Crate training a puppy

Yea I am prepared for that. Just curious if it’s normal for people to crate puppies up for that long. With the understanding that they are obviously not going to be able to hold it for that long

That is a very long time for a young pup



We recently got a chocolate lab puppy. Instead of crate training, we gated off the kitchen and let him live in there. Early on, he did make a mess but that tailed off very quick. I liked it for the fact that he was able to move around and entertain himself

May have to go this route instead. Get one of those 2’ diameter play pens or something

This is what I did this morning. I took him straight out to use the bathroom, fed him and gave him water, took him out again to play with my other dog and use the bathroom again.

Wife woke up 30 minutes after me for work and did the same thing. She left at 5 am and I will not be home until 4pm

We left him a little food and water just incase

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We left him a little food and water just incase

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If I were you, I would eliminate this, especially if he is an inside dog (and judging by your crate question, he is).

A puppy will be fine, inside, providing you give him plenty of exercise (physical and mental), affection, food and water (when appropriate). Since he's not doing anything during the day, food and water aren't necessary. Also, by keeping food and water out (especially food), you're indirectly teaching him he can eat whenever he wants versus when you put the food down and take it away after 10 minutes, he will know that he must eat or he won't until you put it down again.

By doing this, you'll help control his bowels (and bladder) as well.

Unfortunately no, we both work an hour away

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Yea I am prepared for that. Just curious if it’s normal for people to crate puppies up for that long

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Way way to long at that age. They need to piss and crap about ever 2 hours.

You will be ok, if possible, leave him two areas. IE a bed or pad or whatever you are using and the opposite side leave enough space for an accident. If /when you can get home mid day do it. Always/Always/Always the first thing you do is pick the pup up and take him outside to the grass. This goes for morning and afternoon. The FIRST thing, this will condition him. A pup needs water, he will make a mess, but I don't think you should deprive him of water all day. As to food, feed him twice a day. Same time every day. You can review how much to feed on any number of calculators online. don't do treats or special food items or anything at first, get him conditioned to his food. conditioning to feed helps immensely with other items. ie you can get him to come, simply by calling or whistling at feeding time. You can condition him to sit by holding the food above his head every time before you feed (do no feed until he sits). As you progress, you can layer on additional commands that fit into the normal routine. ie as soon as you open the crate, head for the door and call him to follow you. when you see him use the bathroom, use a command. I've always used hurry up, but that's just what my father used. when you've got him regularly following you out, put a lead on him and start getting him to heal, always at your left side. I used to have a complex post about this but I can't remember what forum its on.

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Probably hates us more than the crate right about now

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If he hates going back to crate or won't go back voluntarily then he's in there too much. Put a small bowl of water in there and see if he'll drink out of it when he's out.