Crate, Kennel and Potty Training a Dog or Puppy

Considering getting a puppy? Having trouble training a puppy where to potty? Tired of coming home and having your things chewed up? You need a dog crate.

Crates are used by trainers, groomers, veterinarians, and sitters. If you ever leave and board your dog, they will be using a crate.

We have had four dogs in our home. I have used crates with three of them and will forever more!! I was in the mind frame that a crate was cruel; I quickly learned that that was not at all the case. It has turned out to be more like a playpen for our pups. I used a playpen to keep my daughter safe and to give her a place to nap; a crating is the same concept. I have been pleasantly surprised with each dog we used it with. My house can get a little crazy. I only have one child, but we always have neighbor kids, friends, and church family members over to our home. The Cavaliers tend to go nap in their crates (all by themselves) when our house gets loud and crazy.

Dogs by nature look for dens to sleep in and have their puppies in. Mother dogs teach their puppies not to go potty in the area they sleep. This is an instinct. Have you ever noticed your puppy sleeping under a piece of furniture?

Reason to use a crate:

Keeps puppy safe when no on can supervise them

Keeps puppy from chewing on your property

Safe place for dog to rest

House training

Travel

Types of crates:

There are many types of crates on the market. Plastic, metal, and wire tend to be the most popular. I prefer the wire crates. I like the fact that the wire crate is open on top and the sides for ventilation and are easy to clean. The crate folds down for easy storage and transportation.

Size of Crates:

Dog Crates come in many different sizes. The height and length of your adult dog will determine what size kennel to purchase. Your dog should be able to stand up, without hitting it's head on the top, turn around, and lie down stretched out to the full length of its body without being cramped. Most wire crates come with a divider. This allows you to make the crate smaller when the dog is a puppy and larger as the puppy grows. You will only need to purchase one crate instead of different sized crates as the puppy grows.

What to put into the crate:

Make the crate inviting. Put in the crate a washable pad, blanket, or a pillow. Put items in the crate that is puppy safe. Just remember, the items will more thank likely be chewed on by the puppy. Never put food or water into the crate.

Placement of the crate:

The placement of the crate varies depending on the purpose of the crate. I keep our Cavalier's crate in the bedroom. The purpose of the crate in our home is for sleeping, holding the dog while we are away from home or are unable to supervise, and a quiet place for them to retreat to. Other dog owners will put the crate in the room where the family spends most of their time.

How to introduce your dog to a crate:

1. Make the crate comfortable and appealing

2. Put treat/toy in the crate

3. Sit by the crate with the door open

4. Let the dog wonder in and out of the crate, find the treat, and play with the toy

5. Do not force the pup into the crate when you are introducing it

6. After about 20 minutes, put the dog in and close the door

7. Stay by the crate, put your fingers in and praise the dog, letting him know that everything is ok

8. Let out after a few minutes unless whining

9. Never let the dog out if he is whining

10. Do not make a big deal out of letting the dog out of the kennel

11. Put puppy into the crate while napping, leaving the door open

12. Make it clear to all family members that when the pup goes into the crate by himself to leave him alone. The crate is HIS domain for privacy and relaxation.

Crating during the night:

o Allow the puppy to go potty

o Play with the puppy to wear him out

o Expect whining for the first few nights. It is a new experience.

o Put the crate close to your bed.

o Put your fingers in the crate so the puppy knows you are there

o Usually if he whines for more than 10 minutes, I will take him outside to potty, bringing him back and returning him to his crate. Do not play with or cuddle him.

Whining issues:

The pup is going to whine. He likes to be with you. Before leaving the pup in the crate for more than a few minutes, allow the pup to empty his bladder and bowels. Exercise the pup until he is worn out will cut down on whining. Never yell at the dog or hit the kennel. I never let the dog out of the kennel when he is whining. Always wait until he stops.

Amount of time a puppy can spend in a crate before needing to go potty:

o 2-4 months - 2-3 hours

o 5-6 months - 4 hours

o 6-12 months - 5-6 hours

o 12 months plus - max of 8 hours

Crates are not to be used as prisons. They can be easily abused. But if used properly, crates are a great asset to you and your puppy!

For more information on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, visit: mycavalierkingcharlesspaniel.com [http://mycavalierspaniel.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lori_Lappe