You just brought home the cutest puppy ever. He is sweet and cuddly and bounces happily around the house playing with his toys and when it seems he is finally tired you put him in his crate. In a few short minutes he starts barking and howling loud enough to wake the dead. This is a problem many dog owners face at the start of bringing home a puppy. There are more than a few ways to deal with this issue, and if handled the right way is always solvable.
Crate training your puppy is the quickest way to a well behaved dog. At the beginning, your puppy will bark and howl because he may not be used to being crated. When your puppy begins howling in his crate, firmly and sternly tell him “No, be quiet.” They do this to get your attention, thinking they will be let out immediately. If you live somewhere that permits, say, you are not living in an apartment or unit where neighbours will complain, put the puppy in his crate in a laundry room or garage and do not acknowledge the barking and howling. Ignore the temptation to let him out because he is making noise or he will quickly learn that making a fuss gets him out of the crate and in to where he wants to be. Usually after about three nights of this, you will find your puppy will quiet down when you put him to bed, because he has learned that barking does him no good.
Favourite toys, chew toys, radio on low etc to sooth pup. A piece of your clothing that has your smell on it will also help to keep your new puppy calm. Remember that the crate should feel like a safe haven for your puppy.
Written by Guest Author
This article has been edited since it was published.
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