One of the first things that a new owner of a puppy must realize when it comes to crate training puppies at night is that it is not an inhumane thing to do, because if that is the case, than none of us would have been in a crib or a playpen.
Steps to crate training puppies at night:
To start off with it is best to introduce your puppy to the crate slowly, prior to crating him for the entire night. You want the crate to be a comfortable and safe haven, placing some of his favorite toys inside and some treats on the outside.
You do not want the puppy to think that the crate is some type of punishment. In fact, at some point the puppy will go inside the crate on his own when he is tired or just wants to be left alone.
When you are purchasing the crate for your new puppy, the basic rule of thumb is that your puppy should have the capability to stand up and turn around. In other words, a standard 24 inch crate for a dog 25 pounds or less is perfect.
What your puppy has to be taught is that the crate is not a play room or bathroom; it is his bed and his sanctuary. When introducing your puppy to the crate, speak softly and lovingly to him until he feels comfortable to go inside on his own, and when this happens make sure you lavish him with praise and even a treat.
This might take a few hours, even a couple of days, but once the initial fear and trepidation have been alleviated, your puppy will be going in the crate anytime he wants to take a nap, time for bed, or even when he knows he did something wrong, because as stated the crate will become a sort of sanctuary for him. A very important point is to never force your puppy into the crate, since this will defeat the purpose of establishing a comfort level.
To give your puppy a greater sense of security when training him to enter the crate, place the crate in an area where the family spends a great deal of time, remember dogs are social animals and always want to be with their families.
How to settle when crate training puppies at night:
When night time does come and after you have taken out your puppy for a walk of at least 15 minutes to relieve himself, using treats or a favorite toy speak gently to your puppy that it is time for bed.
He might fuss at first to sleep with you, do not give in or you will be breaking all of the work you have put into crate training puppies at night.
