Quote:
Originally Posted by punkie  Hmm, I can understand not wanting your little puppy locked up. I don't either. The thing with crate training is, wouldn't it be super hard to take them out every 3 hours? And what would I do through the night? Would I still have to let him out every 3 hours at night time?
No accidents does sound pretty tempting. |
i have crate trained all of my dogs. maggie is 10 months old and RARELY in her crate. i find that crate training them IS easier and they learn to hold it for longer periods of time once they are used to it. and it really doesn't take long for them to catch on. they recommend every 3 hours so that the dog is going outside often enough to make it to outside...then they learn that outside is where they potty, not inside. and if you stick to a schedule like every 3 hours, they get comfortable and KNOW that you are going to take them out...that they don't need to freak out and pee...that if they just hold it a little, that you are going to take them out. dogs are creatures of habit...you set the habit, they will follow it. they will adapt to it. so find a schedule that works for both of you, stick to it, and before you know it, you will not be going out every 3 hours, as the dog will learn to hold it and will also trust that you will be taking him out soon.
i also highly recommend the crate training. plus it makes it a lot easier if they are used to their crate, in case you ever do have to crate them for some other reason...like when they get spayed/neutered, travel, are sick, injured, or even at the groomer. maggie has come to LOVE her crate. it is her special "place" that no one else is allowed to be in or near LOL