Crate Training Puppies

[pleasteasme]

Anyone have recommendations?

A good resource book or website?

Crate recommendations?

I need to learn - quick like!

 

[Cathleen]

One thing I do know... if you have a large crate then you'll want to leave only enough room for the puppy to just turn around it. He/She won't go to the bathroom where it sleeps so you keep the space to a minimum.

On PBS there is ''Uncle Matty'' - he really is good. It all makes sense.

http://www.unclematty.com/index_flash.htm

Marc Morrone is good too.

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=page-cat&id=cat18638



Edit: Tease, ummm, considering your new av etc, are you sure it's puppies you need info on and not men?

 

[pleasteasme]

Thanks Cate!

Looks like a great site.

On the crate thing...conceivably I will end up purchasing several size crates then?

 

[Cathleen]

Thanks Cate!

Looks like a great site.

On the crate thing...conceivably I will end up purchasing several size crates then?

No, I don't think so. If you get a piece of plywood cut to size then you can continue to move it backwards as the critter grows.

btw, I added another link there too.

So... what, when, how ... details woman! Do we get to name it?

 

[pleasteasme]

No, I don't think so. If you get a piece of plywood cut to size then you can continue to move it backwards as the critter grows.

btw, I added another link there too.

So... what, when, how ... details woman! Do we get to name it?

The funny thing is it has to do with my crappy day yesterday. I got bit by a dog at a student's house. Went back over there after a meeting this evening and was admiring their dogs (thankfully the biter was penned up). I mentioned I wanted a puppy...they were on the phone in a minute and *BAM!* I am the proud new owner of a Queensland heeler pup! I pick her up on Monday.

I will entertain names. She is red & white. I can't wait!

 

[pleasteasme]

Edit: Tease, ummm, considering your new av etc, are you sure it's puppies you need info on and not men?

Ironic how the av works into the mix, isn't it?



Are there any good resources, books, or websites on men? I'm all about learning, you know?!


*giggles*

 

[Not Normal]

We have crates for both of our dogs. Besides the size thing for puppies I have a few suggestions.

Put the crate near where you spend a lot of time. Ours are in the living room. Leave it open so the dog can go in whenever it wishes. Put a comfy bed in the crate. If the dog goes in on it own accord, praise it just like when it sits and you say "good dog."

What has happened with our dogs is that their crates are their rooms. The go in and lay down when they feel like it. If one doesn't want to play with the other they go in. If we're playing rough and they've had enough they go in. We put them in when we leave and when we go to bed. We just say, "got to bed" and they go right in. If we're leaving they usually get a treat for going in, but at bedtime they don't.

 

[pleasteasme]

We have crates for both of our dogs. Besides the size thing for puppies I have a few suggestions.

Put the crate near where you spend a lot of time. Ours are in the living room. Leave it open so the dog can go in whenever it wishes. Put a comfy bed in the crate. If the dog goes in on it own accord, praise it just like when it sits and you say "good dog."

What has happened with our dogs is that their crates are their rooms. The go in and lay down when they feel like it. If one doesn't want to play with the other they go in. If we're playing rough and they've had enough they go in. We put them in when we leave and when we go to bed. We just say, "got to bed" and they go right in. If we're leaving they usually get a treat for going in, but at bedtime they don't.

Thanks NN. I've been looking up info on the net but, would rather hear what works from people that have done it. What type of crate do you use? (open wire or like a shipping crate?)

Thanks again!

 

[Quoll]

The funny thing is it has to do with my crappy day yesterday. I got bit by a dog at a student's house. Went back over there after a meeting this evening and was admiring their dogs (thankfully the biter was penned up). I mentioned I wanted a puppy...they were on the phone in a minute and *BAM!* I am the proud new owner of a Queensland heeler pup! I pick her up on Monday.

I will entertain names. She is red & white. I can't wait!

Typically she would be named Blue because of her colouring, the same as a bald man would be called curly.
They are good dogs, headstrong and loyal (protective) and they don't call them heelers without good reason, be firm with her, just as you would a man. I wonder what size crate EJ takes!

 

[Cathleen]

We have crates for both of our dogs. Besides the size thing for puppies I have a few suggestions.

Put the crate near where you spend a lot of time. Ours are in the living room. Leave it open so the dog can go in whenever it wishes. Put a comfy bed in the crate. If the dog goes in on it own accord, praise it just like when it sits and you say "good dog."

What has happened with our dogs is that their crates are their rooms. The go in and lay down when they feel like it. If one doesn't want to play with the other they go in. If we're playing rough and they've had enough they go in. We put them in when we leave and when we go to bed. We just say, "got to bed" and they go right in. If we're leaving they usually get a treat for going in, but at bedtime they don't.

My sister did the same thing. He would go in when he was tired or needed to away from the business of the home and kids. He also wasn't allowed in the living room or upstairs.

Eventually they stopped using it and then when I was taking care of the kids for a week I had him sleeping upstairs with me! I'm bad that way.

Welcome to Lit NN.

 

[Guest]

 

[cloakedlover]

*BAM!* I am the proud new owner of a Queensland heeler pup! I pick her up on Monday.



I have two Heelers: 1 blue and 1 more white - Their names are Riggin' and Cisco. They (the breed) are some of the brightest dogs out there, but Quoll is right - be extremely firm with the pup and create repetitive and consistent rewards & consequences with him/her. Cisco is very protective of me perhaps even more so since I "dog-napped" him from a terrible place where he was severely mistreated.

Also, we crate trained our dogs, which worked very well as long as you are able to let them out at least once every 8 hours. Also make sure the pup has pleasant experiences with its crate - we always fed ours in it so they had a good association with the crate itself. But we also have a large amount of acreage that they run on. I'm sure you know they need tons of exercise to burn off the energy they build up. I am well-versed on animal training; so if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Congrats on the new addition to your household

 

[EJFan]

cloaked and NN made some really good suggestions, along with all the other good information.

i started crate training my dogs when my golden decided to bite a hole in my waterbed (came home to see a very nice fountain in the middle of my bedroom).

the only thing i can really add is NEVER put them in their crate as a punishment for anything. also (i haven't tried this but have read it a time or two) if they're not getting over the anxiety of being in the crate you can lie next to it with your hand or fingers through the wire for a short period of time... gradually reduce the time until they stop needing your presence.

soft music playing or a ticking clock nearby can also be very calming for them while you're not around. i always played music for my dogs when i was away at work/school.

congratulations on the new pooch!

 

[Straight-8]

Dog training

At last, something I actually know something about!!

A dog relates to a crate as a den. Therefore, a 'solid' crate is what you need: doksil, furrari or the like. The crate is the dog's 'safe haven'. You must not use it to punish the dog. Size isn't terribly important although they like a fairly snug fit. Your dog should be medium at adulthood and I don't think you'll have any problems training a puppy with that size.

To introduce the crate have it open and allow a lot of exploration time. Begin to train the dog to enter the crate on command (I use 'kennel'). At first you'll probably just lift the pup in but say 'kennel' everytime you do so. As soon as you are at the 'sit' phase of training put a leash through the rearmost mesh of the kennel and clip it to the dog's collar. Give the command 'kennel' and gently but firmly pull the dog into the crate. A reward can also be used.

There is nothing worse than a dog who practically bowls you over when the crate or other door is opened. Train a release command (eg. 'OK') and do not allow the dog to leave the kennel until you say the release command. A little judicious banging the door in their face normally gets that message across quickly. Again, be clear from the beginning but don't expect too much of a young pup. If it just becomes part of the routine that is the best way to train.

The first night or two you will have howling but that is inevitable regardless of whether you crate train or not. It will quickly pass and at least you know the dog cannot come to any harm in the kennel. Of course, you will want to take the pup out to relieve itself as soon as the kennel is opened. The dog will really do its best not to soil the crate so if there are failures consider your timing.

If you want more or need the names of some training manuals PM me.

 

[sassy_girl1963]

Congrats on the new puppy!

Crates? - well I used wire - that way the dogs can look out. All that I've read is that the crate needs to be big enough that the dog can stand up without having lower his head and be able to lay down and stretch his legs straight out.

A suggestion is to figure out how big the puppy will be once he is grown and get that crate. In the mean time so he does not have too much room, block off part of it somehow. That way you do not have the added expense of buying more then 1 crate.

Another option is to see if maybe you could buy a smaller crate 2nd or third hand - could be much cheaper, and then once puppy grows up, actually buy the bigger crate.

My girls loved their crates - and would go to them when they wanted to. I used them till they were about 5 - that was the time I could really trust them 90 % of the time to behave. The other 10% well - they had fun with either eating holes in my wall or having a trash party .....

Will we get to see pictures? Pretty please?????

 

[bisexplicit]

I'd just like to say that while we did the whole crate training thing with our puppy (yes, EJ, he is still a puppy!), he hated his crate forever.

It worked rather well for having him sleep through the night, but, he's much happier now that he sleeps out of his crate and on a dog bed. He still behaves as he's supposed to, so, I think it worked out.

 

[cloakedlover]

In the mean time so he does not have too much room, block off part of it somehow. Will we get to see pictures? Pretty please?????

You can block off the portion the pup isn't using with a cardboard box of some sort - the ones from the liquor stores come in nice taller sizes to keep the puppy off of them and in the space they are supposed to be in.

And ditto for the pics.

 

[pleasteasme]

Typically she would be named Blue because of her colouring, the same as a bald man would be called curly.
They are good dogs, headstrong and loyal (protective) and they don't call them heelers without good reason, be firm with her, just as you would a man. I wonder what size crate EJ takes!

Blue... I'll put that one down as a consideration

I'm looking forward to having a dog. In my whole life I have never had a puppy. Hmmmm, be firm like I would be with a man?! *now I know where I have been going wrong in that department!*

Hmmmm, EJ in a crate? I was hoping he was already house trained!

 

[pleasteasme]

I want to thank all of you for your responses!

I went shopping and got an open wire crate, a blanket for inside, dog bowls, puppy food, some toys, and a cool collar and leash! I'm ready ~ I think

I'm concerned about the amount of time I am away from home...sometimes 12 or more hours. I'm thinking of getting a traveling crate and taking her to school with me. Either that or making a run for her outside. I do NOT want to leave her in a crate for that length of time. It wouldn't be fair.

Pictures will be added - I just have to get her first! I might try to get her on Sunday so I can spend the whole day with her...we'll see. I'll let you all know.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions and help, I appreciate it so much!

 

[Halo_n_horns]

One thing I do know... if you have a large crate then you'll want to leave only enough room for the puppy to just turn around it. He/She won't go to the bathroom where it sleeps so you keep the space to a minimum.

On PBS there is ''Uncle Matty'' - he really is good. It all makes sense.

http://www.unclematty.com/index_flash.htm

Marc Morrone is good too.

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=page-cat&id=cat18638



Edit: Tease, ummm, considering your new av etc, are you sure it's puppies you need info on and not men?

We've crate-trained several pups and there's nothing to it, really. For the night time stuff, and as mentioned; only use a crate large enough for them to turn around in comfortably. Make sure they go potty shortly before going into the crate. Create a feeding schedule that does NOT coincide with crating is also advisable. You don't want them thinking that going into or out of the crate means that its time to eat. Going into and out of the crate will probably coincide with a potty schedule. If the dog is a pet only then you shouldn't need to do this forever, but rather just as a way to get the dog used to a sleep schedule and a travel routine.

Some breeders feed and water the pups and adults in their crates. This has never been advised to me but rather discouraged. The only time I've been told that there should be a food and water bowl clipped to the cage door is during long flights or other lengthly transport. Attendants at each stop usually have instructions to feed and water any pets that are in transit in crates.

Travelling: that one is really easy; same size crate SECURED DOWN; drive. Stop occasionally for potty breaks depending on duration of drive. Try to make sure that the crate is secured so that the gate opens in the direction of the back of the vehicle, or if its going into a car then sideways to exit out a door will be fine. This is primarily for protection during a severe impact.

Always have a toy in there that you KNOW the puppy likes. This lets them know that its a good place.

NEVER EVER NEVER punish the puppy and then put it in the crate. If it starts to associate the crate with punishment it will never get use to it in a healthy way.

There's probably a bit more, but there's the basics.

 

[Guest]

 

[EJFan]

I'm concerned about the amount of time I am away from home...sometimes 12 or more hours. I'm thinking of getting a traveling crate and taking her to school with me. Either that or making a run for her outside. I do NOT want to leave her in a crate for that length of time. It wouldn't be fair.

yeah... that's a really long stretch of time, particularly for a puppy. there's a rule of thumb for time intervals to take puppies outside but i can't remember the math for it. the point is that they need to have bathroom opportunities about every 2 or 3 hours when they're first coming home with you. depending on the dog you'll be down to about once every 6 or 8 hours by the time they're reaching a year old.

obviously, be careful about the weather... don't wanna leave fido in the car when it's over 60 outside. you may just have to get a friend or neighbor to look in on him a time or two during the day when he's young and left home for those long stretches.

 

[sassy_girl1963]

Here is another piece of advice that I either read or heard on a radio vet talk show that has greatly helped me and that is establishing who is alpha in your dog pack, as dogs do consider that you are part of their pack.

Basically what it is, is when you are correcting the puppy/dog, stare them down - try not to blink and do not be the first to break eye contact. Once the puppy has looked away, they are in fact saying you are alpha.

As far as leaving the puppy alone in the crate - yes EJ is right 12 hours is too long because their bladders are too small, till they are around 6-8 months old, depending on the breed.

 

[pleasteasme]

Here is another piece of advice that I either read or heard on a radio vet talk show that has greatly helped me and that is establishing who is alpha in your dog pack, as dogs do consider that you are part of their pack.

Basically what it is, is when you are correcting the puppy/dog, stare them down - try not to blink and do not be the first to break eye contact. Once the puppy has looked away, they are in fact saying you are alpha.

As far as leaving the puppy alone in the crate - yes EJ is right 12 hours is too long because their bladders are too small, till they are around 6-8 months old, depending on the breed.

I don't want to leave her in the crate that long...no way!

Awwww, I have to be mean when I come home too?! LOL, I understand what you all are saying. I will be firm, reaffirming who the top dog is here!

On my long school days I will probably just take her with me, put her in a portable crate in my office. Not much else I can do, is there?

 

[EJFan]

one other thing that pooped into my head...

when you let them out of the crate, don't make a big deal out of it. just let them out and go about your business. it's best to pay little or no attention to them for about five or ten minutes after letting them out.