Tips On Crate Training PuppiesFollow these tips on crate training puppies, and your pup will be enjoying his crate in no time. You'll be amazed to discover how helpful a crate can be in your puppy training routine. He won't miss having the run of the whole house if he's not allowed total freedom from the start. That's a privilege he'll earn with time and training. OK, where do we start? Just take it slow and easy, and keep a happy, positive attitude. Your pup will think this is another fun game--just like everything else in his puppy world. Easy Tips On Crate Training PuppiesIntroduce your puppy to his crate by tossing in a treat, with the door left open. Praise him when he enters on his own.
Pretty soon, he'll think it's a pretty fine place. ("Holy cow, a hotel and a restaurant!") Keep a few small toys and treats in the open crate. Let Puppy Pete go in and out on his own, helping himself to the goodies you leave for him. Instead of just putting a dish of kibble in his crate, try stuffing a Kong chew toy with kibble. Give it to him in his crate, and he'll be so happily occupied chewing on the Kong to get the kibble out, he'll quickly learn that his crate is a great place to hang out. Once your pup goes happily in and out of his crate without any fear, it's time to close the door. Read on! More Tips On Crate Training PuppiesOne easy crate training technique is to just put your pup in his crate when he's tired and ready for a nap.When they get tired from their non-stop playing, they often fall asleep wherever they are. When he falls asleep in his crate, just close the door. Make sure you're right there when he wakes up, the first few times. During his awake time, when he goes inside to chew his Kong chew toy, shut the door. He'll be so busy, he won't even notice. When he's done chewing (or falls asleep and then wakes up), open the door. Gradually increase the amount of time he spends in his crate. For example, he'll be so busy getting kibble out of his Kong, he won't even notice how long he's been inside his crate. It'll be his favorite time of the day! Age-Related Tips on Crate Training Puppies The general rule for puppies between seven and fourteen weeks old is that they should spend more time in their crate than out.When they're out, they should be confined to a puppy-proof area under close supervision. If nobody's around to watch your pup, he stays in his crate. Don't abuse this rule. Make sure somebody's there to take Puppy Pete outside to potty frequently. After about fourteen weeks, you can let him have more free time in the house, but still with your watchful supervision. Your goal in crate training a puppy is to be able to leave your pup out for longer and longer periods of time without getting into trouble. As he gets close to a year old, you can gradually leave your Golden Retriever puppy out longer while you're home, with less supervision. You'll still need to check on him frequently to be sure he isn't getting into trouble. (It's amazing how quickly that can happen!) You'll also want to continue crating him when you leave the house. Final Tips on Crate Training PuppiesCover the top of the crate loosely with a large towel or blanket. Drop the covering at night for sleeping, and during his daytime naps. It will make it feel more like a den, and another way to tell him, "Night-night!"Check out a few crate training rules for additional do’s and don’ts. It's easy to train your pup to go in his crate at your request. Pick a phrase like "In your crate!" and use it consistently. Toss in a treat (or his Kong), and when he goes in after it, tell him, "In your crate!"
Crating your pup is helpful for both of you during the day, especially when you need to give Puppy Pete a brief time-out when he gets too worked-up playing with the kids. Crating is also a great way to protect your pup when mobs of neighborhood children invade your household. Our Peaches pup enjoyed her time with my son Travis and his friends (pictured here), but only until she got tired. Then she was ready for some "alone time." These tips on crate training puppies should help your Golden Retriever understand pretty quickly what you want him to do. And since most Goldens are born people-pleasers, your pup will be happy to practice his new skills, just for the pleasure of hearing your praise. Search here for more information on Golden Retrievers |
Offer his first few meals in the crate (with the door open).
Then praise him, "Good boy, in your crate!" Use that phrase each time you crate him, and he'll catch on pretty quickly.
