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The Puggy Page
Pictures
Meet the Pug
Buying Puppies
Setting Up House
Training and Care
General Care
Nutrition
Pug Problems 1
Pug Problems 2
Pug Clubs
Breeding 1
Breeding 2
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The crate must be large enough for the dog to stand up, sit or stretch out comfortably. Choose a floor covering that the dog doesn't chew. The covering should be easy to clean or disposable. Place the crate in a room where the dog will be content. A basement or laundry room is too isolated. Kitchens or bedrooms work best. The dog should not be banished from human contact. Dogs are pack animals and require company. Before placing the dog in the crate, ensure that he has received enough exercise and attention. Some dogs may be contented with a five minute walk, but many dogs need 15 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. Leave the dog's water bowl and chew toys in the cage at all times. Give him his food and treats inside the crate so that the dog will learn to enter the crate on his own. Reward him, whenever, he goes in the crate. The crate must be an enjoyable place and never used for correction or punishment. Begin crate training a pup as soon as you get him home. With an adult dog, it may take a week or two before he feels comfortable enough to enter the crate on his own. Place the dog in the crate with a few toys or treats and a bowl of water, close the door and leave the room. Stay within hearing range. If the dog is quiet for about five minutes, return, reward the dog and let him out. If he will not stay quiet, you should use some form of remote punishment because you must not go to the dog. Try leaving an intercom or walkie-talkie by the dog. A loud horn or a can of marbles will also work. At the first sign of crying or anxiety make a loud noise and yell 'quit". Sometimes spraying water at the dog works better. When the dog is quiet, let him out and praise him. Repeat the procedure, gradually increasing the amount of time that the dog is left alone. By the end of the first day, you should be able to confine your pup for several hours, or even the entire night. An adult dog may have to be trained much more gradually, perhaps over a few weeks. The time in the cage should never exceed a puppy's limit. A two month old pup can probably control himself for three hours, a three month old for four hours, etc. If you must leave the pup alone for longer than the above guidelines, then you will have to combine the crate and a paper area for elimination. Place the crate in a room, with the door open,leave his toys and water dish in the crate, place papers near the crate for elimination. Never, ever, use the crate for disciplining, otherwise, you will never, ever he able to crate train Your PUPPY. |