Crate training puppies, what is this?

[Passionflower]

Following on from the puppy breeds thread, what is crate training and how do you do it?

Explanation required for a total doggy novice please.

never done it but will do if I can ie puppy not too big!

I think it's basically using a crate for a safe haven for your puppy. It is good as can be transported around. Lots of breeders I've spoken to recently highly recommend this.

we did this with our puppies.

You put them in there when you go out (for very short periods) stops your house getting wrecked and they don't get anxious, they see it as their haven. We had to wean our dog off the crate - he had it till he was about 3 or he would howl and get very upset. When it all got too noisy for him he would open it and close it behind himself!

stuff here

the theory I believe is that the crate simulates a natural hole in the ground birth den where puppies would spend the majority of their day when the parents are off hunting. they will feel safe and homey there. also puppies do not toilet in the same place they sleep so as long as they are taken out at regular intervals (puppy bladders are also small) they will 'go' where and when you decide.

hello, i have a`10 week old cocker and she loves her crate i only shut door if she is naughty tho not v often

We did with our ridgeback, it was great, was her place to get away from us and we knew she was safe and not chewing cables if we were out.

She loved it to bits

my labs hated it. they wouldnt go in. if i tried to put them in they would bounce of the sides, making a terrible racket and crying!
they made their own haven between the two sofas (the arms of the sofa met and formed a cave)

i got a lot of shoes wrecked but they always peed etc on paper so that was ok.
we took them with us to most places, it took hours to get anywhere for people stopping us.
i got more attention carrying puppies that a baby!

Good to hear a thumbs up for this since my imminent pup's breeder (puppy not yet 8 weeks so still with breeder) was rather discouraging on the subject (but then she is a bit of a wacko who sleeps downstairs with her dogs!)

CD you have my fave breed of dog. Do they have a nice nature?

Yes, ours is so gentle and sweet. I can recommend her breeder, she breeds for temprement here is her site

Thanks all, I'm beggining to get the message that house training puppies is way more involved than traning the cats was!

ours arrived fully trained, not one accident

I don't know if I am allowed to do this but I recommend a forum - www.champdogs.co.uk there are some very experienced dog owners on there and they will be able to answer your questions (I have nothing to do with this forum BTW other than asking a few questions myself on there!!)