It's the same principle as putting a human baby into a crib or a playpen. They have a safe quiet place to be without needing supervision. It's important to crate train your dog so that he will be used to it when it is necessary, such as trips to the vet or traveling. Make certain there is something soft to sleep on, and that they have enough room to stand and turn in a circle. But no bigger. Otherwise, he will be tempted to potty there. There are basically 2 types, wire cage which is great for home sleeping quarters, and the hard plastic travel type. I have some of each. The very small sized plastic ones are great for trips to the vet, the larger ones for long travel, and the wire type is his indoor doghouse. I crate my dog for nighttime sleeping, while we're away,( for short periods) and at times while I'm home such as when it's time to clean house and vacuum, take a nap, a bath or when I cannot offer my 100% attention. Often dogs love it so much they will voluntarily bed down inside their crate even when the door is wide open. Never feed or water your puppy inside the crate. You may offer him a treat or a chew toy, or a Kong ball stuffed with cheese or peanut butter to calm him and help him to adjust to being inside. (To keep him occupied)
It is best to leave the door open and introduce the puppy slowly to the crate. Perhaps, hide a treat inside of it from time to time so that he will be tempted to walk inside of it on his own.
Remember, he isn't use to it, or you, or your scents. He will be longing for the comforts of his mother or littermates. Place a cuddly toy inside or a baby blanket with the scent of his littermates or mother on it. Try him in the crate for short intervals until he can get used to it. But, never take him out while he is barking, or he will be then, training you. I believe in going to the barking dog to make sure he is o.k. say "Quiet" and if then after he is quiet, let him out and see if he needs to go potty outside. Then, quickly back inside to resume sleeping.
If you are a good time manager, it will be easy to train your puppy using a crate. He is inside the crate only when you cannot be with him and of course, during sleeping hours. But never for more than a few hours at first. His bowels and his system are not mature, and he wont be able to hold it for long periods at first.
I suggest 45 minutes to begin. Make sure you have witnessed him "GO" outside first. Set him inside the crate and start the timer. This time can be increased by 5 or 10-minute increments, each week.
The best way to train a lab is to let him follow you around. Supervise him at all times. Make him go where you go. When you cannot be with him, place him inside the crate.
Remember, whining and crying or barking is the pipeline for communication. It means, he is hungry or thirsty, or bored, or he needs to eliminate. It will be your job to exhaust all channels before putting him inside the crate . Do not let him cry inside for no apparent reason. Sometimes a SHHHH , or a "Quiet" in a firm tone of voice, or turn your back and walk away is the only answer for a stubborn puppy.
Be sure he has lots of chew toys, and has the proper amount of attention and stimulation and human interaction each day.
The crate is not prison, and never a punishment place. It is his den, his quarters. You can buy one crate, and move it from room to room. Or buy several for each room.
I have one in the kitchen, one in the living room and one of course, in our bedroom. A new puppy will wake you up during the night so that he can be brought outside. He will bark, or squirm around. It will be your job to place the crate in a spot so that you can hear him. Please do not put the puppy in the garage, or any other cold dark place. They need to be kept warm inside your home. Remember, they have come from a warm cozy kennel sleeping with all their littermates. The goal is a smooth easy adjustment.
It should take only a few short weeks to potty train your puppy. Labs can sometimes do it in a matter of 3 days to 3 months. It depends on you and your schedule and how much you are willing to put into it.
We offer potty training here at our ranch. If you are unsuccessful, please give us a call and we will be happy to train your puppy perfectly for you.
Remember, repetition is the key, with patience, and knowing it will all come together in a very short time.
