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Dillydoodle · 09-26-2006, 04:34 PM

I crate trained Dillon from the day i brought him home ( he is now 16 months old). I actually took him to work with me in the begining ( until he was about 5 months old but only becuase I could) . We stayed with a routine, he slept at night in his crate. His first crate was a small plastic airline type crate and i had a washable ( important) crate pad in there with him. We made his first experience with the crate very positive. We never forced him into it, rather encouraged him with a toy or a treat...and when we closed the door, we would stay in the room a minute but NEVER responded to any whining. If he settled down fast, he was praised but if you give in ONCE to the whining and having a fit, they will do it more and continue longer as they know they will eventually wear you down and be let out. It only took a day for him to understand that this was his special place. I made sure to offer him plenty of potty breaks so he wouldnt be forced to have an accident in his crate. I never put water in his crate with him but i also never left him truely unattended in the early days. I had water out at all times and he was never left in his crate (Other than sleeping at night) for more than 3 hours. I was lucky and had this luxury, i know many working people who can't. I also covered the sides of his crate for the same reason as linda, my cats would be a huge distraction to him in the middle of the night. I also agree, never use the crate as a punishment. When dillon was fully housebroken and i knew he was not a big digger or chewer i bought him a soft crate which has been the best thing EVER! His crate is large and comfy, he has a memory foam orthopedic mattress in there with a cover and an extra sheet on it ( for easy washing) and a little lion blanket ( for snuggling if cold) It is in our bedroom and while we let him in our bed and he likes hanging out with us at night, he "puts himself to bed" every night going to his crate on his own when he is ready for bed....
Best of luck - crate training is great! ( housebreaking made easier for sure)

Emilie

	(#5 (permalink))
Dillydoodle Senior Member Status: Offline Posts: 1,370 Join Date: Aug 2006	09-26-2006, 04:34 PM I crate trained Dillon from the day i brought him home ( he is now 16 months old). I actually took him to work with me in the begining ( until he was about 5 months old but only becuase I could) . We stayed with a routine, he slept at night in his crate. His first crate was a small plastic airline type crate and i had a washable ( important) crate pad in there with him. We made his first experience with the crate very positive. We never forced him into it, rather encouraged him with a toy or a treat...and when we closed the door, we would stay in the room a minute but NEVER responded to any whining. If he settled down fast, he was praised but if you give in ONCE to the whining and having a fit, they will do it more and continue longer as they know they will eventually wear you down and be let out. It only took a day for him to understand that this was his special place. I made sure to offer him plenty of potty breaks so he wouldnt be forced to have an accident in his crate. I never put water in his crate with him but i also never left him truely unattended in the early days. I had water out at all times and he was never left in his crate (Other than sleeping at night) for more than 3 hours. I was lucky and had this luxury, i know many working people who can't. I also covered the sides of his crate for the same reason as linda, my cats would be a huge distraction to him in the middle of the night. I also agree, never use the crate as a punishment. When dillon was fully housebroken and i knew he was not a big digger or chewer i bought him a soft crate which has been the best thing EVER! His crate is large and comfy, he has a memory foam orthopedic mattress in there with a cover and an extra sheet on it ( for easy washing) and a little lion blanket ( for snuggling if cold) It is in our bedroom and while we let him in our bed and he likes hanging out with us at night, he "puts himself to bed" every night going to his crate on his own when he is ready for bed.... Best of luck - crate training is great! ( housebreaking made easier for sure) Emilie