| Crate Training A Puppy: Complaints about puppies frequently concern some mischief occurring while the pup is alone in the house. From a puppies point of view being alone can be stressful. It is at this time that household dangers may occur. Understanding this may help you understand why the puppy chews, whines or barks when isolated . Separation Reflex: In the wild , when young cubs are isolated from their pay, they become very emotional and begin whining, barking or howling. It they are trapped in deep brush, they'll dig and chew in order to free themselves and to reunite with the pack. This behavior increases their chances of survival. That is why the puppy does this when left alone. An excellent method to combat these tendencies is training the pup to be comfortable in a den like setting. A kennel that is either plastic or a crate that can be covered can benefit in reducing stress and also help in housebreaking. Even after house training is complete and he is familiar with his new surroundings, you will want to restrict him when alone. If he is unable to get into trouble , destructive habits won't be formed or learned. The Den- PRO and Con You may feel it's cruel to confine a dog to a crate. It would be cruel to just close him in the crate and leave. But if you take time to introduce the den properly, you'll find that your pup will come to prefer it for sleeping and being alone. To may pups are given up to animal shelters because of the destruction done when not attended. Since 80 percent of those dogs are put to sleep, it is kind , rather than cruel, to den-train a pup and head off behavior problems. If your pup is to be left by himself for extended periods of time, a den isn't recommended. You should then provide a large, damage-proof, inside area with water and a place for him to eliminate. If you can schedule you absences for no more than 3 hours . Except for overnight sleeping, regular den confinement approaching eight hours should be carefully thought over. Steps to training: 1. Acquire a den that is large enough to house the pup after he is full grown. He should be allowed to lie down on his side as well as stand, sit and turn around without difficulty. 2. Set it up with the dog out of the room, so as not to startle him. For the first three to for weeks you should have the den in your bedroom at night. By doing this, you'll provide overnight social contact, and will also be able to tell by his restlessness if he need to eliminate. Please try to work on this during the day as that he doesn't keep you up all night. 3. If you're using a wire crate, place an old blanket over it in order to create a den- like atmosphere. Tap the ends of the covering under the crate so he doesn't pull in the sides and chew. Put it in a room that you can make dark and have a radio handy. 4. When it's time for his meal, place the bowl just outside the den, and leave the gate open. Make sure nothing startles him. 5. Between feedings, place several small pieces of food inside he den while he's watching. It he attempts to eat the food, praise him after he does so. If he hesitates, just ignore him and leave the food in the den. 6. At his next feeding time, place the food bowl just inside the den. Place something on the floor to keep him from sliding. 7. Repeat, #5 between feedings. 8. Next feeding go farther in the crate. One he enters close the door. Feed this way one more time. 9. After eating , wait 30 minutes and let him out. You may want to darken the room and turn on the radio during his time of scratching and screaming. Wait till he is quite and then take him out. Give it at least 30 seconds. If after several attempts it doesn't stop you may have to wait until hers more mature more before trying again. 10. Continue working with him using pieces of his food or some more treats between regular feeding. And don't leave the house until he is quiet. 11. Also remove his collar while in the crate to avoid him getting accidentally entangled. Alternatives: Some have great success with putting up gates in the kitchen area to keep him safe. No mater what the puppy should be not left to roam the home without supervision at anytime for at least the first 6 months. Taking a puppy out of a create when crying only tells him that he is getting what we wants. Some past puppy buyer have success with placing a kennel in the basement or in the garage. Please understand, not a crate but a kennel. I recommend the AKC Kennels. You buy them in 5 x 6 panels which will make it easier to take into a basement if that is what you want and they are more puppy proof. A stress puppy sometimes will pull on the crate or kennel and the welded wires would make it safer from getting their teeth caught and can not be pulled apart like the standard 10x10 kennels. If you are putting the kennel outside I would suggest the black ones, not the silver ones because they are less likely to rust. Be sure that the kennel is for outside use. Concrete or patio blocks under the kennel will keep the dog safe from digging out, as well as making it easier to clean up and hose off. Note this is for security purposes , not an only full time home for the dog or puppy. And if you can attach the kennel to the house or garage, you can easily make a 5x10 into a 10x10. |
