Teaching Your Puppy to Be Comfortable in His Crate
Whenever possible, you puppy’s crate should be located nearby when you are at home. This will encourage your puppy to enter the crate when he is tired and needs a rest. If possible, a crate should be placed next to your bed overnight. Here are guidelines for training your puppy to accept his crate as a comfortable place to relax:
- Introduce the crate to your puppy by periodically tossing treats or toys into the open door during the day. Allow your puppy to enter the crate to find these treats and to come out as he desires. (Do not push or force your puppy into the crate).
- Puppies can learn to associate their crate with meal time by feeding them in the crate and leaving the door open. When your puppy seems comfortable in the crate, the door can be closed (at first, reopen the door before he finishes eating).
- Crate your puppy for short periods of time while you are home with him. This helps to prevent an association between the crate and your leaving him alone.
- The time your puppy is confined to his crate can be gradually increased and should always be paired with a food delivery toy or chew toy that your puppy enjoys.
A general rule of thumb is that a dog should never spend more than 4 to 6 hours of uninterrupted time in a crate. When extended isolation is unavoidable, owners must make other arrangements to ensure that the puppy’s daily physical and emotional needs are met. Some solutions include hiring a noon-time dog walker, pet sitter or using a doggy day care service.
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