Crate Training Your Frenchie Pup
The reason crating puppies is such a beneficial and commonly used practice is simply because it makes your puppy feel safe. When your Frenchie is in his crate, they feel comforted because it is a small and private enclosed space. So long as the crate is never used to administer punishment to your pup, they will take to it almost instantly and love being in it.
If you plan to crate your puppy, you must make sure you are using the right size crate. A crate that is too large for your dog is just as bad as a crate that is too small. The crate you get should be large enough for your pup to stand up, lie down and turn around comfortably. It is okay to have a larger crate if your puppy will grow into it. Until they are fully grown and fit the whole crate, use a partition board to make the crate smaller until they grow into it.
You must introduce your new Frenchie to the crate in a positive way. Let them explore it and sniff around it at first. After a little while, they will become at ease with the presence of the crate. Until they have had the opportunity to sniff and explore the crate on their own free will, DO NOT place them in it and lock the door.
After they have had a chance to check it out and appear to feel comfortable with the crate being near them, begin by placing the pup in the crate with some treats and a toy/blanket for 20 minute increments. If they start to whine or bark ignore it until the full 20 minutes is up. After 20 minutes take your pup out of the crate and immediately outside to potty. Praise them if they use the bathroom.
Take the pup back inside and play with them for about 30 minutes and then repeat the process above. If they don’t want to go back in the crate, throw their favorite treat in and they should go after it. Praise them when they enter the crate and close the door. Leave them for another 20 minutes and then take them right back outside to potty.
The general rule of thumb for the length of time a dog can be crated is ONE HOUR for each month old they are PLUS ONE HOUR. For example, if your puppy is 3 months old, the maximum amount of time they can be in a crate is FOUR hours.
You should never leave a puppy in a crate for longer than 8 hours, regardless of how many months old they are. They can only hold their bladders for so long. Puppies need to be let outside at regular intervals to potty and for exercise. Following a schedule for potty, play and confinement is the best way for a new puppy to acclimate to life as a domesticated pet. An exhausted puppy is a HAPPY puppy!
