Caring for your Doodle

Sleep and Crate Training

Sleeping

The temptation might be there to let your puppy sleep on your own bed but it is important to realise that this is forming a habit that will last a life time. If you are happy for him to sleep there when they are an adult then this is not a problem but it may be best to consider other options whilst they are still young. These might be sleeping next to your bed, in another room or perhaps even under a sheltered patio as they get older.

Before going shopping for a bed, decide where your puppy will be sleeping. Dog bedding is available with many different features to suit the size, breed and living arrangements of your puppy.

There are very beautiful yet practical beds available that will suit the décor of most homes and provide a comfy place for your puppy to sleep. Those with washable covers are particularly useful and choose one that has plenty of padding to provide good insulation from the floor. Some beds are raised up off the floor which is perfect if puppies sleep on concrete or cold tiles. Always make sure that your puppy has a familiar blanket or one of your old jumpers in their bed and perhaps their favourite toy to cuddle up with.

Crate Training

Crate training your dog can be an effective training tool for puppies and adult dogs. Crate training your dog to accept and enjoy their crate must be done correctly, and takes time and effort; but it comes with many benefits, especially in relation to toilet training, and provides your dog with a safe space. However, crate training is not right for all dogs and should never take the place of appropriate exercise and enrichment. Dogs should not be left alone for prolonged periods (in or out of a crate).

Crate training your dog has many benefits including:

Toilet training – dogs consider their crate as their ‘den’ and will thus tend not to urinate/defecate in their crate. Ensure your dog has multiple opportunities to go to the toilet such as after waking up, after eating, and after playing, especially if they are a puppy as they are unable to control their bladder for long periods of time [1].

Providing a safe space for your dog – if your dog is tired, stressed or fearful (for example, of visitors in your home, children, other pets or loud noises such as thunder or fireworks), the crate provides your dog a safe place he/she can go to in such situations for privacy [1]. Also, whilst you are absent for short periods of time, a crate prevents your dog from accessing potentially dangerous items in the house including electrical cables which they may chew.

Allowing you to safely transport your dog in a space he/she feels comfortable , for example, to the veterinarian.

Allowing you to easily confine your dog when necessary without stressing the dog, such as after surgery or an injury.

Helpful information on Crate Training and a practical guide to first time crate trainers can be obtained from the RSPCA Victoria website.