Crate Training
The Crate
~ is not doggie Jail
Colby blames the mess on the cat. It seems like a reasonable explanation; however, Colby seems to have made the mess inside the crate. He probably doesn't want to blame the humans. That would not go well. Regardless, if there is to be finger-pointing, a certain amount needs to be directed at those who left the items situated within Colby's reach. That is a big mistake, and in some cases even the bedding cannot be left in the kennel.
Colby certainly didn't want to be put in the kennel while Mom was away; however, he is not trustworthy. Freedom is earned. A few ruined items (inadvertently set beside the crate), is better than holes in the sheetrock, carpet ruined, and valuables chewed.
The crate is invaluable for so many reasons.
The crate warrants a stand-alone book. Then when you add the variances to the equation, be sure you stir in some savvy and add a dash of knack. Nevertheless, if you have no direct experience don't panic. Possibly, you can succeed, whereas te person with preconceived ideas may opt for the wrong path. Keep in mind that each pup is an individual, the environment is unique, and each person brings their own set of strengths and weaknesses. That being said, the crate is a cornerstone of getting from the puppy stage to the well-adjusted adult. There are times throughout the Weim's life that it is invaluable--never more than for housebreaking. During a bout of teenage--flakiness, the crate can be a lifesaver.
Rules for success with the crate..........
1 Buy or adjust to get the right sized kennel.
2 Embrace the philosophy-put away negative thoughts.
3 Do not use the crate as punishment.
Don't make it a goal to get rid of the crate.
Using a baby gate means constant supervision. the initial housebreaking should be completed before trying it!
Buying a Crate
The Size
The crate helps facilitate housebreaking the puppy. Puppies sleep a lot, and when they are not being watched, the crate is a good place for them to sleep. Preventing accidents in the house, will go a long way toward getting them housebroken.
The size of the kennel directly affects the initial success with using the crate for housebreaking. Being human, the first thing we think is let's buy the largest crate possible roomy is better. That way, the puppy will not be confined. (Bad idea #1) The kennel should be just slightly larger than the puppy. People who purchase an over-sized crate should partition it. Pups usually don't soil or wet their beds. However, if the kennel is large enough to set up a potty area, and a sleeping area that would work for them. You don't want this to happen. This is the same reason Shela suggests people not use a room for their puppy. A baby gate and pee-pee pads are a bad way to start the process of housebreaking. All that room will the signal to the pup they can go potty anywhere. Pee-pee pads, and newspapers will be shredded (what fun), and the concrete-thinking Weimaraner will form a bad habit in short order. If they get the notion you are OK with them going potty inside the house, it could end up being a lifetime battle to get them outside to the yard. This is never truer if they decide they don't want to go out into the rain, etc.
Midwest makes the Life-Stages wire crates which have a movable divider. It is made to adjust as the puppy grows, and will be large enough for an adult if you purchase the right size. We recommend a 30" high kennel, and whatever you have room for (as long as you make is smaller for now.)
The Type
There are three different types of crates (also sometimes called a kennel).
4 The Wire Crate
5 The vinyl or plastic Crate
6 The soft-side Crate (supervision required)
Novelty crates also exist--tents, end table, rattan, etc. (large pictured here because a medium would be short-lived for the investment)
Two of the three will easily work for any Weimaraner. The third, the soft-side crate, is not going to always be appropriate. The vast majority of Weims will chew them, and soon they are destroyed. The soft-side might work to use in an area where supervision in the norm, or there are brief unsupervised moments. One use that might serve you well is in the car, and at the office. All-in-all, the soft-side is not a secure kennel.
Many people prefer the look of the wire crate, and feel that the Weimaraner is going to like the openness to the family. It fails to provide the den-like seclusion for which the crate was designed. OwyheeStar uses both styles of crates--their choice depends upon the situation.
~ is not doggie Jail
Colby blames the mess on the cat. It seems like a reasonable explanation; however, Colby seems to have made the mess inside the crate. He probably doesn't want to blame the humans. That would not go well. Regardless, if there is to be finger-pointing, a certain amount needs to be directed at those who left the items situated within Colby's reach. That is a big mistake, and in some cases even the bedding cannot be left in the kennel.
Colby certainly didn't want to be put in the kennel while Mom was away; however, he is not trustworthy. Freedom is earned. A few ruined items (inadvertently set beside the crate), is better than holes in the sheetrock, carpet ruined, and valuables chewed.
The crate is invaluable for so many reasons.
The crate warrants a stand-alone book. Then when you add the variances to the equation, be sure you stir in some savvy and add a dash of knack. Nevertheless, if you have no direct experience don't panic. Possibly, you can succeed, whereas te person with preconceived ideas may opt for the wrong path. Keep in mind that each pup is an individual, the environment is unique, and each person brings their own set of strengths and weaknesses. That being said, the crate is a cornerstone of getting from the puppy stage to the well-adjusted adult. There are times throughout the Weim's life that it is invaluable--never more than for housebreaking. During a bout of teenage--flakiness, the crate can be a lifesaver.
Rules for success with the crate..........
1 Buy or adjust to get the right sized kennel.
2 Embrace the philosophy-put away negative thoughts.
3 Do not use the crate as punishment.
Don't make it a goal to get rid of the crate.
Using a baby gate means constant supervision. the initial housebreaking should be completed before trying it!
Buying a Crate
The Size
The crate helps facilitate housebreaking the puppy. Puppies sleep a lot, and when they are not being watched, the crate is a good place for them to sleep. Preventing accidents in the house, will go a long way toward getting them housebroken.
The size of the kennel directly affects the initial success with using the crate for housebreaking. Being human, the first thing we think is let's buy the largest crate possible roomy is better. That way, the puppy will not be confined. (Bad idea #1) The kennel should be just slightly larger than the puppy. People who purchase an over-sized crate should partition it. Pups usually don't soil or wet their beds. However, if the kennel is large enough to set up a potty area, and a sleeping area that would work for them. You don't want this to happen. This is the same reason Shela suggests people not use a room for their puppy. A baby gate and pee-pee pads are a bad way to start the process of housebreaking. All that room will the signal to the pup they can go potty anywhere. Pee-pee pads, and newspapers will be shredded (what fun), and the concrete-thinking Weimaraner will form a bad habit in short order. If they get the notion you are OK with them going potty inside the house, it could end up being a lifetime battle to get them outside to the yard. This is never truer if they decide they don't want to go out into the rain, etc.
Midwest makes the Life-Stages wire crates which have a movable divider. It is made to adjust as the puppy grows, and will be large enough for an adult if you purchase the right size. We recommend a 30" high kennel, and whatever you have room for (as long as you make is smaller for now.)
The Type
There are three different types of crates (also sometimes called a kennel).
4 The Wire Crate
5 The vinyl or plastic Crate
6 The soft-side Crate (supervision required)
Novelty crates also exist--tents, end table, rattan, etc. (large pictured here because a medium would be short-lived for the investment)
Two of the three will easily work for any Weimaraner. The third, the soft-side crate, is not going to always be appropriate. The vast majority of Weims will chew them, and soon they are destroyed. The soft-side might work to use in an area where supervision in the norm, or there are brief unsupervised moments. One use that might serve you well is in the car, and at the office. All-in-all, the soft-side is not a secure kennel.
Many people prefer the look of the wire crate, and feel that the Weimaraner is going to like the openness to the family. It fails to provide the den-like seclusion for which the crate was designed. OwyheeStar uses both styles of crates--their choice depends upon the situation.
