It’s probable that a crate training schedule for a puppy is at the top of your to-do list if you just acquired a puppy.
Crates may be really helpful in training your puppy to be a well-behaved and quiet dog, whether you use them for potty training or just to settle him down.
Routine is what dogs want the most. As a result, establishing a regular regimen as early as feasible is highly recommended. In order to get started, you’ll need to build up a crate training plan.
As a result, you’ll learn about an effective crate training schedule in this article.
Why Is It Important to Have a Crate Training Schedule for a Puppy?
The schedule for crate training a puppy will benefit you and your dog. Dogs flourish when they know what to anticipate and when, which is why routines are so important to them. That, in turn, boosts their self-esteem!
You’ll be more likely to stick with crate training if you have a set routine. Consistency in crate training means your dog will grow acclimated to it more quickly.
A calm and relaxed dog may be obtained in part by following a set schedule for crate training puppy.
Training a Puppy in a Crate
Crates have a terrible rap. Many dog owners are afraid to crate train their pets because they believe it is cruel.
If you correctly crate-train your dog, cages are fantastic tools for you and your canine companions! In addition to providing him with a secure haven, crates ensure that your dog will not get into any mischief if you have to be gone for an extended period of time.
Crates may be a dog’s safe haven if done correctly.
Crate training a puppy may be quite a challenge. Let’s get down to business.
Which Crate Is Best for My Puppy?
To begin, double-check that you’ve chosen the correct container. Dogs and their owners should both be happy with the crate.
Don’t forget to choose the appropriate crate size. You should always make sure your dog’s kennel is big enough for him to stand and turn around comfortably.
To begin crate training your puppy, you may need to purchase a smaller crate and upgrade when he’s older.
Training Your Puppy in a Crate
You should keep this in mind when you begin crate training your dog. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to crate training, and some dogs do better than others.
Despite the fact that it might be irritating at times, keep in mind to be patient, consistent, and to move at your dog’s speed. This is a place where you want him to feel comfortable and secure; you don’t want him to feel anxious about going in there!
The best time to begin training a dog is when he is a puppy. That may be done in a variety of ways. However, an online course is the most cost-effective option.
Dog training seminars and individual dog trainers may cost hundreds of dollars. However, in most circumstances, it isn’t required to do so. An online course provides the same material.
1. Set up the crate
When you begin crate training, the first thing you need to do is set up the crate. To begin, place it in a high-traffic area of your home so that he may still feel a part of the activity while you set it up.
Put a soft bed or blanket in his kennel to make him feel at home. To assist your dog quickly form good associations with the crate, choose an item that he already knows and enjoys.
2. Encourage your dog to sniff around in the cage
Your dog may be inquisitive about it once you’ve put it up. “Good dog” him along the way and encourage him to keep going.
Potty training and reducing destructive behavior are two of the numerous advantages of crate training a puppy.
You may place some goodies in his new crate to encourage him and make him feel good about it. You may begin by saying, “Go to your crate!” while you drop the goodies into your dog’s crate, and see if it helps. You’ll only need to say “Go to your box” once he’s taught to do so.
3. Maintaining a cool demeanor should be rewarded.
Feed him in his crate to maintain pleasant connections. You may gradually increase his comfort level by providing treats and toys inside the room while he is inside and then closing the door for an instant.
Allowing him to be in there with the door closed for longer periods of time will help him grow used to it. Treat him while he’s in his box to reward him for his excellent behavior.
You should only let your dog out of his box if he’s calm to avoid disturbing others.
If your dog is comfortable in his cage with the door closed, you may gradually remove him from it. Take it gradually as he grows accustomed to seeing you go away. Slowly increase the amount of time you can’t be seen by him before going completely out of sight.
Over time, your dog will learn that his cage is a secure haven where he may rest and recuperate.
How to Crate Train a Puppy at Night
If your puppy has a hard time relaxing on his own, a crate might be a lifesaver.
A dog that is crated-trained in the morning while you are still awake is one thing. You and your dog may have a whole different experience crate training at night!
Crate training your puppy throughout the day is the best method to get him used to being confined in his crate at night. In this manner, he will already have pleasant associations with his crate when it is time for night.
To get him used to seeing you, place his container in your room. This way, he won’t be frightened by the prospect of being separated from you immediately away.
Also, keep in mind that you may need to arrange nighttime potty breaks for your puppy, depending on his age. Your puppy’s bladder capacity is about equal to his age in months plus one. A puppy’s bladder may usually be held for three hours at 8 weeks of age.
It’s critical that you wake up your puppy, not the other way around. Make sure that your puppy doesn’t get the impression that he’s in charge of his own kennel!
Don’t forget to stop feeding and watering him at least an hour before you want to put him to bed. Playing with him before bedtime or doing some nose work will also help him burn off any extra energy he may have.
Don’t forget to establish a sleep ritual as well. This will ease your dog’s fear of the crate training procedure since he will know what to anticipate and when.
How Long Does It Take to Crate Train a Puppy?
While a blanket solution to this conundrum would be ideal, the reality is that it all depends! Every dog is unique, and some will have a more difficult time adapting to their crate than others.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how long it will take your dog to adjust to his new crate. Don’t panic if you think your dog is taking too long. Make sure you don’t yank him into the cage by the throat or anything like that.
No matter how long the crate training takes, be calm, patient, consistent, and positive throughout the process.
When to End Crate Training a Dog
Crate training your dog has gone successfully so far. When should you stop teaching him in the crate?
When deciding whether or not it’s time to quit crate training your puppy, there are many aspects to consider.
One method to know whether your dog is ready to quit crate training is to look at how many months he has gone without having an accident.
Accidents are inevitable when you’re crate training your dog. Don’t discipline your puppy if he has messed up in his kennel. Taking him out for a potty break more often is all you need to do.
A few months after the previous incident, it may be appropriate to cease training your dog! — if that’s the case!
As an added bonus, if your puppy previously showed symptoms of destructive behavior while left unsupervised outside of his crate, but no longer does so, this is also a favorable sign.
Crates are very effective in reducing dogs’ destructive tendencies. As soon as you can leave your dog outside without any destructive activity, you can probably end crate training.
Separation anxiety may be effectively addressed with crate training as well. Your dog’s separation anxiety may be gone, so you may discontinue crate training.
How Often Should I Crate Train My Puppy?
Okay, let’s get down to business and talk about what this article is really about: What kind of puppy crate training schedule for working owners works the best? Continue reading below:
1. An 8-Week-Old Puppy’s Crate Training Routine
During the day, you’ll need to put your puppy in his crate at regular intervals for crate training. It’s a good idea to put your puppy in his crate during sleep time. Here is the crate training schedule for your new puppy.
6:00am – 8:00am: You’ll begin your day by letting your dog out for a walk and feeding him his morning meal. After that, he’ll need to go out again, so you may let him play for a while to burn some energy off.
8:00am – 12:00pm: Since toilet training at 8 weeks is still a long way off, your primary focus should be on preventing accidents. After a short snooze, you’ll bring him outdoors every hour or two for a potty break for the remainder of the morning.
12:00pm: It’s time to eat! Then, when he’s had a good meal, take him outside for a potty break and some fun, or just a stroll around the block.
1:00pm – 6:00pm: Put him down for a nap in his kennel and then take him out for potty breaks.
6:00pm – 9:00pm: It’s time to eat! Spend the remainder of the night in his kennel, feeding him, playing with him, and napping.
9:00pm: Bedtime. Make sure to set an alarm for the night since your puppy won’t be able to contain his bladder all night. Always remember to wake your puppy awake before letting him out for the first time. Put him back in his box as soon as you enter the house and remain calm.
2. Puppy Crate Training Schedule at 12 Weeks
Crate training a 12-week-old dog is quite similar to crate training an 8-week-old puppy. Listed below is a general timetable for the course of study.
6:00 – 12:00pm: The first thing you should do in the morning is let your dog out. Let him out for a toilet break and a stroll after he has his breakfast. It’s snooze time for him in his crate thereafter. This is not the time for him to go to the bathroom.
12:00pm – 6:00pm: Repeat the technique again in the afternoon. Lunch, a walk, and then play and sleep time in his crate.
6:00pm – 9:00pm: Before putting him to bed, feed him, let him out, then bring him back to his kennel for a sleep and some fun.
9:00pm: Your 12-week-old puppy should be able to sleep through the night without having to go potty for at least five hours. Make sure you remember to set an alarm and gently place him back in his box when he’s done doing potty. You may also give him a full night’s sleep every now and again to see if he can hold it.
3. 8-Week-Old Dog Crate Training
Finally, here are some additional considerations for 8-week-old puppies while crate training.
- Can I Keep an 8-Week-Old Puppy at Night in a Crate?
There are several advantages to crate training, including toilet training and teaching your dog to sleep through the night. If you persist at it, your puppy will eventually learn to sleep in his kennel on his own.
Plus, if he’s in his box, you’ll have the peace of mind that he won’t get into any mischief elsewhere in your home. Because he won’t be able to retain his bladder all night, you’ll need to take him out for potty breaks.
There is nothing wrong with him having an accident in his box; let’s face it: it’s going to happen at some point. It simply indicates that you should consider increasing the frequency with which he uses the toilet.
- How Much Time Should an 8-Week Old Puppy Spend in a Crate?
When it comes to your puppy’s bladder, the basic rule of thumb is one hour for every month of age plus one. There is a fine line to walk when it comes to taking your 8-week-old puppy out every three hours.
Remember to break up a 3-hour crate stint with potty breaks, playing, feedings, or cuddles on the couch. Always rotate.
It’s easy to fit six or seven three-hour crate sessions into a 24-hour period this way.
- Constructing a Crate Routing System That Works Well for Everyone
You may not be able to walk the dog every three hours due to hectic schedule. Absolutely no problem at all.
Use a dog fence to confine puppies to a limited, puppy-proof space. Depending on your schedule, you may or may not be able to keep a close eye on your puppy at all times. You may be reading this while a number of other things are going on around you.
In order to allow him to participate, set up a “play cage” or keep him nearby. To assist him develop excellent housekeeping habits while still having fun, you might devote a few minutes each day to giving him your whole attention.
For “puppy time,” you may use the timer on your kitchen clock, phone, or smart speaker.
Depending on the time of day or night, you may be unable to keep a close eye on your puppy. Prepare dinner, turn on the television or start the wash while you’re working on this.
If you want to keep him near enough to see what’s going on without interfering with the rest of the group, set up a “play enclosure” for him.
The two of you may have fun as he learns how to be a good housekeeper by giving him a chance to empty and then giving him a few minutes of your full attention and supervision.
Consider using a timer on your phone or smart speaker to remind yourself to take “puppy time” when you need it.
Conclusion
At first glance, a crate training schedule for a puppy may appear like a daunting endeavor. For dogs that have trouble adapting to their new surroundings, this is very important!
The crate may be a safe location for your puppy if you use patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
He will eventually fall in love with his container. You’ll appreciate it even more knowing that your dog won’t be able to get into anything harmful while he’s in his cage!
When you’re crate training your puppy, it’s critical that you stick to a routine. As a result, he gains self-assurance and a sense of security in his new routine.
We appreciate you taking the time to read and benefit from the information we’ve provided. You may let us know in the comments section below if we’ve missed anything.
Let us know what you think and we’ll try our best to include it into future updates for other dog owners.
Related Resources
Effective Puppy Crate Training Schedule
A Crate Training Schedule for Your Dog — The Benefits and Uses
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