Boxer puppies are one of the most adorable dogs to own and nurture until they become strong and lovable adults. But of course, as a high energy breed, you need to make sure that they’re trained well to avoid them from being stubborn. That’s why I recommend boxer puppy crate training to all Boxer dog owners, which help keep them disciplined.
The question is: How can you begin crate training puppies while maintaining the discipline of your puppy? It can get quite difficult trying to figure it out, so read on! I’ll be showing you some tips on how to crate train your puppy.
Boxer Puppy Crate Training
Crate training is highly beneficial for Boxer puppies, especially when training and potty training puppies. As long as you give them the proper space and reward them as they accomplish their training, it’s a safe method to follow. So if you’re interested in doing this, here are the steps to follow:
1. The Basic Rules of Thumb
Before learning what to prepare, make sure that you’re familiar with these unspoken rules of crate training:
- Crates should NEVER be seen and used as a punishment for your puppy
- When not at home, your puppy shouldn’t be confined to a crate for over an hour for each month of their age, plus one hour. So a two-month-old puppy should only stay in for a maximum of three hours.
- Make sure that you move the crate with you when transferring to another room, also letting them sleep in the bedroom while inside the crate. This gives them security and has them settle down in crates better.
2. Preparing The Crate Well
When preparing the crate, you have to map sure that it’s the right size. Meaning, it should be big enough for your puppy to lie down, stand, and turn around. Don’t make it TOO big, or they end up using it as a toilet!
Furnish the crate with the puppy’s basic necessities, such as water (use a hamster-type water dispenser filled with ice water), comfortable bedding (using a towel or blanket), as well as their toys and treats to keep them away from boredom. When placing treats, bedding, and toys, make sure that they are inedible and without any choking hazards.
3. Where to Put the Crate
Whenever your puppy is in the crate, make sure that the crate is next or near you as much as possible. Again, this keeps your puppy away from stress and with a feeling of security knowing their owner is beside them. It will also encourage them to go inside the crate without the feeling of isolation or loneliness.
When no one is at home, then make sure that the crate is in an area where everyone spends the most time in. This may be the bedroom or the living room. This helps the puppy know that you will be back, giving them familiarity.
4. Introducing Your Puppy to the Crate
When introducing your puppy to the crate do NOT just force him inside! You need to start off gradually and on days you plan to stay at home for the next few days (Friday nights are recommended).
Put positive reinforcements to the crate by placing small treats inside to encourage the puppy to stay inside. you can also begin feeding him inside to create similar effects. When he does begin to go inside on his own, praise and pet your puppy and do NOT close the door, which would discourage him. Be enthusiastic and encouraging when he’s learning to go inside the crate.
5. Putting Training to the Test
Once your puppy is familiar with the crate and comfortable inside it, it’s time to begin training!
Only leave him inside for short periods of time at first, increasing the time gradually. You should be in the room at all times while doing so. When training him to stay in the crate while you’re out, allow him to go in the crate by himself and leave the room for about five minutes, increasing this time gradually until they can stay inside for longer periods of time.
When you leave your dog inside the crate and go to work, make sure that you stay calm when you’re back home. Allow him to calm down and take him out, stretching his legs and letting him use the toilet.
For more help in crate training, check out this informative video for more good tips:
Wrapping It Up
It’s crucial to ensure that your Boxer puppies are trained as they grow up to prevent them from being hard-headed. After all, you wouldn’t want a jumpy Boxer that never listens to you, which is why crate training is a good choice. With crate training, they’ll be able to know where their place is and avoid too much mess while you’re gone.
I hope that this article on Boxer puppy crate training helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and begin following these steps today!