crate training

Boy am I eating my words! Never used to see the point in crate training...ok, ok so we brought Roxy home when she was 12 weeks and her house training was impeccable. Vinny is only 8 weeks so I thought we ought to try it....
What a little peaceful haven it is for him - especially being so young. He retreats when he wants peace and quiet and is ready to sleep, he has his toys and comfy bedding and is one happy little lad in there. And best of all - house training is going considerably well and night times are pretty pleasant.

I've probably jinxed it now

Awww cute pic! Pleased all is going well for you

I think a crate or cage is a nice retreat for them. Miley justs trots in there at bed time she seems to know when to go in. She also knows when we go out too she goes in when we turn off the tv so funny

Like you I wasn't sure about crates, but am totally converted. Wish I'd known about them 40 years ago when I started keeping dogs.

Vinny looks well at home in there, thats his little retreat, a place to chill out and relax

Hi guys, i am new to dogs, staffys, this website and the forum, so please forgive my ignorance. But do you close the door of the crate at night or do you leave it open?

reuben wrote:
Like you I wasn't sure about crates, but am totally converted. Wish I'd known about them 40 years ago when I started keeping dogs.

Me too! Things would have been so much easier!

chulo wrote:Hi guys, i am new to dogs, staffys, this website and the forum, so please forgive my ignorance. But do you close the door of the crate at night or do you leave it open?

I closed the crate door at night, time outs & when we went out - all the rest of the time it was left open. I used to get up at about 4am, though, to let Dempsey into the garden to relieve himself & then back in his crate until 'sensible' morning!

When I felt I could trust him a little more I started to leave the gate open after his 4am wee, then open all night & eventually open all the time. It's now his den & he sleeps there through his own choice. He loves it!

So cute I would've thought having your dog in a cage to sleep and whatever would be mean, but I tried it myself and it's Loki's bed, it's comfy and where he chews his StagBar or a big treat or whatever. Never used it for toilet-training, but glad to here it's working for you.

great stuff

We close the door at night just in case ( Bacchus is still only 6 months ). Having said that he probably wouldn't come out as we practically have to drag him out of his crate any time before 8am.