Crate Training

Puppies are lively and curious by nature and easily find trouble to get into such as soiling your carpet, chewing your  favorite shoes and putting things in their mouth that don’t belong because.. that’s what puppies do. They do not come equipped with the DO’s and the DON’TS in life, so on your part… there is work to be done.

You could choose to NOT to work with your Giant and may come home to signs of destructive behavior and separation anxiety. I’m pretty sure we are all on the same page when I say, “I like my sofa intact. I like power cords to stay put. I like my curtains where they are and I certainly like to know my dogs are alive and well”.

Accidents happen all of the time and as a responsible owner it’s important to prevent them from happening in the first place. Crate training is crucial for the safety and care of your Giant Schnauzer. It is not be used as an area of punishment or a long-term care facility to just forget about your dog. They are social beings and need your time and companionship. This is simply a good start to many years of training required to having a giant schnauzer AND … If you take the right approach, you can utilize the crate as an invaluable training tool.

First you will need a crate.

RELATED: 

• The Best Giant Schnauzer Crate Size 

STEP 1: PUPPY MEETS CRATE

Make this a good experience for your puppy. Start by placing the crate in a central location such as the living or family room. Keep it open and ready with bedding and a toy or two. Let your puppy explore in and around their crate. When puppy enters the crate praise them for doing a ‘Good Job’. The goal is to get them comfortable with ease and at a gradual pace. Be patient and encouraging, never forceful. You do not want your puppy to fear the crate.

STEP 2: FEED MEALS IN THE CRATE

Once your puppy is comfortable the next step is to try feeding their meal in the crate.
Have the food ready and place it inside. Once the puppy is eating it is okay to close the door. After they’ve eaten take your puppy outside for a potty break. Praise them again for a job well done.

• If you have several dogs crate training is beneficial at feeding time to help prevent the one who wanders over to the next bowl that isn’t his. 
• Meals in the crate have helped to train our Giants to each wait in their crate, sit patiently and wait for the command to eat.

STEP 3: INCREASE CRATE TIME

Now that your puppy has gotten to know the crate a little better and there are no signs of stress, it is time to move on to the next step.
Entice your puppy into the crate with their favorite toy or treat and close the door. Start with 5-minute sets and sit nearby where they can see you. The point here is to get your puppy accustomed to the crate. Your puppy may cry a little and that’s okay. Keep encouraging him by waiting until he is calm before letting him out. Giants are not for the faint at heart and if you let them run over you, they will. Your dog needs you to take the lead and show them the way. 

Chew toys are a good distraction and way to create a positive space for your puppy to enjoy. After 5 minutes try heading into the next room for a few minutes. When you return sit with the crate closed for a few minutes before opening the crate and take them outside for a potty break. -Always praise for good behavior!
Each time you crate, increase the increment of time by a few minutes. Eventually the puppy will be able to stay crated comfortably for longer periods and even sleep there throughout the night.

HOUSE TRAINING

Keep in mind, young puppies have small bladders and holding it for long periods isn’t going to work out if you want them to succeed. An 8-week-old puppy may be able to go 2 or 3 hours while being crated during the day. If he is running around your home, take him outside more often.

The last thing to do at night is take your puppy  out for a last potty break before bed and to start, get up every 2 hours throughout the night (just like babies). If 2 hours is successful you can try 3 hours. If they have eliminated during that time, go back to 2 hours and adjust times accordingly.

Spend as much time with your puppy/dog outside of the crate as possible, but while you work (provided the work day is not too long and your puppy gets adequate exercise and attention before, during and after work), or when you cannot supervise, crating can help prevent your puppy from getting into mischief and harm. It is very important they learn to spend time on their own, in your home. Properly crate trained, there is less chance of issues such as separation anxiety as well as destructive behaviors. The crate is meant to create a safe spot for your dog while you are away, at least until they are trained and can be trusted.- Usually by 9 months I can trust my giants with full reign of the house, but I also spend a lot of time working with them.

DO’S & DON’TS 

√  DO be sure to remove your pets collar before crating for safety reasons.
√  DO make sure bedding and toys are safe and don’t become a choking hazard.
Χ  DON’T leave any dog crated for long periods.
√  DO give reward with  ‘ATTA BOY’S’ or the occasional treat for good behavior.
Χ  DON’T give treats when it’s an unwanted behavior.
√  DO be sure your puppy/dog is given adequate attention, time and love.
Χ  DON’T feed too many carb-filled treats to a large breed puppy. It takes them longer to fully develop than smaller breeds and added weight is harder on their joints to support.