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Using a crate to potty train your Labradoodle puppy
Potty Training Your Labradoodle Puppy:
The easiest way to potty train your Labradoodle Puppy is to use a crate.
At first thought, you may feel like crate training seems like an unfair or harsh way to house break your pup. You will feel less like that if you understand a bit more about your dog’s nature.
Labradoodles, like all dogs, are den animals. By providing them with a crate, you are actually giving them their own den -- a place where they can feel safe and secure. Dogs have an innate tendency to keep their den clean. And this is the key to any good crate training regime.
So now, getting back to crate training…
The first step is to choose the right size crate. It shouldn’t be too big or too small. You want your pup to have enough room to lie down comfortably and move about a bit – but not enough space to roam around or to make a mess. If a crate is too big, your pup may have an “accident” in the part of the crate where they do not sleep.
Next, when you first introduce your puppy to the crate, make it a gradual, enjoyable experience. Put an old blanket in the base of the crate (something the puppy can’t hurt itself with – or get tangled up in). Don't start closing the puppy in the crate right away. First let the puppy explore the environment, and even put a couple of treats in the crate to create a positive association with the crate.
As you get ready to start your crate training regime, it’s important to have a consistent schedule in place. Dogs like routine, so the key to success will be to set a clear pattern of feeding, eliminating, and exercise. If you do this they will learn quickly.
Your Labradoodle puppy should eat a minimum of three times a day. Be sure to use high quality food recommended by your breeder or your Vet. And bear in mind that changing your puppy’s food can cause a bout of diarrhea which can hamper proper crate training. If you need to change your puppy’s food intake, make sure to do so gradually.
The key to successful crate training is to be responsible with the use of the crate. That means only leaving the puppy in the crate for a reasonable amount of time. A good rule of thumb with your Labradoodle pup is to add 1 hour to each month. For example, a two month old Labradoodle should be in the crate for no longer then 3 hours at any one time.
Here’s a sample crate training schedule for your young puppy, as recommended by the famous Monk's of New Skete:
6:30 am
Walk puppy
7:00 am
Food and water
Walk puppy.
Briefly play with puppy.
Crate Puppy
MidMorning:
Walk puppy and then stay with puppy for 15 min.
Crate Puppy
Noon:
Food and water
Walk puppy
Play with puppy
Crate Puppy
Midafternoon:
Water
Walk
Crate
5:00 pm
Food and Water
Walk puppy
Keep puppy with family during meal preparations
7:00 pm
Short walk.
Playtime with puppy
Crate Puppy
Before bed:
Walk puppy
Crate puppy for the night.
Crate training your Labradoodle is more of pattern training than anything else. When you take her out in the morning go to the same spot, use the same door. Even if your yard is secure, walk her out with a leash to make sure she eliminates. Watch her closely because just before she is ready to go, repeat a command. In our house, we use "Potty Time".
Labradoodles are very fast learners and if you are consistent with your crate training, your Labradoodle puppy will be potty trained in no time at all. Before you know it, you’ll be able to take her out for a walk and just say "Potty Time" and your puppy will be pattern trained to go potty on command.
This
article was written by
by Isabelle Barton
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