Are you the proud new owner of a Bernedoodle puppy? Congratulations, Bernedoodles are an amazing breed. Before you can enjoy the full benefits of their companionship, however, you will need to take some time to crate train them.
Crate training is one of the most important steps in helping your pup adjust to their new home and become a well-behaved and happy companion. Done properly, it can create a safe and secure environment for your pup while also teaching them the basics of house-training.
In this guide, we will show you how to make crate training your Bernedoodle puppy a breeze. We’ll discuss why crate training is important, what you need to know before you start, and step-by-step instructions for success. We’ll also look at some common mistakes people make when crate training their pup and how to avoid them.
Prepping Your Bernedoodle Puppy’s Crate
Crate training your Bernedoodle puppy should be a positive experience. To help develop a positive association with the crate, it’s important to set up the space correctly.
First, place the crate in an area that’s quiet and comfortable—away from drafts and direct sunlight, but also somewhere your pup won’t feel confined or isolated—such as in the living room or bedroom. Make sure to include soft bedding and a few of their favorite toys to make it feel cozy.
Second, if you have other pets in your household, provide a separate area for each of them. That way, everyone can enjoy their respective “dens,” and create a sense of peace and security for your Bernedoodle pup.
Third, start by feeding your dog in their crate to encourage positive associations between eating and the crate. This will help calm any initial anxiety about the crate.
Finally, use a short cue word like “crate” or “bed” when introducing your Bernedoodle puppy to the crate—similarly to the way you would train any other behavior.
Setting Up a Positive Environment
Crate training is a process of teaching a puppy to feel comfortable in their crate and be happy to spend time in it. The key is to make it a positive experience for your dog. It’s best to begin by placing the crate in its permanent spot. If you’re using a bed or blanket, place it inside the crate and make sure that it can’t be dragged out.
Then, place favorite toys or treats inside the crate so they will want to go in and explore. You can also add other cozy items such as a soft towel or blanket, but remove them when your Bernedoodle is unsupervised so they don’t pull apart the item or get tangled in it.
Once you’ve set up the environment, use positive reinforcement techniques when you teach your Bernedoodle puppy how to go into the crate. Utilize verbal commands such as “go in” and “leave” along with treats and verbal praise when they enter or exit the crate successfully. When you first start out, encourage them with treats and verbal praise when they enter for a few minutes at a time—never force them. Make sure all collars are off before placing them in the crate for safety reasons too.
Transitioning Your Puppy to the Crate
Crate training requires patience and consistency. To get your Bernedoodle puppy used to spending time in their crate, start with a short period of 5-15 minutes, gradually increasing the length of time and/or frequency. Introducing treats at this stage is recommended – it will teach them that the crate is associated with something positive, so they’re more likely to view it in a better light.
How Long Should Puppies Remain Crated?
Generally speaking, puppies should be kept in their crates until at least one year old, but some may be ready to transition out of the crate as early as seven weeks old. Generally, puppies can usually transition out of the crate at 7-8 months of age.
When transitioning a puppy out of their crate during this age range, it’s important to remember that there’s a high risk of separation anxiety and toileting issues if not done correctly – you’ll need to make sure you’ve established regular toileting breaks for your pup before attempting this. Make sure you also take into consideration any new separation anxiety that may arise due to transitioning out of their crate – if this occurs, simply pause the process and start again once they’ve adjusted.
Making Crate Time Fun for Your Puppy
Crate training should be a positive experience for your Bernedoodle puppy, so make sure to include plenty of rewards and games. There are several ‘crate games’ that you can play with your Bernedoodle to help them become comfortable with their crate.
First, try the ‘Find it!’ game by hiding treats in the crate and encouraging them to search for them. This teaches your puppy that the crate is a place where good things happen. You could also turn this into a puzzle game by hiding treats around their bed, toy box or other objects in the room and then hiding one of the treats in their crate.
Another game you can play is the ‘Kibble Bowl’ game, where you place small treats on the surface of their kibble bowl and encourage them to use their nose to fish out each treat before eating it. This can help reinforce positive associations between mealtime and their crate as well as teaching them patience and good manners.
Keeping these training sessions short – no more than 10 minutes – will help prevent boredom from setting in and keep it fun for both you and your puppy. Additionally, always make sure to reward your pup with praise or small treats whenever they spend time in the crate, even if they don’t go inside themselves—this will give them positive reinforcement for spending time near it.
Knowing When to Give Your Puppy Breaks
Giving your pup breaks every 10 minutes is key to successful crate training. This helps them to not become overwhelmed in their crate and keeps them calm, while also preventing any negative associations with being in the crate. When you give your pup breaks, make sure to take him out for a walk – this reinforces positive experiences with being outside of his crate and gives him an opportunity to do his business.
If you feel like your puppy is getting restless before 10 minutes are up, feel free to take him out of the crate – especially younger puppies will require more frequent breaks. Giving him breaks helps avoid unwanted behaviors like barking or whining. Just make sure that your puppy has been rewarded each time he goes back in the crate so that it’s still a positive experience for him.
Establishing Potty Training Protocols
Crate training your Bernedoodle puppy is only the first step. Once your pup is comfortable and secure in their crate, it’s time to start establishing potty training protocols. Here are some of the most effective and widely used protocols:
Intensive Toilet Training Protocol
The Intensive Toilet Training Protocol involves providing positive reinforcement when the child completes urination in the toilet. This could include verbal praise or rewards like stickers or other treats. This protocol can be time consuming and requires patience, but the rewards often pay off in the long run.
Foxx and Azrin’s Potty Training Program
Foxx and Azrin’s Potty Training Program recommends that the child wears regular underpants throughout the day, instead of diapers or pull-ups. This helps them learn to recognize when they need to use the bathroom and gives immediate feedback on their progress.
ABA Potty Training
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Potty Training involves 6 steps: going to the bathroom, closing the door, undressing from the waist down, sitting on the toilet, eliminating, and wiping. ABA is a science-based approach that helps children understand what is expected of them through repetitive practice and positive reinforcement for successful outcomes.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, crate training a Bernedoodle puppy can be an enjoyable experience when done correctly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to having a happy, relaxed, and obedient puppy. Not only is crate training a useful way to keep your puppy safe when you can’t be around, but it also helps them learn healthy habits and routines. Use positive reinforcement and make the training fun and exciting!
