Have you recently gotten a new puppy from a site such as www.mdpuppiesonline.com? If so, the next step is to ensure they are happy in their new home. Unfortunately, if you don’t take some time to learn about what a puppy needs, it may be more challenging than you think.
The majority of puppies (and grown-up dogs) feel much more secure when they are in an enclosed, small, den-type area – younger puppies are especially eager to find somewhere safe. The proper crate and crate training can help your puppy feel safe in their new area. Some tips to help you with this can be found here.
Make the Space Familiar
While a well-adjusted puppy is going to be curious, there are some who are often shy. Anything that is new may prompt a feeling of suspicion. As a result, you need to make their crate a “normal” part of the furniture.
Set the create in your family room and allow your new puppy to explore it. Leave the door open for a while and let them explore on their own.
Make the Crate a Happy Place
Put a dog bed or comfortable blanket inside of the crate. You can also put toys inside to encourage your puppy to spend time inside. The goal is to ensure that the puppy has only positive experiences while in the crate.
Offer Your Pup a Treat
Consider getting a puzzle toy that can be filled with a tasty, smelly treat. This needs to be something your puppy absolutely loves, but something you only give them when in the crate.
Be sure to show the pup the treat, let them taste and smell it. Then throw it inside and shut the door, while the puppy is outside, with the treat on the inside. This shows the pup that the treat is inside and after he begs and whined to get in, open the door. At this point you should shut the door and let them enjoy it for about five minutes before reopening the door.
Teach Your Pup Tolerance
There are some puppies that will settle down immediately and enjoy the treat without any issue. Others will throw a “fit” and want to get out. If your puppy does happen to fuss, you should let them out, but make sure to lock the treat inside the crate.
By doing this, you are teaching the pup that great things – the treat – is only offered inside. The majority of pups will learn to be fine with the door shut as long as they have something to snack on.
Extend the Pup’s Crate Time
Over about a week’s time, increase the amount of time your puppy is in the crate with the treat toy. In between your training times, just let the door stay open. You will be pleasantly surprised how often your tired pup seeks out their own create time. This could be for a nap – or to get away from the cat or kids.
Once your puppy has accepted that the crate is a part of their life, you can move it to a more “acceptable” area of the house. If you put the crate close to your own bed, it will let them sleep in their own area, but still close to you, which will make your puppy more comfortable and happier. It also offers a private area for you to seclude the pup, when needed, from activities in the kitchen or living area that may be overstimulating for them.
