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Survival Guide Day 2-Crate Training: Why it's NOT Cruel

bigmommasdogtraini

Updated: 6 days ago




The section below features a few affiliate links, meaning I'll earn a small commission if purchased through these links.


For over 11 years, I have been helping clients and their dogs, I am quite shocked at the resistance I am met with when it comes to crating a puppy or dog. 

"It's cruel!"

"My puppy screamed the first night he was home, so I let him sleep in bed."

"I let my dog free roam the house, what's the big deal?"

"My dog hates the crate!"


Below are some helpful tips to acclimate your new puppy or dog to the crate:


  1. Make sure the puppy/dog have a positive association with the crate. You can put blankets, toys, treats, etc inside the crate. If your dog is away from the crate, you can hide treats within the crate, so when your dog returns to the crate - they find a wonderful surprise! 🤗

  2. You can also feed your puppy/dog in their crate. Over time, your dog will anticipate being fed in the crate and may even go in on their own to wait patiently! However, do not close the crate all the way (this applies to other exercises), you may leave the door open. As time passes, you can start to close the door more to the crate until you are able to close the crate door all the way. 🐾

  3. With new puppy parents, if you bring your puppy home and they scream in their crates the first night - just think, they were taken from the breeder's home, rescue, etc and placed in a new home. Of course they are going to be a little stressed! Throughout the day, try to make sure the puppy is up and moving, this way when night rolls around, they're tired and ready for bed. 

    1. If your puppy cries during the night, they may need to potty. Run them out to go to the bathroom and then once they are finished immediately put them back in their crate. Yes, they are going to cry, but let them. They are just disappointed that you left! Your puppy will eventually tire themselves out and go back to sleep. 😴

  4. Letting a new puppy (or even adult dog!) roam through the house could spell trouble. A crate helps keep your dog SAFE. Would you feel comfortable letting a 2 year old CHILD run through the house? 👶 OF course not! This is why we have cribs and playpens for children. If you are unable to watch your puppy/dog, a crate is the best place to put them. Why? So that way they are unable to get themselves into trouble like: chewing wires, stealing food, making a mess on a new carpet, chewing up an antique coffee table...the list could go on. This could also save yourself the trouble of taking the dog to the vet because they ingested something they probably shouldn't (socks and underwear are very popular...)


**Please Note: I am paranoid when leaving a puppy/dog alone in their crate with items such a chews, blankets, etc. due to the possibility of them choking. That is me - you know your dogs. If you feel comfortable leaving items in the dog's crate, by all means, please do so especially if you are trying to acclimate them positively. 


"But I hear you aren't supposed to use the crate as a punishment??"


As long as you aren't:

  • Yelling

  • Screaming

  • Dragging the dog into the crate

  • Throwing the dog into the crate

  • Slamming the crate door

  • Shaking the crate

You can use the crate as a "time-out." Think of sending a kid to their room if they're acting up...they need time to relax. Maybe your puppy is overtired and they need a nap. (Keep this in mind for the nipping survival guide...) As long as you are calm you can quietly put your dog away. 


ALSO: never let out a barking dog (unless they REALLY) have to use the restroom. If you let your dog out while they are barking it is self rewarding. Dog barks = FREEDOM. Only let your dog out when they are quiet. So if you do put your dog away for quiet time, while they are quiet - you can walk by the crate and toss treats inside to reward them for the quietness and calm behavior.


If you are concerned about how your dog does act when left alone in the crate while you run out to get coffee, take a quick trip to the grocery store, etc. Then cameras are the best way to watch and see how your puppy acts! Below is a camera I've had a few people show me and it seems to work well!  



Hope these tips help! 

Stay tuned for tomorrow's survival guide on

Nipping: The Dreaded Shark Teeth!🐕

If you have questions, I'm just a message away ~Nicole 



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