Welcoming a new puppy into your home is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in any pet parent’s life, but it’s not without some challenges. From puppy-proofing your home to scheduling training sessions, puppies need a lot of care.
One way you can make things easier on yourself is by crate training your puppy. While naysayers claim that crating your dog is cruel, studies show that crate training your pup keeps her from causing mischief while you’re away and can also help your new fur baby feel safe and secure in her new home.
We’re here with expert advice to get you and your puppy off on the right foot with crate training. Here’s what you need to know.
Are 8-week-old puppies easy to crate train?
When puppies are young, they have relatively short attention spans that can sometimes make training an arduous task. On the other hand, puppies can be easier to train than older dogs. While it seems confusing initially, it makes perfect sense when you think about it. Older dogs, like people, are set in their ways, and you'll probably have to help them unlearn behaviors you find undesirable. Puppies are blank slates. They're just beginning to develop their personalities, which makes correcting unwanted behaviors easier.
Just remember to be patient with your puppy. Keep in mind that she doesn't mean to be naughty; just like toddlers and young children, puppies don't realize they're misbehaving. They need you to teach them what's acceptable and what isn't.
Is crate training good for an 8-week-old puppy?
While some pet parents vehemently oppose crate training, there are many benefits to crating your dog when you're not home. These include:
Crate training gives your dog a special space of their own.
According to the AKC, “Although many dog owners may feel guilty for crate training their canine companion, enclosed spaces create a shelter for your dog to rest and relax. In fact, dogs instinctively seek small spaces to create protective shelters for themselves.”
It makes potty training easier.
If you’re still not convinced that crate training is a good idea, never fear. Many veterinarians and dog trainers recommend crate training your pup, especially during potty training. Because dogs don’t like to sleep near their own excrement, crate training can help you housebreak your puppy much faster than training your pup without a crate.
Crate training keeps your puppy safe while you're away.
Crate training your new pup also helps keep her out of trouble while you’re away from home. Even if you’ve puppy-proofed your home, young puppies can still create chaos while you’re out of the house.
Crate training made easy
While crate training your puppy is beneficial in myriad ways, it pays to remember that she can’t hold her bladder indefinitely. Your puppy can remain in her crate for the same number of hours as her age in months plus one. That means an eight-week-old puppy can stay in her crate for a maximum of two and one-half to three hours at a time.
Here's how to make crate training your new puppy an easy, enjoyable process.
Step 1: Choose the perfect crate
When it comes to selecting a crate, you have lots of options. If you intend to continue crating your pup when she’s grown, you may want to choose a crate that's large enough to accommodate her size as an adult. If the crate is really large, your puppy may potty at one end, so you may need to put a divider in the crate while she's still little, and adjust as she grows. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably.
Step 2: Make sure the crate is homey
You want your puppy’s crate to be a space she enjoys spending time in. You can fill her crate with a dog bed and cozy blankets — just make sure she doesn't chew on them. You can also put some of her favorite toys in the crate. You want your puppy to have positive associations with the crate.
Step 3: Start slowly
It’s best not to start off by leaving your pup alone for the full three hours until you know how she reacts to being crated. Try setting up a camera to keep an eye on your pup while you make a quick run to the grocery store for an hour. Additionally, you should never leave your pup in her crate while she’s wearing a collar or harness, as the tags could get caught up in the crate’s bars. Once your puppy can handle being left alone for an hour, you can stretch it out to two hours, and then you can try leaving her alone for the full three hours.
Step 4: Reward your puppy
While most dogs are thrilled with a treat, it’s important to spend time playing with your puppy and praising her for being a good girl. Studies show that dogs actually prefer attention to treats when it comes to being rewarded.
Step 5: Have patience
According to the AKC, you can expect crate training to take up to a full six months. Some puppies will learn to enjoy their crate much sooner, but others might need more time to adjust. Be patient with your puppy during the learning process. She’s doing her best.
Crate training your pup has numerous benefits, but the most significant is the safety crating provides. Make sure she has everything she needs to be comfortable, monitor her activities while you’re away, and be patient with your puppy during training. Not only does training mean you’ll have a well-mannered dog, but it’s also a fantastic bonding experience.
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