Hi there,

We are picking up our black labrador bitch in just over 2 weeks time. I have spoken to several breeders when enquiring about puppies and nearly all have recommended that I crate train our puppy. What are your views on crate training?
I have been told that it significantly reduces house training and can be very helpful. I have done a search for crate training on here and people have very different views on the use of them. I must stress our puppy will not be locked up for hours in the cage it wll be her bed and her own space as we have 2 children under 6 and as much as the puppy will love the children I feel it is important she has her own space to go to when she wants to be left alone.
Can anyone offer me any help or advice on how or if to crate train our puppy? Many thanks in advance

Sophie.

When used correctly it is  excellent.I have used a crate to toilet train my last 4 pups...all have been house broken by an early age. I wouldn't say it reduces training during the day as you still have to have eyes in the back of your head and witch them constantly but it does help at night.
A crate is also beneficial in that it keeps your puppy safe when not supervised
As with all training aids when used correctly it is a wonderful thing...used incorrectly it can be very cruel
Archer

I crate trained although i must say i rarely use it, my dog goes into it of her own accord occasionally.

The most important thing is to start off carefully and remember to give the pup wonderful things in the crate - i fed mine in there although I let her out immediately and took her into the garden for her toilet - and that way the pup will learn to liike the crate.

Lindsay
X

I have crate trained our last 4 puppies, and I have to admit we have had a lesser trail of destruction by using one!

Now, we still have crate up in the porch - and there is a mad rush to claim it when our dogs are given their "treats" - as if 1st one in the crate doesn't have to share the treats!!!

We also found that 2 would retreat into it for peace and quiet away from our grandchildren and all the extra "training" that they would have to do with Jared & Ella!

margot