Maddie (the 14 year old Jack) was crate trained and she loved her crate. Years after she was through that stage, she would get back in her crate and sit if it was left open where she could get to it. Beeger (adopted at around 5 years old) was severely crate trained we were told. The shelter said he had been left alone in a crate all day and all night with only short periods to run free. He was very afraid of any crate when we brought him home and he was already potty trained so no problem.
After I had Lucy for a few days we went and found a small crate for her - the plastic kind with a handle that is convenient for carrying your dog to the vet, etc. She slept there at night for the first week or so and did just fine. At the end of the week we purchased a pack and play - a play pen used for babies and that is where she slept for about a month or so with no problem. She was safe there when left alone for short periods and I could see her during the night through the mesh sides. She had her toys and blanket so we didn't mind it at all. Then....although short and small, she learned to climb out. After lots of brainstorming I pulled a folded bed sheet over the top and closed it with baby safety pins (out of her reach) and binder clips. This was really an illusion that made her believe that she could not jump out and she slept there at night without a problem up until she was about 6 months old. She could see Maddie and Beeger as they sleep in dog beds near by which kept her from feeling too lonely.
About a month ago I got the bright idea to order one of those canvas crates that zips shut - it was canvas and just awesome. She could see out and the door rolled up with velcro so that she could go in and out during the day. It was awesome until she learned how to work the zipper - long story short, we went through several issues with this crate after she at through the screened door, broke the zipper, etc. She loved chewing on zippers or anything that soothes her gums. So after trying the sheet thing for a couple of weeks, we broke down and purchase the crate pictured above. (That is not Lucy in that pic by the way) We got the large size for two reasons - we don't know exactly how big she will get and also it is about the same size as her play pen and the canvas crate. I keep a blanket on the floor and her dog bed in the back. This works well for her and she sleeps all night without a problem here and can see her bubba and sissy as well as us. Most of all we can sleep because we know she is safe.
Things I have learned about crate training the hard way with Lucy:
- Feed your dog in the crate and offer treats and toys to give them something to do
- Never use the crate as a punishment
- Make it as comfortable as possible with a pillow and or blanket
- Offer ice cubes for crunching as well as water during the night
- A crate is a great alternative to keep your puppy safe and it helps with potty training as they will not potty in the crate under normal circumstances
- Get the largest, most sturdy crate you can afford for your particular type of dog. In the beginning you may need to section it off so that the puppy does not have too much space and soil it
- Don't make a habit of leaving your puppy crated for long periods of time. During the night when they are sleeping it works well but too much awake time can cause issues with behavior
- Don't let the puppy out while she is barking or whining - this just teaches them that is the way to be released. Wait until they stop and then let out.
- Be consistent - Lucy goes into her crate at about the same time every night and always has a treat and ice chips. She looks forward to it and she goes into her crate on her own.
- There is a ton of information out there to help with crate training - just Google it.
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