Crate Training DON'Ts
- NEVER pay attention to a barking, whining crated dog. Wait until they're quiet, then praise and open the door! A soft whine or quick
bark to get your attention is okay, but ongoing noises should stop right away in
order to get out.
- NEVER let the dog out if they are jumping.
With a little training, your pup will sit quietly and wait for you to open the door.
- DON'T use the crate for punishment.
It can be a good place to put an overstimulated puppy that won't calm down,
but hide a treat or two inside and be sure to give them a chew toy. Speak softly
to them as you set them inside, then give them space.
- DON'T put a small puppy in a large cage.
Too much space and they'll use part of it for a potty. Pick a cage with a movable
divider or create your own.
Crate training is the process of teaching your puppy that her crate is her den, a safe place for her to retreat, and a spot where you know that she can't get into trouble when you can't watch her. Puppies raised in our home will already be comfortable with being in a crate but have always had the company of their littermates nearby. They'll need comfort and training to feel safe in their crate. If you find that you are feeling frazzled trying to keep up with your new pup, consider developing a routine like the ones linked to below. Read through a few, pay particular attention to the DON'T list, and jump in! You'll be glad you did.
You'll find some simple crate training plans laid out right here on this page.
For highly-detailed crate training
plans, click on one of these links.