Crate Training Program

Our Crate Training Program is a very important part of the transition of your new puppy to your home. The crate, pet porter or kennel is the puppy's home or den. This is where the puppy needs to sleep and stay when unattended. The puppy should not be left alone out of the crate until it is completely house trained. By this time you will see that your puppy would rather sleep in their crate. That is their security when you are away from home or asleep in bed. I do not feed my dogs in their crate. I only offer a small amount of water to encourage them to hold their bladder until the morning. This gets better as the pup gets older and has a larger bladder so they can hold it longer. I offer food in the morning and in the evening in a controlled environment. This means no “free” feeding. If they eat or munch all day, they will also need to potty all during the day. I feed the recommended amount for their age. The amount to feed is located on the back of the puppy food of your choice or if you choose to stay with the recommended Pro Plan for puppy's the feeding instructions are in your puppy kit.

This is the schedule that works for me.

First thing in the morning the pup is taken straight outside. If the light comes on and they wake up, they will be ready to urinate promptly. Make a point to take them out first thing and they will associate you coming in with going out side to potty. As soon as they potty, reward them with praise and take them for their morning meal. After they finish eating, I again take them straight outside because they can not hold it very long at this age. Then again, they get praised when they potty. I repeat the same process in the evening but it is better to feed around your dinner time and then take them out again before you go to bed. I never leave them unattended until I have seen them potty. The first several weeks you may need to make a time during the night to let the puppy go outside so you have as few accidents as possible. You will be surprised with how fast they pick up your schedule if you repeat it every day. They need this schedule like every child does.