Crate training

[stacer126]

How long do you crate train your puppy? She sleeps most of the night and she tells us when she has to go. She stays in a crate for just the morning.

When is it o.k. to let her sleep in the bed with us at night?

[Carolk9s]

[quote name='stacer126']How long do you crate train your puppy? She sleeps most of the night and she tells us when she has to go. She stays in a crate for just the morning.

When is it o.k. to let her sleep in the bed with us at night?[/quote]

When you are ready to ALWAYS let her sleep on the bed! :D
Once they get a feel for that comfy bed with their humans, they EXPECT to sleep in the bed!
Seriously, it depends on your pup. If she has an emerging dominant temperament, you might want to just hold off on allowing her on the bed. Elevating her to that status might reinforce to her that SHE is top dog whereas for now hers should be the lowest status of all in the human/dog pack. Take your time and have her earn this special treat . I would also consider her jumping OFF the bed at her age, not a great idea, let her mature some.
If she accepts her crate quietly and calmly, I'd stick with that. A dog that settles nicely in a crate is a wonderful thing. You can progress to leaving the crate door open or even removing it if that is possible. If there is ever an emergency and she MUST be confined to her crate, it will not be as stressful to her as her crate is a familiar safe place.

[Mary's Mama]

I think you really need to judge that for yourself. All my dogs have slept in my bed since day 1 and always will. Even the tiny puppies. I just make sure to wake up and take them out so they dont have an accident in the bed.

Crate training is a great thing but I dont think it has to be a life sentence for every dog. You need to decide what works best for you and your dog.

[stacer126]

She looks so sad in the crate even though she likes to sleep in there. Breaks my heart I just want to cuddle her all day long.

[Angelboddy]

[quote=Mary's Mama] All my dogs have slept in my bed since day 1 and always will. Even the tiny puppies. I just make sure to wake up and take them out so they dont have an accident in the bed.[/quote]

I also let my black lab sleep on my bed since day one. That way when she got restless I knew to take her out side. Ofcourse I had to lift her on and off the bed, but that was no problem.
But when my husband moved back in with me, he does not allow her on the bed. Nostalgia and i go to bed a little early so she can sleep on the bed with me for alittle while. As soon as my husband comes marching down the hall, she jumps off and slides under the bed. Like she was never up there. She is such a clever dog.

But it all depends on how you feel, and if you think your dog is ready for the bed. If she has been in the crate now for some time, she might be use to it and want to stay in the crate. Good luck, and please let us know how things go. :D

[meehs]

Crate training is absolutely without question the best way to house train your dog! In my humble opinion...

Once you think your pup is pretty used to the routine. Give him more free time outside of the crate. If he has an accident, go back to the crate a little longer. It doesn't take long for them to grasp the concept.

Carol is 100% correct about letting your dog sleep in your bed. Once you do it, your dog will ALWAYS expect to sleep in bed with you!

[stacer126]

SHe has already taken over our love seat. She takes this flying leap and she's too short right now and completely misses it.
Its funny to watch. I just want her to be with me when i'm home from work and at night. Much better then my boyfriend - no fighting for covers!