A sturdy dog crate can be the best friend that you and your dog will ever have. To you, the crate may seem to be a “cage”, so you may object to the idea. You are not a dog. The dog regards his crate as a den, a dog house, a security blanket to which he can retreat to rest, escape confusion or adjust to strange surroundings (if you should travel with him or leave him in someone else’s care). Please explain to children that this is your pup’s space only and not a place for them to join him.
For the puppy, the crate is an invaluable training aid. Confined to the crate while you are out of the house, your puppy cannot destroy anything or hurt itself and this will help make housebreaking easier for you and your puppy.
Start your puppy in the crate as soon as possible… the younger the better. Use an old blanket, towel or rug in the bottom (anything that can be chewed on and easily washed). Do not use newspaper, as this may confuse your puppy. Put in play toys and chew toys. DO NOT USE IT FOR PUNISHMENT. Use the word “kennel” when you put him in.
Don’t hesitate to confine him to the crate several times a day for short periods of time and always when you are out of the house. He may howl in resentment at first, not because of the crate, but because you are leaving him behind and he knows it. Don’t weaken and don’t worry… he will settle down as soon as you are gone. Learning this sort of discipline is a very vital part of his young life. Please understand that the use of the crate is for night time sleeping and short times to keep him safe. The crate is mobile and should be placed in a room that he does NOT feel confined and separated from his family (i.e. place the crate in the kitchen/family room during the day and in your bedroom at night). Labradors are VERY social and love their family !!!! Remember – Do not let him out of the crate as he whines or speak with him when he is in his crate for the first few weeks. He has to learn that when he cries, his family isn’t letting him out. You may need to move the crate to the garage or separate room for the first few days until he becomes acquainted with it and learns that crying doesn’t give him a pass to come out. When you let him out, take him directly to his bathroom area. He should learn to eliminate immediately after he is let out of the crate.
Purchase either a plastic kennel, no smaller than the (VariKennel size #400) or a collapsible wire crate (I use the Precision brand) for the adult size of the pup. It is a waste of money to purchase smaller ones.
REMEMBER: Make sure that your puppy has gone outside to relieve himself prior to placing him in the crate.
HOUSEBREAKING TIPS
When you are beginning to housebreak your new puppy, the best words that I can offer is be consistent. By following some of the following suggestions, you should have very good success in a short period of time.
Your puppy will have times that he will always need to go outside (i.e. after napping, first thing in the a.m., after eating, after playing and before bedtime, these are just few. You need to get yourself as well as your new baby on a good solid routine. This is the key to success. Schedule feedings at the same time everyday - this repetition will pay off.
The very first thing in the a.m., you will carry your puppy to a designated area in your backyard. Don’t allow him to “follow” you outside, as he will most likely squat and do his business on your prize carpet. By carrying him to the area and gently placing him on the ground, he will do his thing shortly. I train my dogs to go on command (i.e. tell them to “go potty” or “get busy”). Once he completes the task, pick him up and tell him that he is the best thing since sliced bread !!!! It doesn’t take long for them to pick up the “verbal” command as well as the “physical praise” that they will get. In the beginning, you will have to watch him like a hawk in the house. Limit his area of play in your house in the beginning (kitchen/family room, etc.) Remember, you are being trained as well to watch the signs that he needs to go. Soon you will see that your pup will go to the door and whine to go out…when he gets the hang of it, follow him out and when he is finished, praise, praise, praise…..
You will most likely have a few “accidents”. Please be patient. If for example you get distracted by the phone, etc. and you find an accident in the house, don’t blame your puppy and NEVER push his nose into it. Rubbing his nose in it does not teach him anything, but to fear YOU. If you catch him in the act, shout NO NO NO to him, which will cause him to stop his action, pick him up and take him outside to finish.
As your puppy grows, he will view your house as his “den” and dogs, if trained properly usually do not soil their den. If he has an accident in the house, there are a number of products on the market that use enzymes to destroy the urine/feces smell which will prevent him from going back