crate training a puppy?

[iceman66]

We just got a shih tzu puppy that is currently 9 weeks old. We want to crate train it and are looking for experience/ideas on what to do and what not to do.

So far, its been fine staying overnight in the crate without making much noise, but daytime is a different story.

 

[phil_pl]

when i crate trained my dog i kept them in the crate during the night and whenever i wasnt playing with them so they could build the muscles so they can actually control when they go to the bathroom. make sure they dont have too much in the crate or they wont learn a thing

 

[iceman66]

What do you mean by "don't have too much in the crate"? Too much room? Or too many toys, etc?

 

[Nate82]

too much room or else they won't mind the urine a couple feet away

 

[iceman66]

makes sense...Thanks!

 

[ReefRunner]

I got a 16 week old black and tan coonhound/bloodhound mix one week ago. She stays in her crate at night or when we are not at home. We confine her to our kitchen/dining room area while we are at home. We also have a 9.5 year old male lab mix as well. Keeping her in one area of the home will help her to learn her rank in the hierarchy as well as prevents her from pestering the "resident" dog. Her time out of "her area" will increase as she gets older and progresses through obedience training. Pups will try to get away with whatever they can so this helps set their limits.

It's hard though when they look at you with these eyes:)

Robin

 

[iceman66]

Beautiful dog!!

 

[BlazinNano]

I got my Basset Hound when she was 8 weeks old. She is now 1 and a half. She stays in her crate at night and during the day when we are not home. Give it time. And like above not a lot of room. Just give them enough room to walk in are turn around. She actually has got to the point where she loves her crate, she will go i with no problem, and durnig real bad storms she will lay in it with the door open. One thing I always did was give her a little treat when she goes in her crate so she thinks it is a a good thing.

 

[brianbigoats]

I feel you i am going through the same thing i just got a 9 week old doberman i like to call here the exxon valdez because she is always spring a leek
We keep her in here crate during the day and at night and try to watch her like a hawk when she is loose in the house and also take her outside after a nap, meal time and play time.