nosmo@pyuxqq.UUCP (P Valdata) (12/19/85)
I was skeptical about crate training when we got our standard poodle puppy five months ago, but wanted to let prospective dog owners know that I am 100% sold on the idea now. I'm sure using a crate contributed to an easy and quick housebreaking. It has also made car travel easy, given us a place to put the puppy when company comes, and when her energy level is way beyond ours, instead of getting impatient and irritated we put her in the crate for a while so we can relax in peace! She doesn't mind at all; she just goes to sleep. We bought a crate that folds up, one that is big enough for an adult poodle to just lie down, stand, or turn around without extra room. Since the second day we had the pupppy, we used a treat to get her in each night, locked the door, and we all slept very well. First thing in the morning we'd run outside with her. No puddles in the crate! We stopped giving treats after a few weeks. Being in the crate has always been a positive experience. We NEVER use it as a punishment. It's her sleeping place (we leave the door open now but she spends most of the night in it--her choice), her security place, and her quiet place. No one is allowed to play with her or disturb her when she's in there. When she gets yelled at, she runs into the crate! It's obviously a very good place, from her point of view, and from ours it's terrific. Note that we do not leave her in the crate when we are at work--that would be nearly 10 hours, which is too much. Instead, she's restricted to 2 puppy-proofed rooms, but we make sure we play with her before work and when we come home. I wholeheartedly recommend crate training! -- Pat Valdata pyuxh!nosmo