Crate Training a Whining Puppy

Dog crates aid in housetraining and provide dogs with dens.

Crate training is a useful way to speed up housetraining for dogs and puppies. While traditionally seen as cruel, crate training can actually provide your puppy with a safe place to call his own. Whining is a common problem dog owners face when crate training their puppies. It is possible to stop the whining and make the crate a safe, cozy place for your puppy to escape, nap and spend some time alone.

Things You'll Need

• Crate
• Dog food
• Leash

Instructions

1. Introduce the crate slowly. Start by feeding your puppy in the crate with the door open. Place the bowls near the crate if your puppy refuses to go in. Move the bowls slightly closer each mealtime until your puppy is comfortable being in the crate at mealtimes with the door open.

2. Shut the door for a few seconds, then open it and release your puppy. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy is in the crate with the door shut.

3. Leave the room for a few seconds once your puppy is comfortable with the door closed. Gradually increase the length of time you are out of the room until your puppy is comfortable being in the crate by himself for 30 minutes.

4. Take your puppy out regularly for potty breaks. Dogs and puppies tend to get the urge to eliminate after eating, drinking, napping and playing, so take her out after these events. If your puppy whines in the crate at night, clip on her leash and take her outside to potty, returning her immediately after the toilet break.

5. Ignore any attention-seeking whining that occurs after your puppy's toilet trip. Wait until the whining stops and then praise your puppy and release him from the crate if appropriate.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a step back if the whining continues and becomes unmanageable. Moving too fast through the training process is counterproductive.

• Do not punish your puppy for whining in the crate. Any reaction, positive or negative, can reinforce the puppy's whining and make the problem worse.

References

• Humane Society of the United States: Crate Training
• American Dog Trainers Network: Crate Training
• Humane Society of Silicon Valley: Crate Training