The Complete Guide to Crate Training and House Training from Western States K-9 College Dog Trainer School

Introduction:

Crate training is a valuable tool for dog owners seeking to house train, instill good behaviors, and provide their furry friends with a safe den. At Western States K-9 College Dog Trainers School, we understand the importance of routines and structure in effective house training. In this blog post, we'll delve into the purpose of crate training, essential routines, and a detailed schedule to make this process seamless for you and your pup.

Purpose of Crate Training:

Crate training serves various purposes, including house training, establishing good behaviors when you're not home, creating routines and schedules, and offering your dog a secure den to feel comfortable in. By incorporating crate training into your routine, you can set your dog up for success in various aspects of their daily life.

Routines and Structure for House Training:

Routines and structure are key elements in successful house training. Follow these steps to establish a solid routine:

1. Morning Routine:

   - Wake up the puppy and take them outside for about 20 to 30 minutes.

   - Bring the puppy inside and place them back in the crate for feeding, allowing approximately 30 minutes to finish the meal.

   - After eating, let the puppy outside for another 30 minutes, followed by playtime indoors.

2. Set Timer:

   - During the first week, set a timer to take the puppy outside approximately every hour.

   - In the second week, extend the timer to two hours, and by the third week, aim for intervals of three to four hours.

   - By the fourth week, the puppy should start indicating their need to go outside by heading to the door.

3. Evening Routine:

   - Before feeding in the evening, send the puppy outside for 30 minutes.

   - Bring the puppy inside, return them to the crate for feeding, and allow 30 minutes to finish the meal.

   - After the meal, send the puppy back outside for another 30 minutes.

4. Play and Family Time:

   - Once back inside, let the puppy play and spend time with the family.

5. Additional Tips:

   - Always have the puppy drag a leash around when inside the house.

   - Ensure water is available both inside and outside at all times.

   - When not at home, the puppy should be in the crate for the first 1.5 to 2 years of their life.

   - Initially, the puppy should sleep in the crate at night until they are six months old or you've had them for six months.

Crate Training Schedule:

Follow this modified schedule to accommodate your daily routine while ensuring your puppy eats and sleeps in the crate for the first 3-4 months:

7:00 am up and outside for 30 minutes 

7:30 am back in crates for breakfast 

8:00 am outside for thirty minutes 

8:30-9:30 inside on leash back tied 9:30 am outside for 30 minutes 

10:00 am-2:00 pm in crates

2:00 pm outside for 30 minutes

2:30 pm-5:00 inside on leash back tied 

5:00 pm outside for 30 minutes

5:30 pm in crates for dinner

6:30 pm outside for thirty minutes

7:00 inside on leash until bedtime 

Outside for 15 minutes
In crate for the night.

Choosing the Right Crate:

Select a crate that provides a den-like feel rather than a cage-like environment. Measure your dog for the appropriate crate size using their adult dimensions. Airline crates are recommended for creating a cozy den atmosphere.

Conclusion:

Crate training is an essential part of effective dog training, providing structure, routine, and a secure space for your furry companion. At Western States K-9 College Dog Trainers School, we believe that a well-implemented crate training program can lead to a well-behaved and happy dog. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. Happy training!