Knowing how to crate your dog is great.

Knowing how to organize your schedule to be successful is great.

But how can you do both?

Today I have something…

… that will make you feel like an expert dog trainer.

In today’s post, I’m going to show you exactly step by step how to crate train your puppy. This method can also be used to train an older dog.

And for those wondering what can I do instead of crate training a dog, then the answer is to use a separate room which I will cover in a separate post.

Look:

Crate training your puppy is the most effective, foolproof, and humane method of training your puppy, especially if your goal is to train your puppy in seven days!

Some believe that crate training a dog is cruel or barbaric. However, if you look at crate training from a dog’s point of view, you’ll find that it actually satisfies an innate desire to have a safe place to call your own.

How does crate training help your puppy?

It is in their genetic makeup to want a safe and secure area to rest. Many times, in the effort to create their own “den,” a puppy or dog will curl up in a crate or under a low table. Crate training can help satisfy this very natural instinct in your pup and will also provide you with several benefits.

Offering your dog his own crate satisfies your pet’s instinctual needs and allows you some control in housebreaking efforts. Additionally, crate training is a form of canine obedience that will benefit your canine.

Therefore, understanding what constitutes a good crate for your pup would be your first step.

The most effective crate is one that is just barely big enough for your dog to lie down, stand up and turn around. If you give the pup too much space, you will destroy the den concept and give your pet the option to dirty half the crate and still have a clean area to rest.

Once you’ve purchased a crate, you’ll want to give your pup or dog time to investigate. Simply leave the crate on the floor with the door open until your pup gets used to having it around. Laying out dog treats and a towel can help get your pup interested in exploring the crate.

After your puppy has become familiar with the crate, lock him inside the crate for ten to fifteen minutes. Stay there with your pup, maybe even running your fingers through the cage wire.

Your pup needs to be sure that this new environment is safe and secure. After ten or fifteen minutes he opens the door and lets the puppy stay or go as he pleases. This should be done several times that first day so your little one gets used to his crate.

The crate should be your safe space and should never be used to punish your puppy. The time in the cage should be as pleasant as possible. Toys and treats can help establish this environment of harmony and peace.

Crate training helps you teach your little one not to use the bathroom indoors. Dogs instinctively want to keep their den clean. Dogs do not want to sleep in a dirty area and will do everything in their power to hold it until they are led to the designated potty spot.

If you have a crate that is suitable for your puppy, he will do everything in his power to refrain from using the bathroom until you let him out. Crate training makes it an easy way to schedule regular trips to your designated potty spot.

You may be wondering:

“What is the best location to put the box?”

It is important to determine the ideal location of the box. You must place the box in a location that remains consistent. This can be a high-traffic area where your family spends a lot of time, but you may also want to give the dog some down time away from activity, especially at night. Dogs are social animals and some breed even more than others.

They enjoy being close to their family so they can see what is going on around them and feel a part of things. This is very satisfying for a dog. Since being in a crate should be a positive experience and he should want to spend time there, you don’t want to lock him in a quiet room or secluded spot in the house. They will feel punished, excluded and isolated; and that will not make a serene and happy puppy.

Here’s the deal:

Be sure to place the cage in a busy area of ​​the house where they can see and hear what’s going on with your family. Kitchen or living room areas are usually ideal places for a box. Keep in mind that you’d like this area to be free from uncomfortable drafts, not too close to a heat source (radiator, fireplace, or vent). You will want to avoid direct sunlight. For what he can give, his cage location should be neither too hot nor too cold.

If your pup is very young, you may want to consider moving the crate into his bedroom at night or placing him in a portable carrier or a second crate. The very young pup has just gone from being with his mother and perhaps siblings to being alone. This can leave them stressed and feeling neglected, which will result in whining and crying. You don’t want to make the mistake of putting the pup in bed with you, as that will confuse him about who is the alpha: him or you. But you also don’t want him to feel scared and alone.

A puppy will gain great comfort and a sense of security from being able to sleep close to his family, especially during the first few days in a strange new place.

It is not essential that you have him sleep in your room with you, but it can be beneficial. After a few days, start slowly moving the crate to where you want her to sleep, as she has time to adjust to her new surroundings. Just move the box further every few nights until you’ve gotten them out of the bedroom and wherever they are.

Some ideas of the right toys and bedding to put in his cage would be hard chew toys. There are many benefits to leaving two or three hard chew toys in the crate with your pup. It will give your pup something to occupy his mind and keep him from getting bored.

It will give them an alternative to chewing on your bedding, which could be detrimental to their health. Reinforce that being in the cage is a time for some of their favorite things, which makes the cage a happy place for them. It will also help reduce the chance of your pup chewing on your belongings.

It is important to note that soft teddy bears and squeaky toys that are easily chewed should only be given to your pup under supervision and never left in the crate. They will likely be destroyed, but your pup could inject pieces of them and cause intestinal blockages.

How long does it take to crate train a puppy…?

The most important thing about crate training is to follow a strict schedule so your puppy gets used to the routine! If you stick to this sample schedule, you’ll be well on your way to potty training your pup in record time!

Adhere to a 24 hour schedule. To house train your dog in 7 days, you must follow a meticulous schedule. This will establish a routine for both you and your dog. Your puppy needs to go out first thing in the morning, after meals and playtime, and before bedtime. Every moment must be taken into account.

This is a sample routine for someone who is home all day.

Be sure to give your pup a potty break at night.

You are probably wondering…

… How long can a dog stay in a cage?

The maximum time you can leave a young puppy is four hours, so with a very young puppy you will need to set your alarm every two to three hours. After the alarm sounds, take your puppy out of the crate and give him a chance to relieve himself in the designated potty spot. Then quietly put it back in the box.

Older dogs can wait longer, but you need to make sure they don’t go into their crate at night, or all the hard work during the day will basically unravel. During this time, do not worry or talk to the puppy, except for potty instructions – the same words and tone as during the day. You don’t want to give him the idea that night is time to play.

What is the end result?

A crate is an ideal place to keep your belongings safe and your pup safe while you’re away. Another thought is that a crate is also the safest and most convenient way to transport your dog as it will keep him protected while he is in the car and is a necessity for air travel.

As with anything, a box can be abused. You may be tempted to keep your pup in there all day or use it as a way to punish him. This will only undermine the training process and perhaps make your pup hate the crate when it really should be his haven!

When training in a crate, all feedings should initially be done inside the crate. Make sure you leave the door open while you feed your puppy. The association with food will make it a great place for him.

Your puppy needs you as the owner to be constant in your routine but also in the words you use to instruct him. Just as you’ll want to use the same phrase with the exact same inflection when teaching your pup his designated potty spot; You’ll also want to use the same phrase and inflection when directing him to enter his cage. You have to choose the same word every time.

A command like “box time” or “get in your kennel” with the exact same hand gesture will help him understand what is expected of him. When the puppy comes in, say the command, and when he feeds it at mealtime, say the same command. When your puppy obeys, give him a treat to show your pleasure. It’s best if your puppy doesn’t associate his crate with being alone.

So, in the early days of training, make sure you or someone you know can be with him while he acclimates to his crate. Those first few days can also benefit from keeping a puppy journal. It may seem impractical to keep a diary of the times your pup needs to potty, but you can actually prevent unwanted accidents by having written documentation of his successes and accidents.

A regular feeding schedule will help ensure a more regular bathing schedule. Remember that it is essential not to punish your puppy for accidents, teaching him to relieve himself outdoors is a process that requires patience and time.