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Getting the right sized crate for your Yorkie
Getting the right sized crate is important for several reasons. The
crate must be large enough to accommodate the puppy without being too
small or uncomfortable for the Yorkie. However, if the crate is too
large for the puppy he or she may decide to make one area the living
space and one area the bathroom, which is very counterproductive. Since
owners may not want to buy more than one crate, especially for medium or
large sized dogs, consider getting a crate with a sliding inside panel
or divider that can be used to make the crate floor area smaller when
the puppy is small and then can be moved down to the end of the crate as
the puppy grows.
There are several different options for crates including plastic crates
that can double as travel crates for the puppy or the dog or wire crates
that are more open and allow the puppy to see what is going on around
them. For some Yorkie Puppy ( Yorkshire Terrier ) the more enclosed
space is a safe retreat to calm down and relax, whereas other Yorkie
Puppy ( Yorkshire Terrier ) prefer being able to see everything that is
going on around them. Typically the Yorkie will adapt to whatever crate
style you prefer provided it is used in the fashion it is intended, as a
place the Yorkie puppy can feel safe, secure and protected.
Choose a crate that is free from any shape edges or areas that may be
easily chewed or damaged. Plastic shards or splinters can be swallowed
by the puppy leading to serious and even fatal perforations of the
intestines and stomach. Wire crates should be well made and strong with
no wire edges where they may cut, injure or scratch the Yorkshire
Terrier puppy.
What the crate is NOT to be used for
The crate needs to be a den and place of refuge for the puppy. It is a
safe, pleasant place to be, not a punishment area. As soon as the puppy
starts to equate being in the crate with being punished, he or she will
stop wanting to go into the crate and will begin whining, barking and
chewing to get out.
The crate is not the bad Yorkie puppy time out area. It should be
comfortable with soft, washable bedding, some favorite chew toys and
should be located in a quiet but not isolated area of the house. Often a
low traffic area of the room that that the family spends most of the
time in is the best option as the puppy can still see people while in
their own little area.
Getting Started
The first step in crate training is to help your puppy understand the
purpose of the crate. Start by playing with the puppy around the crate
and allowing the puppy to explore the inside without closing the door or
forcing the puppy into the crate. If they don't go on their own try
tossing a small puppy treat just inside, then gradually moving them
further back. Reward the puppy for going in by saying "Good Fido, into
the crate" or whatever command you wish to use. Again, don't force the
puppy or try to close them in, but also don't reward or praise them when
they come out. All the rewards and praise are provided on the action of
entering the crate.
Start keeping a few favorite chew toys in the crate and allowing the
puppy to play with them in the crate. When he or she is calm and willing
to walk in, close the door for a minute and then open it up, allowing
the puppy to say in or come out. Only praise on the going in, ignore on
the exit. Gradually increase the amount of time the door stays closed.
If you overestimate and the puppy starts to whine or bark, ignore the
behavior but don't open the crate door until the puppy is quiet, even if
only for a second. If you open when they are whining or barking, what
they will learn is to whine and bark to get out, just because they want
too.
Once you can leave the Yorkie puppy inside for about 5-10 minutes with
the door closed it is time to start crate training. For most Yorkie
Puppy ( Yorkshire Terrier ) this initial learning about the crate only
takes a few days. To start crate training follow these general
guidelines:
Feed your Yorkshire terrrier on a schedule and record when they normally
make a bowel movement or urinate. For most young Yorkie Puppy (
Yorkshire Terrier ) this is 5-15 minutes after eating, drinking or
playing.
Feed the puppy and then place them in the crate. A few minutes before
you know that the puppy is ready to go to the bathroom, based on your
information, take them to the yard where you want them to go. Put them
on the ground and wait for a few minutes without playing with or talking
to the puppy. If he or she is preparing to toilet, give them a minute
and let them find the right spot. Reward with lots of praise and a
return to the house to run free.
If they do not go to the bathroom, simply pick them up and return them
to the crate with no positive or negative comments or interactions. In
approximately 5 minutes repeat the process and continue to do so until
the puppy uses the right area to go to the bathroom. Be sure to give
lots of praise and a small reward to let them know that they did exactly
the right thing.
If the Yorkshire terrier mistakenly goes to the bathroom in the crate
that was the owners fault, not the puppy's. Clean and wash out the crate
and wash the bedding to eliminate the scent. Never punish the puppy as
this will just make them hate the crate. Start over the next meal,
ensuring you take the puppy out prior to the time you did the last time.
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