OT:Crate training a new pup

[mwulf]

Just picked up a 8 week old mini doxie and am looking at crate training the little guy. I have never done this before so anyone have any advice or tips to pass my way. I am a teacher so I will have sometime at home until mid August to try to get this done. I have been told to put a small carrier inside a larger crate, he would use the carrier as the bed part and the rest of the crate would have a little food and water....any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[jawatkins]

Just don't ever use it as a punishment. You want the dog to know it's a place for them to be safe and not to be scared of it.

 

[TheBeav815]

Puppy will cry in the crate for several nights, be ready to hear it. Do NOT give into it or you may as well just start with the pup in your bed . It's tough on them, sleeping alone is foreign to a dog and especially to a puppy. they sleep in a pile with their littermates. As with all things dog, the more you wear them out during the day, the easier it will be.

Just like with a baby, try to be on a schedule as much as you can.

Have not tried on a puppy, but with adult dogs I have had great success with a squirt bottle of water to get them to be quiet. There are lots of great books, personally I like all things Cesar Milan. I'll be curious to hear how it goes.

 

[mwulf]

I am moving to a new apt in the next 10 days and dont want to start until I am in the new place ...hope this works out I am really just trying to have a place for the pup during the day when I am at work

 

[TheBeav815]

You are going to crate a puppy in your apartment all day while you're at work?

 

[mwulf]

that was the plan..have a carrier where he can sleep inside of a larger wire type crate with his food and water ..

 

[TheNewNU]

That is a long time to be putting a dog in a crate for. I would try and arrange for someone to walk the dog in the middle of the day to get it some exercise and do its business.

 

[mwulf]

I might just get a doggie fence and let him chill in the kitchen area during the day ...I am about to move to a bigger place

 

[Captain Nick]

I might just get a doggie fence and let him chill in the kitchen area during the day ...I am about to move to a bigger place

Was going to say that I often use the crate to block the enterence to my kitchen. That way my pups can either lay down in it or have alittle more room to walk around.

On a side note, you can never have too many chew toys around while they're teething. That's if you don't want all your furniture and clothes chewed up.

 

[bigboxes]

I might just get a doggie fence and let him chill in the kitchen area during the day ...I am about to move to a bigger place

I used to fence in my dog in the kitchen while I was at work. He chewed the eff out of everything. Let's just say I didn't get my deposit back.

 

[Larry Hagman's Liver]

Puppy will cry in the crate for several nights, be ready to hear it. Do NOT give into it or you may as well just start with the pup in your bed . It's tough on them, sleeping alone is foreign to a dog and especially to a puppy. they sleep in a pile with their littermates.

This is good advice. One trick I've heard of but haven't personally tried is wrapping an old-school clock (with an audibly ticking second hand) in a towel and placing that in their crate with the bedding. Supposedly, the ticking clock will simulate their mother's heartbeat and provide comfort allowing them to sleep more easily.

The ideal clock will probably look something like this one. Just don't set the alarm or you might induce a puppy heart attack.

 

[bigboxes]

Just don't set the alarm or you might induce a puppy heart attack.

 

[mwulf]

Was going to say that I often use the crate to block the enterence to my kitchen. That way my pups can either lay down in it or have alittle more room to walk around.

On a side note, you can never have too many chew toys around while they're teething. That's if you don't want all your furniture and clothes chewed up.

I have plenty and will get more ...so far my fingers and toes are his main targets

 

[Hoosker Du]

For teething, freeze a wet wash cloth. It soothes their sore gums when they chew it.

 

[SLOHusker]

I'm doing the exact same thing. We have a 11 week old dog that we brought home at 8 weeks. The first week we were not crate training and the house was full of accidents. Since then I bought a puppy training book and have been using the crate. Although it goes against our natures, absolutely keep the puppy in the crate most all of the day if you will be keeping the dog in the crate while at work/school/etc. They need to get used to it as being their safe place. Take the dog out to potty as often as you can (once an hour) and after they go, walk them or play with them in the house to get some socialization. Gradually start giving the dog more time outside the crate as they become accustomed to it and our becoming fully potty trained. In time you;ll be able to let your dog out all day while you are home and they will be content in the crate while you are gone.

Just picked up a 8 week old mini doxie and am looking at crate training the little guy. I have never done this before so anyone have any advice or tips to pass my way. I am a teacher so I will have sometime at home until mid August to try to get this done. I have been told to put a small carrier inside a larger crate, he would use the carrier as the bed part and the rest of the crate would have a little food and water....any advice would be greatly appreciated