Help on crate training a puppy

IAM HAVE PUPPY 10 WEEKS OLD AND WANTING TO CRATE TRAIN HIM. IT;S HIS 2ND DAY WITH ME AND SEEMS TO HAS TAKEN TO THE CRATE, BUT IAM NEED TO KNOW HOW LONG HE SO BE IN AND OUT OF THE CRATE. JUST ANY TIPS ADVISE ETC WOULD BE GREAT!!!! :-)

THANKS

[Jaybay]

"Crate training" means the process of getting your pup to see the crate as the place from where all blessings flow.  :-)

The point is not to just lock him up in there all the time until he shuts up - like a "time out" for a child.  Dogs are natural den animals, which is why many of them will hide under a bed or other piece of furniture when they get scared.

To begin, put a piece of clothing you've just worn (like a sweatshirt) into the crate.  The crate should be just big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and stretch out, but no more.   Keeping a worn article of your clothing in there helps to establish your scent as part of the pack and a good thing.

Feed your puppy in the crate.  Some people close the door for this, but I never have.  As long as the food is in there, they aren't going to leave.  LOL!

A 10-week-old puppy will still need to be let out every 4 to 6 hours - including night trips - to eliminate.  You can help yourself and your pup by scheduling feeding and watering about 90 minutes before he goes into the crate for any lenth of time.  If he's had an energy burst play session right before crating, it will be natural for him to just lay down and take a nap.

If possible, keep the crate in a room he would normally occupy during the day.  Keep the door open so he can come and go as he pleases.  If you have one of the open-wire type crates, try putting a lightweight cloth over the top and sides to make it more like a den.  The crate should be a place to relax and unwind, so if you have children around, make sure there is no teasing or poking at him while he's crated.

Don't get all excited and talk a lot of baby talk when he goes in and comes out.  If you stay calm and act like it's not a big deal; he'll stay calm and also realize it's not a big deal.

General rule of thumb: if your dog is crated at night; don't crate during the day.  How many hours are you looking at initially?