What are people's thoughts on crate training for puppies?

1. 60

   kimberly Crockerposted 13 years ago

   What are people's thoughts on crate training for puppies?

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2. 87

   stylezinkposted 13 years ago

   I am all for crate training a puppy. I did it with my girl and it worked out beautifully. She initially started out just in the crate and it does minimize accidents in the beginning. Over time we started leaving the crate door open and extending her sleep area little by little. Blocking her off on the side of the bed with a gate and gradually moving the gate towards the end of the bed until she was completely potty-trained. She also used it as her 'safe zone' like when we would vacuum or rearrange furniture. She would go in there seeking comfort until she got big. We put her favorite toy in there and a blanket, she loved it.
   
   
   There's a lot of info on the internet regarding crate training. It's all great but keep in mind you may have to adjust some of the recommendations to fit your dog. All dogs are different and owners as well. I knew my dog would be sleeping in my room and eventually sharing the foot of my bed with me, so crate training in my room was acceptable. So again, use the info but adapt it to your situation.

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3. 86

   JenJen0703posted 13 years ago

   It depends on the puppy.  I crate trained my dog; however, he is mostly an indoor dog.  This is the only way I could keep him from chewing up everything I own.  He did not finally quit chewing until he was 2 1/2 years old.  I called his crate his "house."  He still understands house, although I quit using the crate once he stopped chewing things up.

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4. 61

   NorthEast Timberposted 13 years ago

   Much better than beatings, or humiliation!  My dogs love their crates (they are too the point where they are never locked in).  It's their own space where they feel safe and can sleep undisturbed.  Crate training is quicker and less traumatizing for them. 
   
   Whoever thought of it really knew their dogs.

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5. 72

   equineposted 13 years ago

   I think that Crate training is an essential part of potty training. I actually wrote a hub on this topic. Check it out!

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6. 70

   Shawn Scarboroughposted 13 years ago

   I have crate trained my dogs and it has worked very well.  It gives the dog their own space and a place to go when they are stressed.  The crate has a calming effect, gives the dog a sense of order.

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