1
   

Typically how long does it take for a dog to adjust to crate training?

 
 
etan
 
Reply Tue 9 Dec, 2008 12:27 pm
Just got a dachshund puppy, and we're crate training him. He's actually doing very well with it, he's now pretty much sleeping through the night, but he does have the occasional accident, and still hates going into the crate during the day. However, I'm assuming this is pretty normal behavior for a puppy. Any advice?
  • Topic Stats
  • Top Replies
  • Link to this Topic
Type: Question • Score: 1 • Views: 2,916 • Replies: 3
No top replies

 
rosborne979
 
  2  
Reply Tue 9 Dec, 2008 01:22 pm
@etan,
It sounds pretty normal.

Dogs have a natural instinct not to dirty their own living area, and a crate is the only thing small enough for a puppy to recognize as "his living area". The crate also teaches the puppy that he can hold it for a while. Obviously there's a limit to how long any puppy can hold it, so you have to give them frequent breaks outside especially when they are very young.

It takes between 4 to 6 months for most puppies to begin to recognize the whole house as "their living area" enough to trigger the instinct not to dirty it. When they are very young the house is enormous to them so they don't differentiate it from "outside".

During the first few months, a puppy will have accidents at any time/place in the house, so it's a good idea to keep them in the crate any time you're not watching them.

If they have an accident in the house it's ok to discourage them by pointing it out and saying "no", but be gentle about it. The house-breaking process has more to do with repetition than it does with vehemence. Eventually the dog will "get it". And it usually happens suddenly. My dog became house-broken after she got old enough to understand guilt. Then it only took one accident which I acted suitably appalled at and she suddenly got it. She hasn't had any accidents (other than illness related) after that.

In the mean time, keep plenty of paper towels and cleaner on hand Wink
0 Replies
 
chotki
 
  1  
Reply Tue 9 Dec, 2008 03:09 pm
Hm, how long have you had the pup? It sounds like it's doing really well if it's getting through the night already. It took my parents forever to train their scottish terriers...they still occasionally have accidents, too, but they've gotten a lot better. Some dogs are also stubborn, you can look up info specific to the breed.
0 Replies
 
etan
 
  1  
Reply Tue 9 Dec, 2008 07:05 pm
Thanks for the help! I was mainly curious if this was normal, and it sounds like it is. I'm really enjoying having a dachshund so far.
0 Replies
 
 

Related Topics

The Dog House - Discussion by Aldistar
A woman kicked my dog. - Discussion by Ceili
How often do you let your dog offleash - Question by DNA Thumbs drive
Dogs Are People, Too - Discussion by Miller
My dog has kennel cough. - Question by boomerang
High Anxiety - Question by koreyklr
Dogs killing rats - Question by simarloto
jealous new dog - Question by michelle1982
 
  1. Forums
  2. » Typically how long does it take for a dog to adjust to crate training?
Copyright © 2024 MadLab, LLC :: Terms of Service :: Privacy Policy :: Page generated in 0.07 seconds on 12/26/2024 at 12:56:49