Crate training can keep your puppy from destroying your home while you are away.
Although you may think it's too late to crate train a 7-month-old puppy, there is hope. Under a year, many puppies can still be well-trained and taught routines through the use of crates. Crate training is popular because it teaches your puppy boundaries, can minimize bathroom accidents in the home, and provides your puppy with its very own haven in your home.
Instructions
1. Purchase a crate. You want a crate that is large enough for your puppy to stand and be able to spin around, but not so big that they can urinate in one part and move over to another part. If your puppy will be growing bigger, make sure to buy one that will accommodate its size when it is fully grown.
2. Place the crate in an area of the home that gets a little traffic, like a kitchen or living room. Avoid keeping crates in secluded places, like a garage, as your puppy will associate the crate with being alone.
3. Place a thick foam liner on the floor of the crate for support and throw in a comfy blanket for the dog to sleep on. Also toss in a toy to keep it occupied when it is locked up.
4. Mount a puppy water bottle on the side of the crate, and ensure it is always supplied with fresh water. You can find these bottles at most pet shops, or if you prefer, try a no-spill water dish, which can also be found at pet shops.
5. Place your puppy in the crate for the first time with the door open. Drop a treat into the back area of the crate. Your puppy may be nervous about going into the crate and will probably run out after eating the treat, but a treat will help it begin positive associations.
6. Feed your puppy inside the crate, so that it begins to relate it with positive enforcement. Opt to always feed your puppy in the crate, or just do this for the first week of crate training.
7. Place the crate next to your bed every night for the first week of your puppy getting used to sleeping in the crate. If you don't want to do this, leave crate in its spot and place a boom box with some soft music playing next to it. Your puppy may whine the first few nights, but this should go away within a week or two.
8. Lock your puppy in the crate for about an hour a day, while you are home for the first two weeks. Go about your business, leaving the room a couple of times at least. This will help your puppy get used to the crate, and not have anxiety about being left alone in the home.
9. Walk your puppy, then place it in the crate when you leave, using praise to reassure it that it isn't being punished. Drop a treat in the first couple of weeks, every time you lock it up. Playing some soft music the first few weeks will help your puppy feel less anxious. Walk your puppy again as soon as you get home.
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