Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Dr. Julie
It can be difficult to get your puppy to accept their crate, which is why crate training a Rottweiler puppy is one of the first steps you’ll have to make when it comes to training your new dog! Teaching your new pup to behave can be a difficult job, and in today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at crate training, how it’s done and how early should you start!
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Crate Training Is More Than It Seems
Some inexperienced owners think that the only important thing about crate training is to teach your dog to accept the crate as their home. There is, however, a deeper philosophy ingrained in crate training.
You’re teaching your dog to not only accept the crate but also to listen to you. Crate training is likely going to be one of the first lessons you’ll teach your dog, and you’re setting a precedent for all the lessons to come. Your dog needs to adjust to the crate not just because it will make their life easier, but also because they need to understand that they have to listen to their owner.
Crates are actually natural shelters for dogs, and they’ll want to spend time in them when they’re looking to relax or to sleep. However, a crate should never be a method of punishment, not to mention that you shouldn’t keep the dog in the crate indefinitely.
Young dogs can’t hold their bladder, so keeping them in a crate is most likely going to end up messy and they won’t be the ones cleaning that up. A simple rule to follow would be to close your dog in the crate only when you can’t have them running around; you’re cleaning up, you have guests arriving, etc.
It would also be prudent to think about keeping your dog outside, especially since we’re talking about Rottweilers. These dogs are very hardened and they don’t mind cold weather – if you build a large cage with a doggie house in the back yard, they’ll treat it the same way an indoor dog would treat a crate.
Learn more about: How to Potty Train a Rottweiler Puppy?
Crate training applies to an outdoor doggie house just as much as it applies to an indoor doggie house. It’s also important to teach your dog to enter a crate for all those trips to the vet – getting your dog in the car and in a travel crate will be much easier.
Teaching Your Pup To Stay In The Crate
Younger dogs are naturally inquisitive, and as soon as they realize that the crate closes from the outside and that it essentially stops them from exploration – they’re going to start disliking it. However, it’s important to stay persistent and continue with the lessons.
Firstly, start by making an appealing crate – it should be properly sized, it should have a bed and two bowls – one for water, the other one for food. Don’t force anything upon your dog in the beginning – let them explore the crate on its own. Then, place the crate somewhere you’ll spend a lot of time, as your dog will become more relaxed when you’re around.
After they’ve become acquainted with the crate, feel free to feed them in the crate every single time, and after a few days – close them inside when they come to feed. Don’t keep them inside for too long, but just enough for them to realize that the crate closes.
Every time they go in the crate, close them inside for a little bit, and make sure not to leave their side. Do this until they can spend half an hour or even more in the crate, without causing trouble. At that point, you can try to leave the room when they’re in the crate. This will likely cause some anxiety, but it’s normal that your dog doesn’t want to be left behind.
The final step is leaving your dog in the crate overnight. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t do this with dogs that are younger than 6 months. As we already explained – they can’t control their bladder and they will likely urinate during the night. Additionally, if you’re not afraid of your dog ruining your furniture overnight, then there’s no need to put them in a crate.
Finally, an important tip – you shouldn’t close your dog in the crate for no good reason. During training – that’s fine, but once your dog is well-trained and they don’t have a problem going in the crate, don’t keep them in there just because it’s more convenient for you. That will undoubtedly drive your dog crazy.
FAQ
Do Rottweilers do well in crates?
Rottweilers are extremely well-disciplined dogs and they'll do well with any form of training. If you train your Rottweiler properly, they'll definitely adapt to the crate and won't have a problem staying in one.
How long can a Rottweiler stay in a crate?
A Rottweiler can spend hours in a crate - this often happens during trips. However, you really shouldn't close your dog in a crate for a long time without good reason - they'll feel anxious, claustrophobic and they'll start acting out because they're frustrated!
At what age should you start training your Rottweiler puppy?
You can start training your puppy after a month of age - even though they're still young, they're already very disciplined. When you're crate training a young dog, make sure to take it slowly as they don't like being locked up!
To Finish
Crate training is important, as you’re definitely going to need to drive your dog around or just close them in a crate when you’re cleaning up every now and then. However, consider keeping your dog outside with a larger cage, that way – they won’t get in your way as much and you won’t need to be locking them up so often (which is in both your and the dog’s interest).
When you’re training a young dog, remember that they’re impatient and full of energy, so make sure that you’re the patient one and that you don’t take it too far with the lessons.
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