Get the Right Size Crate<\/h3>\n
It is even more important to ensure the create is large enough for your dog. Your dog must at least be able to stand up comfortably and turn around.<\/p>\n The crate should be a safe and happy place for the puppy – not punishment.<\/p>\n This can be a challenge. There is a problem with a young puppy – we want to ensure the crate is a safe and happy place, however, when you very first get a puppy, the only “safe and happy place” for the puppy is in your arms. However DO NOT let the puppy sleep in your bed with you! Often the first couple nights with a puppy are crucial for getting the dog to be comfortable away from you, and they are going to be a bit sleepless for you and the puppy! Just understand that and prepare for it. If you get a brand new puppy (e.g. 8 weeks old or so) the first night with you is very likely his first night away from his siblings and he is going to be lonely and he will not understand what is going on.<\/p>\n In a perfect world, he would already be used to a crate, but that is not always the case (in fact, it is rarely the case). But you also have to sleep. With every puppy I have had, they go in a box or other confinement (not a dog crate) next to my bed. Often I will put my hand or arm in the box so they know I am there if he cries, then I remove my arm (all night long). Don\u2019t be too doting or coddle with your puppy. This will only reinforce the behavior and he\u2019ll cry even more. If he continues to whine, a gruff \u201cQuiet\u201d and a quick, but gentle, shake by the scruff should settle the matter. If all else fails, ignore him. Tough love may be difficult, but eventually your puppy will learn that crying at night gets him nowhere. The more persistent you are in your approach, the quicker the situation will be resolved. If you\u2019re stern one minute and sympathetic the next, your puppy will only be confused and his behavior will continue. This only usually lasts for 2 nights.<\/p>\n You must also consider if the cry is for attention or because he needs to go potty. If the later, I get up and take him out quickly (do not play with him or give too much attention). Puppies have small bladders and need to go out often – every 2 to 4 hours. Remember to take away food and water at about 7:00 in the evening so that he is running on empty at bedtime. Oh, and take him out before bed!<\/p>\n Some people say a radio or other soft noise will help – and it can depend on the puppy. I have also seen where wrapping a ticking clock (an old analog alarm clock) in a towel and putting that in the box helps.<\/p>\n Don’t forget to let the puppy outside to go potty first think in the morning!<\/p>\n I use a box during the first nights because I always want the crate to be a safe happy place. You need to set aside time over the first few days to work on the crate so the dog can graduate from the box as soon as possible. Do this by:<\/p>\n It is the same as with a puppy but hopefully without the nighttime drama as he should be used to sleeping through the night now so you don’t need the box. If the dog has had a bad experience with a crate it may take more time and patience.<\/p>\n Also, do not teach the dog to go to the bathroom in the crate – e.g. don’t put potty pads in the crate. If you do this, and the dog learns to eliminate in his crate, you are going to have a much more difficult time housebreaking your dog! Understand when you get a puppy you need to figure out a schedule to let the dog out every few hours for the first couple months.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/austin-dog-training\/files\/2011\/06\/puppy-in-crate-300x146.jpg\" "\\"puppy-in-crate\\"")
<\/a>If the crate is too big for your puppy, she will be more likely to eliminate in some corner of the crate. So you want to get a crate that is small enough to feel like a bed. It is good to get a crate that can expand in size. Lots of crates you buy today will have a separator section where you can grow the area the dog can access as she grows.<\/p>\nHow to Introduce a Very Young Puppy to a Crate<\/h2>\n
A New Puppy and Crate May Not Work At First<\/h3>\n
Okay, Graduate to the Crate<\/h3>\n
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How to Introduce an Older Puppy or Dog to a Crate<\/h2>\n
What NOT to Use a Crate For<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/austin-dog-training\/files\/2011\/06\/GuiltyDog.jpg\" "\\"GuiltyDog\\"")
A crate should not be used for punishment! It should be a place the puppy or dog want to go and will go to on their own. Not only will punishment make them not like the crate, it is pointless as a dog does not understand punishment. They do understand when you are mad, when they are scared, etc. But punishment only scares them. It is much better to redirect energy and train your dog. You and the dog will be happier and have a much better relationship. Lots of people think they can punish the dog because the “dog knows he did something wrong, he looks guilty”. There has been a lot of research on this subject, and everything I have seen and read shows that dogs do not feel guilt<\/a>. They do feel fear and some are very good at sensing when their owners are unhappy.<\/p>\n