If you’re always gone when your puppy is in its crate, it could lead to feelings of abandonment. These feelings might make your puppy reluctant to use the crate.
If your pup is about 10 weeks old, it should spend no more than 30-60 minutes in its crate. [4] X Research source If your pup is 11-14 weeks old, it won’t be able to spend more than one to three hours in its crate. A puppy aged 15-16 weeks old should not spend more than three to four hours in its cage. When your sweet puppy turns 17 weeks old, it should be able to spend about four to five hours in its crate. Never leave a puppy in its crate all day.
If your dog is reluctant to enter the crate even when treats are inside, place the treats outside the crate at first. [13] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Gradually move the treats closer until they are just barely inside the crate. Then, start placing them against the back wall of the crate. Repeat for the duration of the crate-training process.
For instance, if your puppy looks at the crate, click your clicker and give it a treat. Click your clicker and give your puppy a treat when it moves toward the crate. If your puppy puts any or all of its paws in the crate, click your clicker and give your puppy a treat.
For instance, you might say the word “Crate” or the phrase “Crate up” when you want your dog to go in its crate. Continue using the cue word until your puppy has completed its crate-training. This will help your puppy develop the association between the cue word and the action of getting in its crate.
Click your clicker and reward your dog when it enters the crate and lies down.
Continue this process for three or four days.
Every meal from now until crate-training is complete should be served in your furry friend’s crate.
There is no one “right” interval by which you should increase the amount of time your puppy spends in its crate during daytime crate-training. For instance, you could add three seconds or four seconds to the amount of time your puppy spends in its cage after each meal. However, if your puppy starts whining after it finishes eating with the door to the crate closed, you might have added too much time. Roll back the amount of time your puppy spends in its crate with the door closed, then start adding time again in smaller intervals.
You should not interact with your puppy during this time.
Gradually extend the time you spend out of sight until your puppy is spending 20 to 25 minutes in its cage without you around.
Don’t let your puppy out if it’s actively whining, as this teaches your puppy that whining gets it released. Instead, wait a moment for the puppy to stop whining and settle down, and then open the door. This will show your puppy that calm behavior is rewarded.
