hi everyone

i will be getting an 8 week old gsd in a few weeks

i just had a question about crate training in the 1st few days

the first night? will the dog go in a crate? how will i get him in it? how will he know its his house?

any advice about the 1st few days much appreciated

thanks

Hi Damian and welcome!

The first day you get the pup, lure him into the crate by tossing a treat or a few pieces of kibble in there. Repeat this a bunch so that the pup associates the crate w/ good things.

Get yourself a chew toy that you can put treats into (like a Kong or Everlasting Treat ball) and fill it w/ treats or smear some moist dog food or cream cheese into it. Get the pup in the crate and close the door with the treat dispenser inside.

Essentially you want to create a very positive association with the crate; food's a great way to do it.

At night, take a gently worn, rolled up sock and leave it with the pup. The scent will comfort the pup (if you're lucky ) and may help to minimize the crying at night.

Be prepared to set your alarm for the next couple of weeks to make sure that your pup is able to relieve himself during the night. Most young pups can't go more than 6 hours at night (and some, significantly less than that) without peeing.

What kind of pup are you getting? (whoops, I reread your post. Congrats on the new GSD!)

I throw doggie crack in the crate while giving the crate or kennel command. Works like a charm.

Doggie crack is whatever food the pup really really likes. I switch between hot dogs and the Nature's balance or something like that rolls.

He'll figure out it's his pretty quick, no worries there.

What I do with pups is crate, potty break. If they potty great they can stay out for a while, it not crate and then another attempt in 10 minutes or so.

Normally I get up in the middle of the night to let them out also. My goal is never to have an accident in the house or crate.

I start this when my litters start moving around a bit and they pretty much leave here at 8 weeks old about as potty trained as they can be with those small bladders.

Great minds think a like! We posted at the same time. LOL

 Quote: Betty Waldron

Great minds think a like! We posted at the same time. LOL

Glad to see that we're on the same page!

My sons came up with a good strategy when we brought our puppy home. She would go in for the tasty treats, but tentatively, and run right out. They decided to put the crack in, shut the door, and make her beg to go in. The crate became the best thing ever from that moment on!

 Quote: linda patch

My sons came up with a good strategy when we brought our puppy home. She would go in for the tasty treats, but tentatively, and run right out. They decided to put the crack in, shut the door, and make her beg to go in. The crate became the best thing ever from that moment on!

I love it.

"Open this damned door! I want IN!"

 Quote: connie sutherland

 Quote: linda patch

My sons came up with a good strategy when we brought our puppy home. She would go in for the tasty treats, but tentatively, and run right out. They decided to put the crack in, shut the door, and make her beg to go in. The crate became the best thing ever from that moment on!

I love it.

"Open this damned door! I want IN!"

Wow! Me too... what a great idea. I would also add that a tired pup is a good pup, (keeping in mind you will have a very young pup so don't over do) and also to prepare yourself mentally for a rough night or two. It may go smooth as silk, BUT if the pup cries or whines a lot, and you have already steeled yourself that this is your plan and you are psyched up for it, it should be much easier to not give in and go let the little guy out. I've heard some folks say they put the crate in the car (in a garage of course and assuming temperatures in your area allow for this at this time of year) if necessary so they get the sleep and can't hear the theatrics.

Congrats on your new little rug rat!

thanks ladies

i think i have a fairly good idea now thanks to you..

love the open the door let me in ! very funny

i dont think my puppy will have had any potty training till i get him

cant wait .. i get him on 28th jan

thanks again for the heads up

x

 Quote: Lynne Barrows

At night, take a gently worn, rolled up sock and leave it with the pup. The scent will comfort the pup (if you're lucky ) and may help to minimize the crying at night.

Hi Damian,

You've received some great suggestions (I also love the door-closing thing! How creative!).

One caution...I think many puppies would benefit from Lynne's great suggestion about putting something in the crate that has your smell on it (sometimes, people use worn Tshirts, etc.). But, just keep in mind that all puppies are different and some of them would tear this sock up and maybe even consume it

So, the caveat here is if you give your pup something like this to try, keep an eye on him for a while just to make sure he's not one of the little buggers who can't have anything in his crate that is at all destructible. As long as he doesn't eat whatever he tears up, that's fine, in terms of safety.
leih