Crate Training - Start Early

1. Puppies usually arrive at their new home at 8 weeks of age. Just like babies they cannot control their bladders until they mature. This is usually between 3 and 6 months.

2. As soon as your puppy arrives home introduce him to his crate, preferably after playtime when the puppy is ready to nap. Start by putting treats and toys inside to entire him to go in on his own. NEVER force him in the crate. As he enters the crate give him a lot of praise. This will acclimate him to his crate before housebreaking begins.

3. Potty training should begin at week 12 and usually takes about 4 weeks to complete.

4. Make the crate comfortable and cozy by providing washable bedding. We recommend Pet Dreams specially made crate bedding. NEVER pot housebreaking pads or newspaper inside his crate. It is important to take advantages of his natural instinct not to eliminate in his home.

5. Start by putting your tired puppy in his crate for only 5 minutes at a time. Stay in sight and when he's inside give lots of praise. Just as a baby cries in his crib, it is common to expect some distress at first. He may whine but don't let him out until he stops or you will be rewarding negative behavior.

6. If your dog soils in his crate most likely it is either too big or you left him in too long.

7. Some people feed their dogs in their crates. This eliminates distractions and helps digestion!

8. Your dog's crate is his "special place" and should not be put away when training is complete. Crates give your dog an increase sense of security; build his confidence while providing comfort.

9. Dogs, like their wild ancestors, naturally want to seek shelter even in the house. If not provided, they will create it themselves under a table, chair or bed.

10. A crate, provides security, comfort and prevents excessive barking and chewing.

11. By providing a crate for your dog you are in essence providing him his own bedroom. A place he can claim as "his" territory.

12. Crates are the quickest and easiest way to housebreak a dog. Instinctively, puppies are less likely to soil their eating or sleeping area. Confined space teaches them to "hold it"

13. When traveling: crates provide safely for you, your passengers and your dog. Also, the few hotels that allow dogs require that they be crated.

14. Crates are transportable and unlike you, your dog can have his own familiar bedroom wherever he goes, whether he's staying in a hotel or a kennel.

15. The size of the crate is very important. Your dogs' crate should have only enough room for him to stand and turn around.

16. Dogs are social animals and therefore the ideal location for a crate is in a room full of activity. Your pet will enjoy his new room while still being part of the family without getting in the way. Teach your dog respect by respecting his privacy when he's inside his crate. Keep prying little hands away.

17. Puppies need to relieve themselves every 2-4 hours. As a general rules, puppies can control themselves for one hour for every month of age, up to 9 or 10 hours. It is best to walk them after waking, eating and playing. When he eliminates outside reward him, soon you'll be able to leave the crate door open all the time.

18. It is never too late to crate train. There is no age limit.