Crate Training...I have more questions.

ricomoss

I have posted these questions in the Crate Training FAQ, but was told that creating a new thread might be more productive. So, here we go...

I have a question about when I should start crate training. We'll be getting our puppy shortly and I have a life-stages crate for her. I plan to start off small and increase the size of the crate as she grows. Since she'll only be 8 weeks old when we get her should she start this process right away?

Also, it is mentioned that the crate should be moved into the bedroom at night. We don't want that to be the case. Our cat's food is in the bedroom and we want to have our bedroom blocked off from puppy access to allow them a place to go to get away from the dog if she starts to annoy them. Is another location in the house acceptable? I was hoping we could move her to a loft upstairs but there is no way she could see or hear us from there...or vice versa. Is this something we should avoid? If so, why?

Sarah

I posted this on the other topic, but since you posted a new topic I will copy and paste what I wrote:

I have always started crate training the day I bring my puppy home. I have crate trained 3 pups. My moms Beagle, My Papillon, and currently My mixed breed Jayda. I would highly recommend that if you don't want the crate to be in your room that you put it in a room close by. You need to be able to hear her as the first few weeks she is going to wake up numerous times during the night having to go potty. In my experience the puppy normally feels more comfortable being in a room around the family at night. She will be fine in another room although may bark/cry a little more than she would being close to you and your wife. The first day you bring her home try putting treats in her kennel to encourage her to go in on her own. You want her to feel safe in her kennel, so she will be more content and want to be in there when you can't supervise her.

fawkese1

ditto what sarah said