Crate Training A Goldendoodle Puppy: The Ultimate Guide
Crate training can be very beneficial for a growing puppy. However, many people give up after a few days of trying. We want to help you overcome this obstacle. This article describes how to crate-train a Goldendoodle puppy. Can Goldendoodles be easily crate-trained? With our ideas and tactics, you can quickly train your dog.
Crate Training A Goldendoodle Puppy: The Ultimate Guide
Step One: The Crate Size
The first step to success in crate training a Goldendoodle puppy is to choose the right size crate. You don’t want a crate that is too large, or your puppy will use it as a bathroom. And you don’t want a kennel that is too small, or your puppy will be uncomfortable and might cry to get out.
The most excellent dog crates on the market are adjustable crates. The Midwest Homes iCrate is a fantastic example of an adjustable crate. This kennel contains a sturdy frame, a pan, and a partition. You can choose from various sizes if your puppy grows into an adult.
Step Two: Buy Special Treats
One way to train a Goldendoodle puppy is by using his stomach. Give him training treats when he does something you want him to do, and have special treats and toys for when you are not around. It will keep him busy and happy.
You can give your Goldendoodle puppy treats when they are being trained. It will help them to learn faster. You can also provide them with something new and fun to do while you are away. It will facilitate the procedure for both of you.
Step Three: Get Your Puppy Acquainted
To train a Goldendoodle puppy, you first need to get them used to the idea of a crate. Put the kennel in a high-traffic room where your puppy spends most of its time, such as the living room. Make sure to put some toys and blankets inside to make it feel like home. But don’t put their unique toys or blankets in there, as they might get too attached to them.
Keep the door open if you want your puppy to learn to like their kennel. Every time they go in on their own, give them a treat and say, “Good kennel.” They will know that going into the kennel is a good thing.
This positive reinforcement will teach your Goldendoodle puppy that entering the crate results in favorable outcomes. Also, saying “Good kennel” will teach your puppy the instruction to enter the crate. Soon, you will only need to say “kennel” for him to know what to do.
Step Four: Play Fetch!
If your puppy is having trouble entering his box on his own, try playing fetch with him. Start playing fetch in the same room as the kennel with his favorite toy. After some back and forth, place the toy within the crate.
Your dog may first be afraid of the metal object. That’s okay. Encourage them gently that it’s okay. And when your puppy successfully retrieves the toy, reward and praise him. They will soon overcome their dread of the large, terrifying metal object and enter alone. You can then resume giving them a goodie whenever they enter alone.
Step Five: Feed-In The Kennel
Feeding your puppy in the crate is another method for acclimating him to the crate. After preparing their lunch, inform them of your crate command. After a few days of this, you should give them the command, and they will enter the crate before receiving food. Performing all everyday tasks in the kennel is a constructive technique to teach the dog that the kennel is neither frightening nor a punishment. They are willing to enter for whatever reason.
Step Six: Start Small
Now that your puppy knows a kennel is a happy place, it’s time to leave them in it. You should not simply toss them in and call it a day. First, begin by leaving them in for brief intervals.
Start by meeting your dog’s requirements: feeding, drinking, going to the bathroom, and removing their collar. Then give your puppy a command in the crate. After that, offer your pup a reward and a fun toy. Make it appear like you are leaving home by walking out the door. But don’t go too far; start with 5 minutes instead of 10 or 15.
Once the time is up, go inside and let your puppy out. Make sure you praise your pup when it comes out. It is also recommended to educate them to sit before opening the crate door at this stage so they do not escape by jumping. Give them a one-hour pause and then retest them. Each time, increase the time by 5 minutes. Increase the time crated by 5 minutes each time. Slowly increasing the time your puppy alone teaches him that you will always come home. Keep doing this, and by the end, your puppy will be able to stay in the kennel for hours without getting upset.
How Long May a Puppy Be Left in a Crate?
A puppy can only hold their pee for about an hour every month they are old. A four-month-old puppy can only hold their pee for four hours total.
The Don’ts Of Crate Training
It seems easy now that you know how to crate train a Goldendoodle puppy. But there are a few things you need to avoid doing in the first few months of training if you want your puppy to learn quickly. These things are never good for training and can ruin all your success.
Invade Space
The initial error individuals make invading their puppy’s space. When the puppy is in the crate, it is still learning and needs to feel safe. It is like their room. If the puppy is sleeping, eating, or exploring, you should leave them alone.
Use It As Punishment
Never use the box as a form of punishment. It will make your dog uncomfortable. If your dog has an accident or destroys something, do not kennel him. He will not comprehend what he did wrong, which can lead to separation anxiety in the future.
There are more effective approaches to toilet training and chewing issues with your puppy. Cleaning up their messes with a urine cleaner and taking them for a walk can help. If your puppy is chewing, give them a toy to chew on instead. It will keep the crate clean and solve the chewing problem.
Goodbyes And Hellos
When crate training your dog, think about how you will leave and come home. It’s just as important for your dog to be happy to see you as it is for you to be so glad to see them. If you make a big deal out of leaving and coming home, your dog may start to feel anxious.
When you leave your puppy, it is important to be neutral. Sadly saying goodbye will make your puppy think that quitting is bad. And when you come back, don’t greet your puppy right away. Take care of some things first, and then give them a proper hello with a friendly game after they have gone to the bathroom.
Letting Out For Whining
You will likely train your puppy to use the bathroom at night. If you have tried this, you know that your puppy will try to get your attention by whining. Puppies learn that they can get playtime, a walk, and your attention if they whine. However, regardless of what they do, don’t let them out if they whine.
If your puppy whines in his crate, it might mean he must go potty. Ensure he has eaten, gone to the bathroom, and gotten enough exercise before putting him in the crate. If your puppy is still young, keep track of how long he stays in the crate so you can get him out before he has to go potty.
Final Thoughts
You might be wondering if crate training is necessary for every puppy. We assure you that it is essential for every puppy, no matter what breed or age you start. You can begin smoothly with our guide on crate training a Goldendoodle puppy.
Read more: The People Who Got Puppies Were in Over Their Heads
Frequently Asked Questions About Crate Training a Goldendoodle Puppy
Goldendoodle puppies are intelligent and can be trained very quickly. However, it usually takes four to six months to housetrain them completely. Other dogs may take longer than that to learn where to go potty.
You can keep your puppy in his crate for the same number of hours as his age in months plus one. That means an eight-week-old puppy can stay in his crate for two to three hours. Here are some tips on making crate training your new pup an easy, enjoyable process.
If you have to leave your dog alone for a long time, you can put him in a crate. But it’s better if he can’t be alone for more than 8 hours. If the dog is left loose in the house, he can be left alone for up to 12 hours.
Reward him and congratulate him for entering the crate. Sit calmly near the crate for five to ten minutes with the door closed. After that, take a few minutes to yourself in another room. Let him out of the container once you’ve returned and sit quietly for a few minutes. This should be done numerous times a day.
When your dog cries at night, it’s natural to want to comfort him. Even though some people worry that getting him out of the crate might teach him to cry, you should not be afraid to help him. If he starts crying, you want him to know you’ll come to his aid.