Crates often range in size from 18" x 12" x 14" for small breeds all the way up to 48" x 30" x 33" for large or giant breeds. For maximum convenience, get a crate that’s the right size for your full-grown dog and insert a temporary physical divider into it to create a smaller space for your puppy. Move the divider back as your puppy grows. Both crates and dividers are available at most pet stores.
You want your puppy to think that going inside the crate is their idea, so don’t force them in it. Let them explore it at their own pace while you praise them in a happy voice.
If your puppy is wary of going into the crate at first, start by feeding them just outside the crate. Then, put their dish right by the door so that they’re eating with their head inside the crate. Keep moving the food bowl further and further back with each mealtime until their entire body is inside. Once your dog is comfortable feeding in the crate, close the door while they eat and let them out immediately afterwards. Then, gradually extend the time they are in the crate with the door closed after eating from a few minutes to a quarter of an hour. This will help them become comfortable with being confined in their crate.
Now, open the door with one hand while feeding your dog treats through the side of the crate with the other. If they stay in their crate, they get the treats. If they try to run out, quickly close the door before they can and start again. Once they have this routine down, it’s a good thing to do each morning when you’re letting them out of the crate since it rewards them for staying in the crate during the night and teaches them to wait for your command to leave the crate. Playing this crate game will give your dog positive associations with their crate. It will also teach your pup that they have choices. Their good behavior and decisions will result in a reward while their bad behavior and decisions will lead to restrictions.
Since young puppies cannot control their bladder yet, you should not leave the puppy in the crate for more than three or four hours at a time. [7] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
It’s tempting to put them far away from you where you won’t hear their whining, but this will only make the transition harder for your puppy. They’re far more likely to settle down if they’re somewhere where they can see you. You can gradually move your puppy’s crate further away if you prefer them to sleep elsewhere in the house. However, it’s a good idea to keep your puppy within earshot until you know that they can make it through the night without having to go to the bathroom.
If you respond to their cries, you are teaching them that whining behavior will get them what they want. This can lead to serious issues down the road, not just with their sleeping. Do not punish your puppy for whining. If you scold your puppy, you are still teaching them that whining will get a response from you. You do not want to give them any response. Puppies learn from consistency. Resist any urges to “make exceptions” for one night. Wear ear plugs, close the door, or turn on white noise to help you ignore the puppy.
Take your puppy out for a 3-4 minute walk and then put them back in their crate and close the door. Puppies are generally not able to “hold it” through a full night until they reach four or more months of age.
Avoid, however, revving your puppy up with energetic play (like fetch or tug) immediately before bed. Give them a half hour to wind down before you bring them to their crate.
Keep in mind that puppies are easily distracted when you take them outdoors and may well forget to do their business. Accompany them to be sure that they have before you let them back in.
For instance, it’s probably not a good idea to drown your puppy in wooly fleece if it’s in the middle of the summer.
Be sure that the hot water bottle has a cloth covering so that it’s not directly against their skin. Water bottles will need to be sturdy. The puppy should not be able to bite through the water bottle or tear it apart.
If your puppy is teething, be sure to put a chew toy in their crate. Playing with a chew toy can be a wonderful calming activity if your puppy is feeling anxious about sleeping alone.
