How Long Does It Take to Crate Train a Puppy?
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is exciting and rewarding. However, it’s also a test of your patience, as teaching your puppy new habits can be hugely frustrating. This is especially true for crate training, one of the most important stages of your puppy’s education.
Proper crate training gives your new puppy a den where you can safely leave them for short periods. It can also help you prevent destructive behavior in puppies suffering from separation anxiety. So, how long does it take to crate train a puppy?
The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center, the leading puppy training center in New Jersey, will discuss the details in this post.
The Average Length of Time for Crate Training
The length of time it will take for your puppy to complete the crate training process will vary significantly depending on several factors. However, you should expect the process to take a few weeks for fast learners and up to two months or more for puppies less receptive to training.
Some of the factors that will affect the period of time it will take to get your dog in the crate include the following:
Your Level of Consistency
When most people ask, “How long does it take to crate train a puppy?” it’s often because they are already losing patience. However, the crate training process will be a lot more difficult if you don’t follow a structured routine consistently without losing patience.
Your Puppy’s Age
Starting crate training for younger puppies is less challenging because they adapt more quickly to all kinds of training. They are basically a blank slate, ready to imbibe any behavioral directions you want them to take. On the other hand, puppies that have already received some training may be harder to deal with.
Your Puppy’s Breed
Genetics plays a significant role in the behavior of your puppy. Crate training traditionally stubborn breeds like a Saint Bernard or a Basset Hound will take longer periods of time compared to breeds like the Labrador Retriever or a Border Collie.
Your Puppy’s Previous Experience
If your puppy has already had a negative experience with crates, you will find it harder to build the trust necessary to complete the process.
Some Top Tips for Crate Training Success
Some of the things you can do to hasten the crate training process include the following:
- Ensure the crate is the right size
- Make the crate inviting and comfortable
- Create a positive association with the crate
- Don’t yell or shove the puppy into the crate
- Keep the crate close if crating overnight
Get Custom Crate Training Guidance for Your Puppy
Answering the question, “How long does it take to crate train a puppy?” is difficult because every new puppy presents a new challenge. That’s where we come in.
We can provide personalized guidance to make the process less challenging. We are expert dog trainers you can count on for everything from crate training to learning how to train a puppy to walk on a leash.
Call The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center in New Jersey today at (732) 938-5040 to book an appointment.