to late to crate???

[shidea]

hello there. I was just wondering if it is to late to start crate training my puppy? He is now 12 weeks old we have had him for 4 weeks and not tried this yet because I'm home with him all day.I am planing to return to work in the next few weeks so I was wondering if I could start crating him? He sleeps in bed with us at night which I don't mind but if I am able to start crate training should I make him sleep in there at night also? thanks for all the help

 

[jdvz79]

I would try starting him off slowly. one hour here one hour there, then move into a couple hours. The rule of thumb is to never leave them in the crate longer than one hour past their age in months....eg.........3 months old= 4 hours in the crate. We crate our boys while were gone and they sleep with us at night, or else they would in their crate the majority of the day.

 

[bustermom]

It's never too late to start crate training!

Actually, you have a wonderful opportunity since you're home for a few more weeks. Start getting him used to the crate in all positive ways - give him treats in it, let him nap in it; the crate is the place where all marvelous things happen! Once he associates the crate with good stuff, then you can close him in for short periods at a time.

If he's like a lot of other dogs (Buster included! :rolleyes: ) he'll let you know that he's not real thrilled the first several times he gets crated with the door shut. We made a point of keeping things very calm when we put him in his crate and when we let him out - it was always no big deal and nothing to "stress over". Also, you have to do your best to ignore the crying (or screaming in our case - Buster takes everything to the extreme!) and only let him out when he's quiet. Otherwise, he'll associate his crying with being rewarded by getting out...and will continue.

There is a TON of advice and "how-to info" here on crate training - more stories and personal experience than can be crammed into a single post. Do a search on "crate training" (blue search button on top right) and you'll be amazed.

Good luck and keep us posted! And put up some pics when you get a chance - puppy pictures are an addiction! :D

 

[Atlas]

I agree with what Gloria has said.

It is never to late to crate train, just make sure that when you do you make it a positive and rewarding experience.