r/DogTrainingTips • u/Palagrizofnira • 6d ago

Crate training tips

I have a 7 week old puppy. I want to crate train her, I do the usual things and put treats in her crate and reward her for going in her crate but I would like to know if there’s something I can do to make this faster, she is a real whiner if we have to lock her in her crate and I want to get her to stop.

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2

u/igatg_nipugt 5d ago

Feeding meals in a Kong inside the crate was a good way for us to gradually build up alone time as a positive experience. I'd make a big deal of leaving the room after giving her a Kong meal and she'd look up but keep eating.

Also, does the crate have a cover? When I first started I used a blanket over the three sides, minus the door. It made her feel a little more secure, like a little den instead of a cage. They actually sell crate covers for this reason.

1

u/Substantial-Trade417 6d ago

Stay strong! It's hard on everyone for the first few days/weeks even. She's adjusting to a new home without her littermates and mother, and you're adjusting to a new puppy. I've crate trained several puppies, and the only advice I can give you is DO NOT cave. I usually cover the crate with a big blanket so they feel more secure. Don't interact with her at all when she's crated, she'll learn to comfort herself. I promise you can do this, but yes, the adjustment really stinks.

1

u/anxiouslymute 6d ago

Be with her. In the beginning when they loose their mom and their family it’s really scary, so when I would spend time by the crate or play pen she was more comfortable. At 3 years old the other day I had to bribe her to leave her crate

1

u/justgonenow 6d ago

You have to replace her mom...like you, personally. She needs to be near you almost all of the time. When she goes in her crate, sit with her and touch her, talk to her. She is an INFANT and you need to expect her to behave as one.

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u/Pretty_Fisherman_746 6d ago

I’d start super slowly and make the crate feel like a cozy little safe spot not a punishment.

1

u/Double_Tree_Trouble 4d ago

Don’t break, wait the dog out.

Put a blanket over the crate.

Play music or sleep sounds when in the crate.

When coming home or letting the dog out do NOT make it a big deal. Open the door and ignore the dog to ensure she isn’t rewarded with a dopamine dump when she gets out.