Pet grooming guide

It’s an indoor dog house. It’s a safe place. It’s where your puppy should be when you can’t watch him. Remember that it’s NOT mean to leave your puppy in his/her crate. It will better for your relationship and overall experience. This is the same principle as putting a baby into a crib or a playpen. It is important to crate-train your Labrador puppy so that he will be used to it when it is necessary such as for trips to the vet or travelling. Make certain there is something soft to sleep on and that they have enough room to stand and turn in a circle. Be careful not to get a crate that is too big otherwise, he will be tempted to potty there.

All of our trained Labrador Puppies begin their training in a crate. We take them out to potty every hour. However, the key to professionally trained Labradors is discipline and, in my opinion, there’s only one big dog. Think of sitting at your computer and the mouse or keyboard doesn’t work. Think of getting dressed…you’re in a hurry, you sit on the corner of your bed, and now you’re coated with dog hair. Think of grabbing boots with no laces or one heel shorter than the other. Remember, whining and crying or barking is the pipeline for communication. It means he is hungry or thirsty or bored or that he needs to go to the bathroom. It will be your job to exhaust all channels before putting him inside the crate. Do not let him cry inside the crate for no apparent reason. Sometimes a “SHHHH” or a “Quiet” in a firm tone of voice is the only answer for a stubborn puppy.  You can also try turning your back and walking away.

The crate is not a prison and should never be a place of punishment. It is his den, his quarters. You can buy one crate, and move it from room to room. You could also buy several crates – one for each room. Please do not put the puppy in the garage or any other cold dark place. If he has toys in his crate, he will want to go in there and stay quietly.

This article brought to you by Susana Labradors, a California Labrador Breeder.