[bawlinkids]

Another important thing I think is to bring them in as soon as they are finished. That way they will relate to why they are out there in the first place.

 

[myboxergriz]

Thanks to all

Many thanks to everyone. We got Griz about a week early but he is doing great so far. We started crate training right away when we got home (Well after some play time, and showing off to the family) but he did great. When it was time to go to bed we coaxed him into the crate and then proceeded to get ready for bed but he went haywire, so we got ready then I took him out and layed with him till he fell asleep and then woke him up and patted his bed in the crate and he went right in and didn't make a peep until he needed to go out at about 1am and 2am then it was lights out until about 6. Last night was the second night and he did awesome, he got up a few more times but he never cried like a baby. Sorry so long just wanted to give everyone the update.

 

[larrygs]

Congratulations on getting your pup!

Let me add to the good advice. It is also important is to be very consistent with feeding, play and sleep schedule. For us this meant Layla went to bed exactly at 9pm, woke at 6 am, included potty times during the night AND included nap times in the crate during the day. This was begun once Layla was comfortable with her crate, about 2-3 days.

This will really help get him and you in a rhythm. You will pretty quickly anticipate his poop/pee pattern. For example upon waking from a nap, immediately go outside. You will have less accidents and more reinforcement for learning house breaking.

Another nice thing about scheduled nap times is time for yourself. Your pup will soon begin exploring the world and will require your constant attention/guidance. There is no end to the things a 3-6+ month old boxer pup can get into. Puppies nap quite often during the day anyway. You can get things done, or relax, knowing he is napping in the crate.

BTW, we also give Layla a "special" treat every time she goes to her crate. We just say "go to bed" and she will fly through the house, open her crate door, and wait for us to catch up. The special treat is nothing more than a small milk bone. However it is the only time she gets it. We use different treats for other training.

Have fun with your pup!