Crate Training Your Puppy

Missy, our female Pomeranian, plays with one of her puppies.

Some Thoughts and Suggestions about Crate Training Your Pet:

What is the biggest concern about bringing home a pet? You got it—housetraining! My family has dealt with this numerous times and we now have it down to a science. It helps that my son works for a local pet resort which boards and grooms animals. In this job, they have housed cats, dogs, birds, and even a monkey.

The best way to train a dog is to crate train them. Choosing a crate is essential. I like the wire crates with the plastic bottom that slides out. You can see your pet and it can see you. It is also easy to clean. Most of them have exits on the side and the front. Some even fold up for easy storage. The size of the crate is also important. Animals should be able to turn around. However, if the animal can isolate a part of the crate, it will be tempted to use the bathroom in that isolated area.

Some essentials to remember when crate training your dog:
1. Choose the right size crate.
2. You can put a small blanket in the crate, but do not leave food and water in the crate. Many people feed their puppy in the crate, but these should be removed after a short period of time. I prefer not to feed mine in the crate. I do not put toys or chew bones in the crate, either.
3. Puppies should sleep in the crate. When the puppy is small, you might want to put the crate in your room or bathroom. If the puppy wakes up, take it to the bathroom and put it right back in the crate. Do NOT take time to play with it or feed it!
4. When you are not home, the puppy should be in the crate. Also, leave the puppy in the crate if you can not supervise it. Do not allow the puppy to have too much freedom in your home or you will find that it messes up. Close supervision of the animal is essential when it is not in the crate.
5. When you take the puppy out of the crate, walk it immediately. Praise the puppy for using the bathroom outside.
6. Always walk the puppy just prior to putting it in the crate. Start training the puppy to go into the crate on its own. You will find that the puppy will go to the crate when it is tired or feels threatened. My dogs will go to the crate upon command. They do not mind being in the crate.

Once the puppy is completely housebroken, you may choose to let the puppy sleep with you or a child. The puppy needs to know that he does not leave the bed or sleeping area unless you take it. Again, take it out immediately if it wakes you up or when you get up.

We still leave my dogs in the crate when someone is not home. We have two Pomeranians and the crate that we use is large enough for both of them. They do not mind being in the crate together. However, you should make sure that the pets are compatible before doing this.
Pets who are crate trained can travel easily by car or plane, even for long distances.

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