The Importance of Crate Training Your Puppy

     Crate training: Crate training your puppy is a very useful technique for many reasons.  Many people believe that putting your puppy in a crate is cruel and uncaring, but this is far from the truth. Getting your puppy accustomed to their crate will make both the puppy and you happy. I normally start crate training my puppies at seven weeks of age.

    Comfort and Security:  Encourage your puppy to go into the crate with a toy or a treat.  Reward them when they go into the crate.  Make sure the crate is clean and place their blanket and a toy inside.  I also feed my puppies while they are in the crate and this makes them feel more comfortable. They will soon begin to associate the crate as a place of food, warmth, and security.  When they are out of the crate, leave the door open so they can go into the crate at will. They may go into the crate to take a nap as this is where they feel safe and secure.

     Safety:  Be sure to have your puppy in a crate when travelling.  Having them loose in your vehicle could be harmful to them if you have to suddenly slam on your brakes. This happened to me once when I was taking a puppy to the vet.  The crate was severely damaged but the puppy was fine other than being a little shook up.  It is better for the crate to suffer the damages rather than your puppy.

     Housebreaking:  Puppies have to learn to be let outside to potty.  If they potty in the crate without giving a warning, don’t take them out right away.  Leave them in the crate for a few minutes and then take them out.  A puppy that pottys in the crate will not want to lay down there.  Pay attention to your puppy while crate training.  If they become restless, whining, and turning circles, then they are asking to go out to potty.  Each time they potty outside, reward them with praise and a treat. You may need to repeat the process a few times until they learn.  

     Having your puppy crate trained will also help if you are cleaning or remodeling or if you have guest that don’t want to be licked greeted by your deeply affectionate companion.  If they are already use to the crate, they are less likely to get anxiety.

     Not for Punishment:  Never use the crate for punishment.  Never associate the crate with anger or a negative tone of voice.  The Newfoundland does not understand physical harm or negative techniques as a form of training. It is best to use rewarding, positive reinforcement when they do good.