subject: Crate Training Your Puppy - How to Guide [print this page] Crate Training Your Puppy - How to Guide Crate Training Your Puppy - How to Guide
Ok, so you have just brought home the puppy that you have been waiting for. He or she is cute playing, wobbling around, and chewing on a toy. You even have training mats positioned in case of an unfortunate accident. After a day of following your new friend, keeping a keen eye on them and meeting many of their needs, nightfall approaches. The puppy begins to wind down and tire. You may even notice that your eyes become heavy and soon the bed seems all the more tempting. At this point, questions about the puppy's sleeping arrangements become more evident. How are you to safely secure your new-found puppy? The best answer for this situation is crate training. Training your pet to stay in a crate will be beneficial to both and them. Not only are you keeping them from wandering aimlessly throughout the house, but they become accustomed to an area that they can claim as their own. Studies have shown that dogs do well having a "den" that they can retreat to. So don't worry about the seemingly confined space or if your pet has enough room to move around. A crate at the appropriate size for dog is just what they need.
There are a variety of padding and pillows that are specially designed and cut for any size crate. If you feel the need to add a little more comfort to your pup's space, feel free to toss in a soft microfiber pillow or small fleece blanket.
When putting your puppy in the crate at night for the first time, expect to lose some sleep. Do not feed the puppy immediately before putting your puppy up. Take them outside one or more times before you call it a night as well. Also, it helps to place a blanket over the cage to decrease the number of distractions that may keep them awake.
Expect for your puppy to whine and howl the majority of the night. If necessary, use Osha certified ear plugs to muffle the sounds. It also helps to close your room door, cutting down on the amount of noise if possible. No matter how much they cry, DO NOT let them out of the crate. Letting them out will only breed bad behavior. They will then feel that they can manipulate your actions by whining. No matter how long it takes for your little one to adjust to sleeping independently in his or her crate, don't give up. You will be very satisfied in the long run for training your puppy the right way.
