puppy crate training question

[ivyagogo]

We are going to be getting a puppy and I've been reading puppy books non-stop for weeks. I am still puzzled about something though and I need some of your expert advice.

Where in the house should I put the puppy's crate? We live in a pretty big house. Should I put the crate in our bedroom or some place upstairs where we spend the most time or downstairs near the door so I can get him outside quickly after taking hom out of the crate? I hate the idea of him being so far from the rest of the family. My sister is concerned that if I keep the crate upstairs he might eliminate on the way to the door.

[murderess]

If you have a large house you might want to get two crates. My mom has two, one for when she is in the living room and the other for when she goes to bed so the dog can be in her room (but he isn't a puppy). I would also carry him outside after being in a crate for a long period of time so he won't have an accident on the way.

Good for you for reading up on being a responsible dog owner. I read a book called "The Right Dog for You"
www.amazon.com/Right-Dog-You-Daniel-Tortora/dp/067147247X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-4460385-6421738?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186638054&sr=8-1
before I got my pup and it really helped me find a dog that would fit into my lifestyle.

Good luck!

[ivyagogo]

Thanks Murdress. I have been reading like crazy and have actually put together a list of commands including the actual words I want our family to say for consistency, a schedule, and a rule book. I researched breeds and we are going to get a Havanese. They just got their AKC acceptance a few years ago, so not a lot of people have heard of them. They are toy dogs that don't shed, aren't real barkers, are really good with kids, and fast learners. They were breed in Cuba as pets for royalty and have an extensive background as circus dogs, thus they are very easy to train.

[heatherakc]

I crate trained my dog. I put her downstairs in the laundry room because I couldn't stand the crying at night. It only takes about 3-4 nights for the crying to stop. I have heard, however, the crate should be somewhere where the family gathers or is often. Something about pack mentality.

Aimee ended up loving her crate as a place of refuge. If my 4 year old bothers her, she goes into her crate, happy as can be. She also automatically goes into the crate when I leave the house and sometimes goes there for a nap when were home, although she prefers a blanket on the couch. It's her own little space. Home.

Good luck!

[starry]

I agree with getting two crates.

I crated my Nikki (his first year only) and it really helped him.


Good luck!

[ivyagogo]

Starry - how did you wean him out of the crate?

[jen68]

my sister kept hers in the kitchen and her dogs would often go in when they wanted a rest or had enough stimulation. in their bedroom they've gated off their bathroom, which adjoins their bedroom and the dogs stay in there overnight. with water and bedding, of course.

[starry]

ivyjosi said:

Starry - how did you wean him out of the crate?

During his second year, I started leaving his crate open for short periods, like running a short errand. Once I could trust him, I just left the crate open. After a few months with no incidents, I just eliminated the crate all together.

I have to mention that Nikki never used his crate as his private place or napping place so it made it easier. He realize very early that good behavior means no crate..lol.

[sixthandbroadway]

Crate training is really the way to go. I have a 3 month old Jack Russell and he is doing great. He only cried the first night and now he even sleeps in bed with me. He used to get me up about 4 am to go out once but now he sleeps thru the night till my alarm goes off and I carry him straight outside. He's even gotten smart about sniffing around the door when he needs to pee.

I realize I have been very lucky. His worst habit is the chewing thing and that's the main reason I crate him now if I'm doing more than a short errand.

Good luck with your new bundle of joy and post a phote when you get it!!!

Debbie

[RioDuranie]

we crate trained all of our dogs, I also agree with the crate being a a natural family area of the home, it being their place, and if your house is so big get two if you can.

The crying at night does last a few nights, its annoying but let him cry/whine it out, if you go to him he will learn like a child that the crying/whining gets attention.

Post pictures when you get him.