How to Train a Minpin Puppy
Miniature pinschers, or minpins, are lively, energetic dogs with very good dispositions. These dogs are also highly intelligent, which makes them easily trainable as pets. Minpins have short coats, so they require very little grooming. They do, however, require some training. Their intelligence makes this fairly easy. One way to do so is by providing minpins with crates. This will satisfy the puppy's need for a den and personal space. It is also a very valuable house-training tool, when the time comes.
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Instructions
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Instructions for Crate Training a Minpin Puppy
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Remove the screws from the crate and remove the top, if you've purchased a vari-kennel type crate, where the top can come off. Allow your minpin puppy to climb in and out of the crate to get used to it. If you've purchased a wire mesh crate, tie the door back so the puppy can come and go.
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Place toys and treats at the back of the crate for the puppy. Also attach a water dispenser (like you'd give a hamster), so the puppy can get a drink in its crate. Put a towel or blanket on the floor of the crate for the puppy to lay on. If the puppy dirties the towel, replace it with a clean one.
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Place the crate near you when you are at home. Minpins are very smart, and they will learn to draw associations with their crate. Having the crate near you will teach them a positive association between you and the crate. The puppy will have no complaints about going into the crate if it thinks you will still be there.
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Get your minpin used to the crate. During the day, consistently drop treats into the crate for your puppy to walk in and find. Discovering edible treats in the crate will create another positive association for your smart minpin. For the first couple of weeks, pet and praise your minpin puppy when it goes into the crate. Use treats to encourage your puppy to enter its crate voluntarily, to find "the prize."
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5
Start crating your minpin puppy for short times while you are still at home. This keeps the puppy from associating the crate with you leaving. After a week or so, practice leaving the room while your puppy is crated and then coming back after a short time. After this, it will be an easy step to leave the house for short periods.
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Use your new crate training to house train your minpin puppy. Every time you take it out of its crate, take it directly outside to go to the bathroom. Praise the pup when it does its business, and continue using the crate when you have the puppy inside.
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Tips & Warnings
Always take your minpin puppy outside (to the bathroom) before crating. Minpins who have been crate-trained will prefer their personal kennel to a borrowed one. Always take it with you when you travel with your dog.
Never leave your puppy in its crate for longer than your vet recommends, and make sure it doesn't become too hot in the crate. Never use the crate as a place of punishment. That will undermine crate training and trust.
