Getting a new puppy comes with many joys and many challenges. Aside from finding a trustworthy trainer, you will want to make sure you have a crate or two. Having a high-quality, comfortable crate will be a game-changer for you. The crate helps give the puppy a place to settle down, as well as keeps the puppy safe when you're unable to supervise him. A crate is also an important tool for traveling with your puppy.
Styles
There are many types of crates and choosing the best one for the job is very important. The following are examples of some popular crate styles.
Wire crates: Wire crates are the most common and accessible crates for most people. They come in many sizes, and they are easy to take up and down. They are also one of the more inexpensive options. Wire crates come with dividers, and you can move them as the puppy grows.
Plastic Travel Carriers: These are easy to travel with and create a cozy option for your puppy. They come in many sizes and are relatively inexpensive. However, they are not the sturdiest, safest option.
Impact Crates: These crates are heavy-duty, highly safe options. The plastic molded crates are built to lessen the impact of vehicle accidents. They come in various sizes and, with dividers, can grow with your puppy. They are the most expensive option but are also very comfortable and reliable for your puppy.
Size
Choosing the right size crate for your puppy is incredibly important. Following the guidelines below will help you choose wisely.
The puppy should be able to lie down, stand, and turn around comfortably.
The crate should not be large enough for the puppy to walk around and relieve himself.
If you have a large breed dog, the crate should start small and grow as your puppy grows.
Training Protocol
Crate training can be a nightmare, or it can be a piece of cake! Every puppy will be different. In order to get fast results with crate training and to save yourself some sanity, follow these simple, effective tips.
Keep the crate in a neutral, high-trafficked area of the house during the day.
Put the crate in a quiet, dark space at night and plug in a loud fan.
Cover the crate with a blanket or a crate cover.
After the puppy is housebroken (not before), you can put some blankets or a crate bed in the crate.
Feed your puppy in the crate.
Put your puppy down for regularly scheduled naps in the crate during the day.
Let him cry it out. Let the whining and barking happen. After a few days, the crying will subside. Don’t reinforce the crying by petting or talking to your puppy.
Start right away. Don’t wait until your hair has been pulled out before you begin crate training.
Use it as a tool. Whenever you have guests, need some rest, need to do chores, or have to take your attention away from the puppy, put him in the crate so he can be safe while your eyes are off him. Allow him to watch you from inside the crate.
Don’t save the crate for when you leave the house. Your puppy will associate the crate with being alone and may become averse to it. Use the crate REGULARLY.
If your puppy is not in the crate, leave the door open if he wants to use it.
Comment below if you have any crate training questions!
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