This is a few ideas and tips to help give new puppy owners options on crate training and potty training.  There are various thoughts and ideas of which way is best.  We believe it depends on the house environment, schedule and repetition.  Any puppy will excel at training with consistent commands and a routine. 

 

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CRATE Training

 

The crate should be used at night, for sleeping and potty training or if away from the house. 

When choosing a crate, be sure your puppy only has enough room to lay down, stand and turn around. This may mean growing through a few different sizes of plastic crates or purchasing the wire crate with divider to move along during puppy's growth. We know everyone wants that beautiful plush dog bed for their puppy.  However waiting to add a plush bed until your puppy is through the chewing stage and is better about potty training is best for inside the crate. We use blankets or towels that are easily washable in case of an accident; which will happen.  Placing the crate near an exterior door is beneficial will still potty training.  Once the puppy is let out of the crate they'll have to go almost immediately.

 

We work hard to give the puppies a great foundation to build on when it comes crates and potty training.  We start introducing them at 4 weeks old to the crate. Your puppy has been sleeping in a crate with the door open, had rest time and has spent time during the day and time during the night with the door closed. We have done all of these things to help you create a smooth transition to crate training.

Even though we have started crate training, we suggest easing in to the crate training in their new home. By allowing your puppy a slower transition, it helps reduce so much stress at one time and will result in less crying and concern when you begin crate training. Before bed, take him out for a good walk and be sure he’s had time to eliminate.  Be sure he has his blankie  (as provided in your puppy packet) placed inside the crate. Walk away and go to bed, understanding that there is likely to be a little fussing. 

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