Many of our Miami dog training clients ask us, “Should I crate my 8 week old puppy the first night?” In this blog, we will answer this question by explaining the benefits of crate training a puppy and how to set up the crate during their first night at home.
The benefits of crate training a puppy
Crate training is a great way to create a safe, comfortable space your puppy can call their own. This helps both at night, when you aren’t able to supervise them, and during the day when you are out of the home. You will be able to relax knowing your puppy isn’t able to cause mischief, such as chewing on your clothing, the corners of your couch, or any books you have left within their reach.
Crate training a puppy also helps with housebreaking a puppy. This is because it encourages bladder control and helps prevent any accidents. For information on potty training a puppy, you can check out our blog on “When should I start potty training my puppy?”
It’s effective in reducing the risk of separation anxiety behaviors from developing or worsening as a dog gets older. Separation anxiety occurs when a dog is highly stressed from being alone or separated from a person. Crate training helps your puppy feel comfortable in their own space, which fosters independence. We teach puppies to be comfortable with being in a crate through positive reinforcement, by pairing their time in the crate with toys, treats, or food. It’s important that you are consistent with using the crate so your puppy learns that it is a safe place, and not a punishment.
Crate training helps to make travel and boarding simpler. Your puppy will be more comfortable staying in a crate, including when boarding or traveling in the car. This is particularly helpful for any long journeys, helping everyone have a more relaxed time.
Tips for the puppy’s first night at home
During the night, you can set the crate near your bed so your puppy knows you are there, and you can even stick your fingers in their crate to comfort them.
The crate should be free of any potty pads, bedding, or other absorbent materials to discourage your puppy from going potty in the crate. Puppies can cover their accidents with bedding and then sleep comfortably on the other side of the crate.
If your puppy needs to be alone during the day, you should put them in the crate until you are able to supervise them. You can encourage a positive association with being in the crate through feeding your puppy meals or giving them a stuffed Kong in the crate.
Crate training your puppy
It can feel like a daunting task to crate train an 8 week old puppy, and it requires patience and time. Crate training is not an overnight success story, but it will be much easier for you and your puppy if you can feel comfortable leaving them at home, knowing your puppy will be comfortable and relaxed while you are away. You won’t have to worry about them chewing, biting, scratching, or going potty inside the house.
We are here to help
Do you need help crate training your puppy? Or perhaps you are interested in puppy obedience, socialization, or behavioral modification training? You can schedule a free consultation with our Beyond the Dog Miami Pet Behavior Team to discuss your training goals and any behavioral concerns.
We provide science-based training methods to achieve overall behavioral wellness. Our co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Kristyn Echtelring-Savage, will develop a personalized training program that addresses the unique needs of your puppy.
