Crate training a puppy?

[NewHopePoultry]

Its been awhile since I had to crate train a puppy, so now I'm looking for tips/advice.
I know the basic parts, dont let the puppy out when they whine,etc.
I'm just looking for some helpful tips, so the puppy wont drive us and our neighbors nuts, since she is very loud.

 

[CityClucks]

Yeah, the ignoring the pitiful sounds is the hardest part. I always gave my puppy a treat when he first went into the crate. After he was quiet (finally!) I gave him something yummy or fun to chew on. Now he's an adult and pops into his crate with gusto when I say "crate."

Good luck with your puppy - what kind is she?

 

[NewHopePoultry]

She is an American Pit Bull Terrier.

 

[CityClucks]

Oh yes! I remember her - the little black one - Such a sweet face. Oh - and get some earplugs for the whole family!

 

[AK-Bird-brain]

Keep a special toy in the crate

 

[warcard]

Absolutely #1: Do not use the crate as punishment! (especially while training the dog to use it)

If the dog must be separated from the pack for time out, try using a small bathroom or laundry room. Later the crate can be used as time out, but not during initial training.

2. Put something that smells like you in the crate (blankie/stuffed animal).
3. Feed a yummy treat to get her in it.
4. Put a Kong toy stuffed with a little peanut butter, cream cheese, or squeeze cheese etc. in there to give her something to do.
5. Cover the crate so it is more like a den.
6. If it is her sleeping area, try and have it in your bedroom so she can feel like she is with her pack (and invest in earplugs for the first couple nights

)
7. If possible work up to longer stays during the day:
(a) Place her in the crate
(b) as soon as she stops whining let her out
(c) next time wait a minute after whining, time restarts after any whining of more than a second or so
(d) slowly work up to longer times

Remember to keep the crate small enough so she doesn't have enough extra area to eliminate in or you will negate your housebreaking efforts. She should be able to stand up and turn around but not pace. If you want to buy a larger crate for her expected adult size place a divider (metal or cardboard) in it to start with.

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Quote:
Nothing more to add to this. Great advice. And stick to it. It can be hard, but it usually only takes a few days and oh the joy. As I am writing, I heard my 9 year old. Come on dogs, treat time. 4 big dogs are already downstairs in their crates waiting for him to close the door and give them their treat. They are only in there for a few hours each day. But they never complain. Never!

Good Luck! If you feel the urge to give in to the whining or to avoid using the crate, come back to us. We are here for you.

 

[Bec]

Quote:
Nice

That is exactly what I was going to say! This is FANTASTIC advice! Patience and persistence is key! She will get it and before you know it, she will actually like to go in there for a rest. It will become her special spot if done properly!

By The Way, I saw her pictures and she is just precious!!! Love that little face!

 

[obsessed]

I tried to crate my mastiff when he was a puppy and he just cried and cried. He was a big boy so I put him in my bathroom with a baby gate. That way he could see me. He stopped crying immediately.

 

[Luvducks]

If you can, put the crate in your room by the bed at first so puppy can see you. I put it right next to me so I could stick my fingers in until pup fell asleep. This helped me get sleep too! In the day time I would bring the crate out to kitchen or living area and whenever a puppy would start dozing off put them in. As said above, Never use for Punishment. These things are worth every penny though. Saved me from chewed furniture, and anything else. Good Luck with your new baby and keep us posted!