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CRATE TRAINING

WHY CRATE TRAIN?
Crate training is an excellent way to housebreak your puppy and control it's sometimes destructive puppy behavior, like chewing on your furniture! Crate training assists in housebreaking by using a dog's natural instinct to not soil it's den. Some people may think crate training is "cruel", when in fact, crate trained dogs enjoy their crate as a safe, quiet place to retreat when they are tired or want to be left alone. Further, crate training assists you in training your puppy to avoid undesirable behaviors when your puppy can't be watched and ensures that your puppy gets the rest it needs.

Probably the most compelling reason for crate training your puppy is in the event your rottweiler requires care from a veterinarian. Having your dog at ease with being restrained to a crate may someday make the difference in your dog's well being, or even its survival.

WHAT SIZE AND STYLE OF CRATE SHOULD I BUY?
Select a crate that is large enough for the puppy or dog to turn around in and comfortably lie down. A crate that is too large will allow a young puppy to eliminate in a corner, while remaining comfortable lying elsewhere. With most wire crates and some plastic crates, you can purchase divider panels which can be adjusted or removed as the puppy grows. A puppy may require more than one crate to accommodate it while it grows.

For puppies under one year of age, it is much safer for your pup to be crated in a plastic airline style kennel (i.e. Vari-Kennel) or aluminum dog box. With this type of crate, your pup is less likely to injure itself by getting a paw, leg or jaw stuck. For older dogs, wire crates provide better air circulation and are roomier. Fold-down, suitcase-style wire cages (i.e. Midwest, Precision) are also portable and easy to set up and take down. These types of cages generally work best for dogs that are already crate trained. Soft crates are made out of denier nylon, nylong mesh and aluminum, and are lightweight and portable for travel. They are not; however, recommended until your dog is thoroughly crate trained, and should be used only when you are in close proximity to your dog as they can be easily broken out of or chewed through.

For most full-grown adult rottweilers, an extra-large crate will accommodate most males, and a large or extra-large crate will accommodate most females.

WHAT IS SAFE TO PUT IN A CRATE?
Don't be tempted to buy blankets, pads or beds for inside the crate if you have a young puppy. Not only will they usually become expensive chew toys and present a choking hazard, but they interfere with effectively housebreaking your pup. Puppies do not want to lay in their urine, and using absorbent material in a puppy's cage allows your pup to eliminate, while staying dry and comfortable.

Nothing should be placed in the crate with a puppy or dog except a safe chew toy, such as a nylabone or kong. Stuffed kong toys provide enjoyment for your dog while contained to a crate and prevent boredom.

Water and food can be placed in your puppy's crate when you are close by to supervise. Keep in mind that young puppies need to eliminate immediately after eating and drinking, as a puppy can only "hold it" for very short periods of time. A good rule of thumb is that a puppy will need to eliminate every x number of hours, with x being the age of the puppy in months, plus 1. (i.e. a 2 month old puppy will need to eliminate every 3 hours, a 7 month old puppy will need to go at least every 8 hours).

NEVER EVER leave your puppy or dog in a crate with it's collar on! If your dog catches it's collar on the crate, it can seriously injure or choke your dog!

HOW TO CRATE TRAIN YOUR PUPPY
The goal in crate training your puppy is to make it's crate a safe and enjoyable place. A crate should never be used for discipline or bad behavior.

1. Feed your puppy in it's crate with the door open. Initially, don't disturb or distract your pup while it is eating and learning to experience being in the crate.
2. After the puppy has eaten confidently with the door open for a few meals, quietly close the door while it eats.
3. Once you are sure the pup is confident eating in it's crate, place the pup in it at non-feeding times for a few minutes with a safe chew toy, gradually increasing the time left in the crate. Never let your puppy out when it is crying or barking. Only let it out when it has been quiet for at least one minute. This is critical so it will not associate acting "bad" with being rewarded by being let out of it's crate! You may use pieces of dry food or treats as a reward for being in the crate and being quiet.
4. Time in the crate should be gradually increased, keeping in mind that young pups can only "hold-it" for a few hours. A good rule of thumb is one hour for each month of age, plus one, when given the chance to eliminate just before going in the crate.
5. Crate your puppy any time you can't watch it closely. Puppies can get into trouble very quickly when not keenly supervised, and using a crate for this purpose will assist you in teaching your puppy what behavior is acceptable and what is not. It will also keep your puppy safe from household dangers that could possibly injure or endanger it's life.

Again, never discipline your puppy by placing it in it's crate or your pup will associate it's crate with punishment. You want the crate to be a happy, safe and peaceful place for your puppy.

It bears repeating, NEVER EVER leave your puppy or dog unattended in any crate with a collar on! If your dog catches it's collar on the crate, it can seriously injure or choke your dog!

This article was written by DRCMA member Audrey Bye. It is used with the author's permission and may not be distributed, copied or reproduced without the written consent of the author. © 2005 Audrey Bye, All rights reserved.