The Ultimate Puppy Guide Part 2:
Crate Training: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Space for Your Puppy
Benefits of crate training: Crate training is an essential tool for every puppy owner. Not only does it provide a safe and secure space for your furry friend, but it also plays a crucial role in their development and overall well-being. Puppies and dogs are naturally den-dwelling animals. A crate gives them a sense of security, protection and retreat when needed. (Pro-Tip: A crate cover can make crate training much more inviting due to the crate becoming a den-like habitat.). By properly introducing crate training to your puppy, you are setting them up for success in various aspects of their life.
Crate training promotes healthy boundaries and prevents destructive behavior. Puppies are curious creatures with boundless energy, and without proper guidance, they may engage in activities that could potentially harm themselves or damage your home. By providing them with a designated space like a crate, you give them a sense of security while also preventing any unwanted accidents or chewing incidents.
One of the primary benefits of crate training is that it aids in potty training. Dogs naturally have an instinct to keep their sleeping area clean, and by confining them to a crate, you are teaching bladder control. Just remember their bladders are tiny and still immature so this should be done gradually. This helps establish a routine and teaches them proper bathroom etiquette.
Crate training also serves as a valuable tool for travel and vet visits. Whether you’re taking your pup on a road trip or visiting the veterinarian for routine check-ups, having them accustomed to being in a crate ensures they feel comfortable and at ease during these situations. It eliminates any unnecessary stress both for your pet and yourself.
Additionally, crates can be utilized as peaceful retreats for puppies when they need some downtime or alone time. Dogs are den animals by nature, meaning they seek out small enclosed spaces where they can relax undisturbed. A properly introduced crate becomes their own personal sanctuary where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed or tired.
From aiding in potty training to establishing boundaries and providing comfort during travel or downtime, crates play an integral role in shaping your furry friend into a well-adjusted adult dog. By investing time and effort into crate training, you are not only ensuring their safety but also setting them up for a lifetime of happiness and companionship.
Choosing the right crate for your needs is crucial when it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of your furry friend. With a wide array of options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the different types and sizes. However, fear not! We are here to guide you in making an informed decision that suits both you and your pet.
When it comes to types of crates, there are decorative ones, soft pop-up ones , wire crates, and plastic crates. The decorative ones can blend into your home decor and be a nice addition to any home. These are sturdy and will mostly be a permanent type of furniture. The soft, pop-up ones are more for smaller dogs when you visit family or friends and need a small containment area for your pup. Easy to move and relocate as needed. The most popular is the wire style crate. They offer excellent ventilation and visibility for your pet and are sturdy with a removable bottom sliding mat that can be cleaned. Lastly, while the wire crate is the most popular the plastic crate can provide a more enclosed and secure environment. Consider factors such as your pet’s temperament, behavior, and travel requirements when deciding between these two options.
The next important aspect is selecting the right size crate for your furry companion. It’s essential to choose a crate that provides enough space for your pet to stand up, turn around comfortably, and lie down in their natural sleeping position. Too much space can impede your potty training regimen as they will have more space than what is needed and can move away from where they have gone to the potty. Puppies do not like to potty where they sleep but will if there is room to move away from it. A crate divider may be used while the puppy is growing and can be removed later as the puppy needs more space to stretch out. Buying a crate that is too small can restrict their movements, leading to discomfort or even anxiety.
To determine the correct size of the crate, consider measuring your pet from nose to tail base (for length) and from floor to top of head or ears (for height). You may also want to account for any growth if you have a puppy or anticipate any changes in size due to age or breed characteristics.
Additionally, keep in mind that some dogs prefer cozier spaces while others prefer more roomy environments. Observing your pet’s behavior at home can give you insights into their preferences. A wire crate is typically kept at home and does not travel well due to it requiring set-up and breakdown. This can be time-consuming requiring set-up and breakdown if it needs to be moved or you choose to try and travel with it. A wire crate is the most commonly used and relatively inexpensive not to mention easy to clean. Using a chew-resistant mat type of waterproof flooring is essential for these types of crates. On the other hand, if you travel a lot and will be traveling with your furry companion a plastic crate is a better choice.
Crate training process: Step-by-step guide to introducing your puppy to their crate
Are you struggling to introduce your new puppy to their crate? Look no further! Crate training is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being and safety of your furry friend. With a step-by-step guide, you can make this process smooth and stress-free for both you and your puppy.
Choosing the Right Crate: Step by Step
- Step 1: Choose the right crate: Selecting the appropriate crate is essential. It should be spacious enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Consider a crate with a removable divider panel that allows you to adjust the space as your puppy grows. (Pro-Tip: Think this part through before purchasing a crate. What is your intended goal with your puppy and what will their adult size be? Just a few minutes of preparation can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.)
- Step 2: Introduce the crate gradually: Start by placing the crate in an area where your puppy spends most of their time. Make it cozy by adding soft bedding and toys inside. Chew-resistant or chew-proof bedding that is also waterproof or washable. Toys must be chew-proof or edible (NO rawhide) as your puppy will be teething and may choke if left with a toy they can tear up into little pieces. Leave the door open initially so that it doesn’t feel like confinement. (Pro-Tip: Leave a small article of clothing from their littermates or from your family inside the crate. This smell provides comfort and can further reinforce the bond).
- Step 3: Encourage exploration: To create positive associations with the crate, entice your puppy with treats or their favorite toys near or inside it. Let them explore at their own pace without any pressure. You are now beginning basic training with your puppy. Slowly introduce the command you want for this behavior. (Pro-Tip: Kennel, Kennel up, Bed etc. Be consistent with this command and immediately reward them when they are in the kennel. Do not force them inside of it. I promise you their curiosity will lead them into the crate. Additionally, the crate should be placed in a common area where they feel part of the family)
- Step 4: Mealtime in the crate: During mealtime, place your puppy’s food bowl near the entrance of the crate, gradually moving it deeper inside over time. This will help them associate positive experiences with being inside.
- Step 5: Short periods of confinement: Once your puppy feels comfortable entering and exiting freely, start closing the door for short periods while they are eating or playing inside. Gradually increase these intervals to help them get accustomed to being confined. Remain in the room or just barely out of sight and praise them with a job well done. You want to be proactive in releasing them from the crate before they begin crying or whining.
- Step 6: Extend confinement time gradually: As days go by, extend how long you keep your pup confined in their crate but be mindful not to push them too far too soon. Remember that patience is key during this process. Take the time to leave them in the crate, step outside for 10 minutes and return. Repeat this process and gradually increase the time in the crate.
- Step 7: Use comforting techniques: If you are crate training slowly your puppy will begin to accept it and know they can trust you. They know you will return. If they begin to whine or cry during this training process you may be moving too fast through it. Ensure they have a comfy bed, edible chews or chew-proof toys in the crate. If I could stress one thing, it would be to not to verbally reassure your puppy if they are whining or crying to get out. It is perceived as reinforcement of this unwanted behavior and will further encourage it. If they are whining or crying you will need to take a few steps back and go a litter slower during for this training. (Pro-Tip: Exercise and play first. This will drain some of the boundless energy and the puppy will want to resort to their sanctuary for much-needed rest.)
- Step 8: Maintain a consistent routine: Consistency is key when crate training. Stick to a regular schedule for meals, playtime, and bathroom breaks. This will help your puppy anticipate and adjust to their time in the crate. This cannot be stressed enough, crate training takes time and patience. Be sure to never use the crate as a form of punishment, as it should be seen as a safe haven for your puppy.
- Step 9: Troubleshooting with crate training: A slow and gradual introduction cannot be stressed enough. Exercise and play before going into the crate cannot be stressed enough. If your puppy has an accident in the crate, ask yourself how can you be proactive in preventing the accident. How long were they in the crate? Did they have water after 7-8 pm at night? When did they last eat and did you actually see them have a bowel movement? All of those questions will help you to identify the underlying cause of the accident. Puppies are not born with bad habits or to cause you any problems. You are their handler, trainer, and pack leader. You must set them up for success by understanding how they operate.
Puppy Feeding and Potty Schedule: Scheduling and Reinforcement
Creating a consistent daily schedule for your pup’s meals is key. Puppies thrive on routine, and having fixed meal times helps them develop healthy eating habits and predictable potty times. Ideally, puppies should be fed three to four times a day until they are about six months old. As they grow older, you can gradually transition them to two meals per day.
When determining the correct time of day for each meal, it’s important to consider your puppy’s energy levels and activity patterns. Most experts recommend spacing out meals evenly throughout the day to ensure sustained energy levels. For example, breakfast can be served around 7-8 am, followed by lunch at noon or early afternoon, then dinner in the evening around 6-7 pm. (Pro-tip: Puppies have a very small bladder and process food quickly through their digestive system. Just after eating take the puppy outside for about 20 minutes. The puppy will usually have a bowel movement and you can immediately reward for going potty outside. Now pair this behavior with a command, such as “go potty” and you are reinforcing the potty outside like a pro).
Water is another important part of the puppy’s daily dietary needs. Water should be easily and readily accessible to them but not in their kennel. Just like potty training a child, the bladder is very small and cannot hold a lot of urine. Accidents will happen so be prepared with an extra crate mat, cleaning supplies, and grooming products. No water after 7 pm! (Pro-Tip: I recommend an ice cube or two if needed after 7 pm but nothing more. The temperature of the ice cube will help with teething and also provide just a little water.) These tips will help decrease the midnight awakenings to take the puppy out to potty.
You should initially plan on having to wake up at least once in the middle of the night until the puppy’s bladder matures and can hold urine longer. This is where the crate training is invaluable. If you are crate training which I highly recommend, the puppy may cry in the middle of the night to go out. Do not play with the puppy or talk with the puppy, simply put a leash on and take them directly to the yard to potty. Use your command for “go potty” wait for them to finish, reward and return to their crate immediately.
Puppy nipping and biting:
Why and How to Redirect
“Teething can result in chewing and discomfort, so providing appropriate chew toys can help alleviate the urge to chew on household items.”
Puppies are adorable bundles of energy, but their nipping and biting behavior can sometimes be a challenge for pet owners. Understanding why puppies nip and bite is crucial in order to effectively redirect their behavior. By implementing the right training techniques and using positive reinforcement, you can help your furry friend develop appropriate chewing habits.
Puppy nipping and biting is a natural instinct for young dogs. Puppies explore the world around them through their mouths, just like human babies do with their hands. Additionally, during playtime, puppies often nip and bite as a way to engage with their littermates or owners. It also teaches them boundaries and limitations, more specifically proper socialization etiquette.
To redirect this behavior, it’s important to provide your puppy with appropriate chew toys or bones that they can gnaw on instead of your hands or clothing. When your puppy starts nipping or biting you, calmly use an assertive, NO and remove yourself from the situation briefly. This teaches them that biting leads to the end of playtime or attention.
Another effective technique is to replace inappropriate chewing targets with suitable alternatives. When your puppy goes for an item they shouldn’t be chewing on, gently take it away and offer them a toy that they are allowed to chew on instead. (Pro-Tip: I recommend toys that you can put treats or peanut butter in. It provides mental stimulation and also encourages chewing on something yummy. You can also freeze the peanut butter inside the toys).
Consistency is key when it comes to redirecting puppy nipping and biting. Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules and uses positive reinforcement techniques such as praise and treats when your pup chooses appropriate chewing options.
Be mindful of household items that can be very dangerous to puppies such as electrical cords, small objects on the floor, household cleaners etc. Puppies can be destructive and there are sprays out there that can help deter your puppy from chewing on dangerous items. My recommendation is bitter apple spray. I tried several different ones on the market and this is the only one I found that did not stain my furniture or have an awful smell.
Puppy Proofing your house: Supervision and Removing or Relocating items
Keeping your furry friend safe and secure is a top priority for any pet owner, especially when it comes to puppies. These adorable bundles of energy can get into all sorts of mischief if left unsupervised. That’s why puppy-proofing your home is crucial to ensure their safety and prevent any potential accidents or damage. By taking a few simple steps, you can create a safe environment for your new furry family member, giving you peace of mind and allowing them to explore their new surroundings without any worries.
First and foremost, it’s essential to identify potential hazards that may pose a threat to your puppy’s well-being. Start by getting down on their level and looking around from their perspective – this will help you spot anything that may be within their reach. Keep an eye out for loose wires or cords that they could chew on, as well as toxic plants, cleaning chemicals, loose electrical cords small objects like button batteries. Puppies are notorious for chewing on shoes and furniture as well. By identifying and eliminating these potential dangers, you can create a safe environment for your puppy to explore without the risk of harm.
A baby gate can be used for confinement to a small safe area the puppy can be in. Additionally, regular exercise and playtime will drain some of that energy and assist in reducing chewing out of boredom. Play toys and chew toys are a must-have while they are teething and still in the puppy stages. (Pro-Tip: If you are inside with your puppy, put a leash on the puppy and tie the other side to you. Have the puppy follow you throughout the house or your daily chores. Reward and start pairing a command with it such as heel. Not only will you be able to monitor them you will be providing leash training simultaneously.)
Leash Training: Teaching Your Puppy to Walk by Your Side with Ease
The importance of leash training: Why it is crucial for both safety and control on walks
Leash training is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership, as it plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and control of your furry companion during walks. Whether you have a small dog or a large breed, leash training is an investment that will benefit both you and your four-legged friend in numerous ways.
First and foremost, leash training promotes safety. When out on walks, there are countless potential hazards that can put your dog’s well-being at risk. Without proper leash training, your dog may dart into traffic, approach aggressive animals, or even get lost in unfamiliar surroundings. By teaching them to walk calmly on a leash, you can effectively prevent these dangerous situations from occurring.
Additionally, leash training provides control over your dog’s behavior. Puppies are naturally curious creatures and may become easily distracted by their surroundings – be it squirrels scurrying up trees or enticing smells wafting through the air. By mastering leash training techniques, you gain the ability to redirect their attention and guide their movements when necessary. This control not only ensures their safety but also allows for enjoyable walks without constant pulling or tugging.
Introducing your furry friend to walking on a leash can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It provides more than just control over your companion but helps to build a bond with them. As I have discussed in other parts of this guide, exercise and play are absolutes when owning a new puppy. Walking on a leash is a gradual process that includes clearly communicating with your puppy what you want. Praise and treats to follow you and walk beside you reinforce this behavior. If the puppy begins to pull just simply stop walking. The puppy will realize they cannot explore anymore unless they are walking next to their human. Decide which side to walk the puppy on, right or left. Remember consistency also applies with leash training.
In conclusion, the Ultimate Puppy Checklist part 1 and part 2 has covered some of the basics for bringing home your new puppy. From deciding on what breed to providing a safe and comfortable environment and an introduction to training. Your preparation will pay off. By following these steps, you can rest assured that you are well-prepared to provide your new addition with the love, care, and attention they deserve. Remember, creating a strong foundation from the very beginning will set the stage for a lifetime of happiness and companionship with your beloved pup.
.
Recommended Products
