To have a dog that quietly accepts being placed in a kennel is invaluable. This dog can
be taken to public places and will not disrupt the people around you, and it will help your dog if
she ever has to be hospitalized or boarded.
When you choose a travel kennel (crate) for your puppy, you should choose one that will
fit your dog when it is an adult. This means that while the puppy is small you may have to
place a board (or box) in the crate to shrink it down.
The crate should be placed in an area where the family lives. Puppies will not like the
crate if they are locked away from human contact. Avoid using the garage, furnace room, or
laundry room. If you want your dog to like her crate, don't use it as a form of punishment.
You can place a blanket or rug in the crate, but be very watchful. If your puppy starts
to chew up the blanket, you need to remove it. Puppies that eat material can develop a
blockage that will need to be surgically corrected. Place an entertaining toy in the
kennel such as a stuffed Kong, or filled sterilized bone. If you place food and water
in the crate, your puppy will probably dump everything out and make a mess. Your puppy
will also have to go out frequently if she is drinking and eating all day.
When you place your puppy in the crate for the first time, you should make sure the
puppy is exercised, and had a chance to relieve herself. Place your puppy in the crate,
close the door, and leave the room. If your puppy starts to howl, whine, or dig at the door,
try to startle the puppy (shaking a pop can with rocks in it works well) and say, "Quiet".
Your puppy should sit back for a second in surprised silence. Immediately open the door and
let her out. You don't need to cuddle her at this time. If you can't get the door open quick
enough and the puppy starts fussing, leave her in. YOU MUST NEVER LET A PUPPY OUT OF A KENNEL
WHEN SHE IS NOISY AND FUSSING. That will only reward the behavior.
After a 5 to 10 minute break, put your puppy back in her crate. If your puppy starts
whining, startle her and say, "Quiet". Wait 30 seconds to let her out. If she becomes
noisy again, hit the top of the crate and say, "Quiet". Do not open the kennel door
until your puppy is quiet for 30 seconds. Keep repeating this process by increasing the
time your puppy quietly stays in the kennel. (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes)
IMPORTANT RULES
- Never let a noisy puppy out of a kennel.
- When you let your puppy out, do not praise her, but open the door and quickly walk her outside.
- Leave 1 toy in the crate that is safe to chew on, but do not put food or water in there.
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