Crate Training Your Puppy

We recommend crate training your puppy when introducing them into their new home. Puppies don’t like to be left on their own. This can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviour. When crate training is done correctly, it can help to reduce this unwanted behaviour, and give your puppy a place where they will feel safe, while you are not at home.

Benefits of Crate Training Your Puppy

1. Your puppy can be safely left alone overnight, or while you are not at home
2. It limits your puppy’s access to the house, teaching your puppy the house rules
3. Destructive behaviour is reduced
4. Your puppy has their own place, where they feel safe
5. You can easily transport your pet to the vets or other places using the crate
   

A Guide to Crate Training Your Puppy

Step 1: Getting used to the crate

Put the crate in a room, where the family often spend time. Make it comfortable for your dog, by adding a bed such as vet bedding. Leave the crate door open, and slowly introduce your puppy to the crate by using treats, or your dog’s favourite toy.

Step 2: Feed your dog in their crate

Firstly, start feeding your puppy near their crate. If your puppy is comfortable with the crate, you can place the food inside. Once your puppy is happily eating their food in the crate, close the door of the crate for a short period. Build up the time of the door being left closed each day.

Step 3: Leave the dog in the crate, while you are at home

If your puppy is happy spending time in their crate, you should then try closing the crate door over, while you are at home. Call your puppy over, and reward them with a treat or chew toy once they are inside the crate. Slowly increase the amount of time you are away from the crate, until your puppy can be left alone, without whining.

Step 4: Sleeping or staying in the crate

Once you have completed the final step, your puppy should be content to stay in the crate overnight, or while you are away, without getting anxious. Praise your puppy before leaving, using a treat.

We recommend that you do not leave your puppy in their crate for more than four or five hours during the day. This time should be built up gradually.

Here at Pets.ie we have a wide range of crates available. Click here to view all crates.