CRATE TRAINING:
After researching the pros and cons of crate training, we decided to use a crate for Cleo. Although we graduated to the “open door” policy when she was about a year old; Cleo still continues to fall asleep in her crate. We purchased a crate with 2-door access and an adjustable divider, so we could increase her area as she grew, eventually removing the divider completely. In retrospect, I believe a 1-door crate with a divider is just fine. Puppies do like their own territory and having a space that can be adjusted to their size helps them feel safe. We recommend a crate size of 36L x 23W x 25H Inches, this will be give your doodle ample room when full grown!
When we put Cleo in the crate at bedtime the first night, I was pleasantly surprised that she only cried for about 1 minute and less than 1 minute the 2nd night. Many of the training books state that you should avoid responding to any behavior you do not wish to reinforce, regardless of how difficult that may be. So, please do not respond to plaintive cries or whimpers; it will only reinforce that behavior and prolong everybody’s suffering. This advice paid off, as crate training was a breeze for all of us. Of course if your puppy continues to cry for more than 20-30 minutes, please briefly give her some comfort and try again once she has settled down.
Remember, it is easier to encourage good behavior than to change bad behavior, so be aware of how you respond. Puppies will learn quickly, so never cuddle, give him attention or pick up a puppy when they do unwanted behavior such as barking, biting, or begging. Ignore or distract your puppy. You will be the one mold you puppy’s behavior!
I used the "kennel up" command (even though she did not understand the command for some time) each night at bedtime and give her the treat when she went into (or initially when I put her into) her crate.
I have a link on my website for your reference. I prefer the open view of this crate so your puppy can see his surroundings.
(http://www.lakelurelabradoodles.com/some-of-my-favorite-new-puppy-basics.html)
Be sure to provide bedding (either her blanket or a crate pad) and a toy in her crate and play area.
Speaking of toys, I inundated Cleo with a variety of toys when she first arrived home. Later I learned to “recycle” her toys by offering a few at a time and then swapping them for “new” toys. She appreciated both the variety and only having a few to choose from.
Nylabones are a good way to satisfy their desire to chew while teething.
Here is a good article regarding bones:
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/05/19/caution-bones-can-kill-your-dog-find-out-which-ones-are-safe.aspx.
You may want to subscribe to this site.
PLAY PEN & OUTDOOR EXERCISE PEN
I suggest a playpen/exercise pen or an area, which can be enclosed so your new puppy is able to explore without supervision. I use an Iris PlayPen for containment and really like it. That is what they are in now on the Drop/cam; I've put several together to create a larger space. Cleo was "safe" in that for many months, never tried to jump it or crawl under it, etc. so when I was too busy to watch her I knew she was not doing anything that could cause her harm. The Iris Pen can be seen on "Some of My Favorite New Puppy Basics" page. To easily get there, use the search bar in the upper right corner on every page!
We use the 24" H Midwest Exercise pen outdoors for a larger play area. You can find this on both Amazon and Chewy.com
Finally, it is particularly important that you puppy has a safe space to retreat during the Holiday season should the festivities become too overwhelming.
SEASONAL SAFETY
Christmas & Family Gatherings:
Even though the Holiday Season doesn’t begin immediately, I strongly suggest you review the seasonal safety tips on my site, which talks about plants, food and other potential pitfalls specific to the Christmas season.
Also, be aware of what gifts are under your tree. Puppies are curious by nature and will love unwrapping crinkly packages and then are tempted to sample the contents. Remember they can smell a “treat” even when wrapped and believe everything is edible! Do not allow your pup to drink Christmas tree water, as the pine sap can be toxic.
Please do not take your young puppy to a fireworks display on 7/4 !
Although I have gently introduced the fireworks sounds, that does not compare to a true 7/4 event. There will be time for this once your puppy has grown up a bit more!
After researching the pros and cons of crate training, we decided to use a crate for Cleo. Although we graduated to the “open door” policy when she was about a year old; Cleo still continues to fall asleep in her crate. We purchased a crate with 2-door access and an adjustable divider, so we could increase her area as she grew, eventually removing the divider completely. In retrospect, I believe a 1-door crate with a divider is just fine. Puppies do like their own territory and having a space that can be adjusted to their size helps them feel safe. We recommend a crate size of 36L x 23W x 25H Inches, this will be give your doodle ample room when full grown!
When we put Cleo in the crate at bedtime the first night, I was pleasantly surprised that she only cried for about 1 minute and less than 1 minute the 2nd night. Many of the training books state that you should avoid responding to any behavior you do not wish to reinforce, regardless of how difficult that may be. So, please do not respond to plaintive cries or whimpers; it will only reinforce that behavior and prolong everybody’s suffering. This advice paid off, as crate training was a breeze for all of us. Of course if your puppy continues to cry for more than 20-30 minutes, please briefly give her some comfort and try again once she has settled down.
Remember, it is easier to encourage good behavior than to change bad behavior, so be aware of how you respond. Puppies will learn quickly, so never cuddle, give him attention or pick up a puppy when they do unwanted behavior such as barking, biting, or begging. Ignore or distract your puppy. You will be the one mold you puppy’s behavior!
I used the "kennel up" command (even though she did not understand the command for some time) each night at bedtime and give her the treat when she went into (or initially when I put her into) her crate.
I have a link on my website for your reference. I prefer the open view of this crate so your puppy can see his surroundings.
(http://www.lakelurelabradoodles.com/some-of-my-favorite-new-puppy-basics.html)
Be sure to provide bedding (either her blanket or a crate pad) and a toy in her crate and play area.
Speaking of toys, I inundated Cleo with a variety of toys when she first arrived home. Later I learned to “recycle” her toys by offering a few at a time and then swapping them for “new” toys. She appreciated both the variety and only having a few to choose from.
Nylabones are a good way to satisfy their desire to chew while teething.
Here is a good article regarding bones:
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/05/19/caution-bones-can-kill-your-dog-find-out-which-ones-are-safe.aspx.
You may want to subscribe to this site.
PLAY PEN & OUTDOOR EXERCISE PEN
I suggest a playpen/exercise pen or an area, which can be enclosed so your new puppy is able to explore without supervision. I use an Iris PlayPen for containment and really like it. That is what they are in now on the Drop/cam; I've put several together to create a larger space. Cleo was "safe" in that for many months, never tried to jump it or crawl under it, etc. so when I was too busy to watch her I knew she was not doing anything that could cause her harm. The Iris Pen can be seen on "Some of My Favorite New Puppy Basics" page. To easily get there, use the search bar in the upper right corner on every page!
We use the 24" H Midwest Exercise pen outdoors for a larger play area. You can find this on both Amazon and Chewy.com
Finally, it is particularly important that you puppy has a safe space to retreat during the Holiday season should the festivities become too overwhelming.
SEASONAL SAFETY
Christmas & Family Gatherings:
Even though the Holiday Season doesn’t begin immediately, I strongly suggest you review the seasonal safety tips on my site, which talks about plants, food and other potential pitfalls specific to the Christmas season.
Also, be aware of what gifts are under your tree. Puppies are curious by nature and will love unwrapping crinkly packages and then are tempted to sample the contents. Remember they can smell a “treat” even when wrapped and believe everything is edible! Do not allow your pup to drink Christmas tree water, as the pine sap can be toxic.
Please do not take your young puppy to a fireworks display on 7/4 !
Although I have gently introduced the fireworks sounds, that does not compare to a true 7/4 event. There will be time for this once your puppy has grown up a bit more!
