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PUPPY CAGE / DOG CRATE TRAINING

What type of crate or confinement area works best?

A metal, collapsible dog cages with a metal cage tray floor works great, as long as the cages are large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and stretch out.  Some dogs feel more secure if a cover is put over the top of the dog cage like a blanket for example especially if it has your odour on it.

Where should the dog cage be located?
Because dogs are social animals, an ideal location for the dog cage is a room where the family spends time such as a lounge, kitchen, or bedroom rather than an in a room on its own.

Why is a dog cage a positive experience?
Most dogs quickly choose a small area, such as a corner of a room, in a dog bed, or on or under a couch, where they go to relax.  The key to making the dog cage the dog's favourite retreat and sleeping area, is to associate the crate with as many positive and relaxing experiences and stimuli as possible (food, treats, chew toys, bedding) and to place the dog in its cage only at scheduled rest and sleep periods.  You must therefore be aware of the dog's schedule, including its needs for exploration, play, food, and elimination, so that the dog is only placed in its cage, when each of these needs is fulfilled.  You must then return to the dog to release it from its cage before the next exercise, feeding or elimination period is due. A radio or television playing in the background may help to calm the dog when it is alone in its cage, especially during the daytime.  These may also help to mask environmental noises, which can stimulate the dog to bark..

The crate should never be used as punishment. 

How do I crate-train my new puppy?

1) Introduce the puppy to the crate as soon as it is brought home and as early in the day as possible so that the puppy has plenty of time to become familiar with it during the day before bed time.  Place treats in the cage throughout the day so that the puppy is encouraged to enter voluntarily without the door being closed. Food, water, toys and bedding should also be offered to the puppy in the open cage and always in a calm relaxed manner so that puppy associated the dog cage with relaxation and not excitement.

2) Choose a location outdoors for the puppy to eliminate.  Take the puppy to the location, wait until the puppy eliminates, and reward the puppy with praise and/or food.  After additional play and exercise, place the puppy in its crate with water, a toy and a treat and close the door but remain nearby. It is always a good idea to ensure the dog has had plenty of exercise before closing him in his dog cage as he will be more inclined to relax in a calm manner which after time he will associate with the crate as mentioned earlier. Often if a dog is placed in his cage when lots of energy he or she will use that energy to misbehave like trying to escape or barking for example.

3) If the puppy is tired and calm, it may take a "nap" shortly after being placed in its crate.

4) Leave the room but remain close enough to hear the puppy.  Escape behaviour and vocalization are to be expected when a dog is first placed into its crate.  If the "complaints" are short or mild, ignore the dog until the crying stops.  Never release the puppy unless it is quiet.  This teaches that quiet behaviour, and not crying will be rewarded.  Release the puppy after a few minutes of quiet or a short nap.

5) Punishment may be useful to deter crying if it does not subside on its own.  A shaker can (a sealed can filled with coins or marbles) can be shaken at the crate when the pup barks, the dog can be taught that barking leads to punishment whether the owner is present or not.  When the barking ceases, the punishment is stopped.  Bark collars and alarms or water sprayers that are activated by the barking are also available in shops or on eBay for persistent problems.  Punishment must always be used with caution, since it can exacerbate the vocalization problem of a very anxious pet.

6) Repeat the cage and release procedure a few more times during the day before bedtime.  Place the puppy in its crate a few times before the end of the day.  Each time, increase the time that the dog must stay in the crate before letting it out.  Always give the puppy exercise and a chance to eliminate before locking it in the crate.

7) At bedtime, the dog should be exercised, locked in its crate, and left for the night.  Do not go to the dog if it cries.  Remote punishment can be used to deter crying.  Alternately, the crate can be kept in the bedroom.

8)  If the pup sleeps in one end of its crate and eliminates in the other, a divider can be installed to keep the puppy in a smaller area.

9) Never leave the puppy in its crate for longer than it can control itself or it may be forced to eliminate in the crate. 

10) If the pup must be left for long periods during which it might eliminate, it should be confined to a larger area such as a dog-proof room or pen, with paper left down for elimination.  As the puppy gets older, its control increases and it can be left longer in its crate.

11) Although there is a great deal of individual variability, many puppies can control themselves through the night by 3 months of age.  During the daytime, once the puppy has relieved itself, a 2-month old puppy may have up to 3 hours control, a 3-month puppy up to 4 hours, and a 4 month old puppy up to 5 hours.

12) A crate is not an excuse to ignore a dog!