Max & Penny

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A crate provides a safe personal, den-like space for your dog to call his own, it also helps with housebreaking, potty training, and reducing unwanted behaviors like chewing your favorite pair of pumps or that baseball cap your grandfather bought you. When choosing a crate pick one that will provide adequate space when your dog reaches its’ full, adult size, large enough to stand up without having to hunch and to lie down with legs outstretched. However, don't buy a crate that is too large -- it won’t provide the feeling of safety and security that a dog enjoys in a properly-sized crate. We suggest a 48”x30” double door with divider.  While your dog is a puppy, the crate will be too big, leading him to eliminate in one end then go to the other end to sleep; divider panels are designed to solve this problem! Follow these steps to easily crate train your puppy!

 

• Choose a crate that will provide adequate space when your dog reaches his adult size. For our pups we suggest the 48” x 30” double door with divider. 

 

• Use the divider panel to adjust the length of living area as your puppy grows.  Note: This is a very important step,  dogs do not want to eliminate where they sleep so keep his area only big enough for him to lay down.

 

• Acquaint your puppy with his new crate. Let him smell and explore it. Use treats, kibble or a toy to encourage your puppy to (on her own) walk in and out of the crate, never force him! Say in clear voice “ Crate”.  Repeat this a few times. Then, try closing the door, while keeping the door shut praise him lavishly and give another treat. Doing this for longer and longer periods of time always praising and treating good behavior. Do not treat if your puppy starts to whine but not not scold either. Wait until she stops whining then treat and praise. Try leaving the room starting with a few seconds and then a few minutes.  Soon he will be secure in his home with the door closed and you out of the room.

 

• After long periods in the crate, immediately take your puppy (carry them at first) outside to eliminate.  Then playtime! 

 

• Supervise your pup anytime he is free in your home. Supervision is what allows you to direct behavior and keep them safe. Puppies explore the world around them with their mouths and this can get them into trouble even danger!   Always crate your pup when you are unable to supervise, this will help with potty training as well as keeping puppy and those leather pumps safe!

 

• Never punish your pup by putting or forcing him into his home. Your pup’s home should be his secure place, it should not be associated with punishment, fear, or anything negative.

 

Extra Tips:

• Typically a puppy can be in his crate for as many hours as he is months old before needing a potty break.  Example: 2 month old puppy, 2 hours stretch in the crate.  

 

• Some puppies take a little time warming up to their crate and will whine at first.  But don’t get discouraged, as long as he has been fed and had a potty break, she should settle down for a nap in no time.  If you know he doesn’t need anything completely ignore any barking or whining, she wants you to react and that will give her positive reenforcement to continue. Whenever you notice good behavior treat or praise!  

 

• To keep the crate a positive experience don’t only use it for negative experiences. For example, only when you are leaving for long stretches of time. She will then only associate the crate when you are gone.  Keeping the crate a positive place will mean peace for you and your furry friend. 

 

• A treat goes a long way for a lab.  Our dogs are 2 and 3 and we still treat, not every time, but frequently when we give the crate command. 

 

• Other Reminders : Your dog needs to exercise, don’t keep them in their crates all day! Make sure before bringing home a dog that you have time for them. And working with them as they grow will ensure a well behaved dog when they are out of the crate.  You can’t expect a dog to know how to act if they spend all their time cooped up. 

 

Keep in mind all dogs have their own unique personality, the sooner you learn about your dogs the better your relationship will be.