Crate training is an essential part of raising a happy and well-behaved Bernedoodle puppy. Not only does it help with house training and prevent destructive behavior, but it also provides a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to call their own.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to crate train your Bernedoodle puppy, so you can both enjoy the benefits of a well-trained and contented dog.
Why Is Crate Training Good For Bernedoodles?
There are so many reasons you should consider crate training your bernedoodles! Those reasons include:
Provides a Safe and Secure Space for Your Puppy
Crate training gives your Bernedoodle puppy a place of their own where they can feel secure and comfortable. A crate provides a cozy, enclosed space that can help calm your puppy during stressful situations such as thunderstorms or fireworks.
Helps with House Training and Reduces Accidents
By using a crate, you can limit your puppy’s access to the rest of the house, making it easier to supervise them and reduce the risk of accidents. Puppies naturally try to avoid soiling their sleeping area, so they will learn to hold their bladder and bowels until you take them outside.
Prevents Destructive Behavior When You’re Not Around
Puppies love to chew, and they often turn to furniture, shoes, and other household items when they’re bored or anxious. By confining your puppy to a crate when you’re not around, you can prevent them from causing damage and keep them safe.
Helps Your Puppy Feel Secure and Comfortable
Crate training can help your puppy feel more secure and comfortable in new environments. By providing a familiar space that smells like home, your puppy will feel less stressed and anxious when traveling or visiting new places.
Facilitates Traveling with Your Puppy
If you plan on traveling with your Bernedoodle, crate training is a must. Many airlines and hotels require pets to be crated during transport and in hotel rooms. By crate training your puppy, you can ensure they are comfortable and safe during travel.
Promotes Positive Association with Crate
Crate training can help your puppy develop a positive association with their crate. By using positive reinforcement techniques and making the crate a comfortable and inviting space, your puppy will learn to view their crate as a safe and secure den, rather than a punishment. This can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with crate training and make it a more enjoyable experience for both you and your puppy.
How To Choose The Right Size Crate For Your Bernedoodle
Once you’ve decided to crate train your Bernedoodle, it’s important to choose the right size crate for their needs. A crate that is too small can be uncomfortable for your puppy, while a crate that is too big can lead to accidents and discourage proper house training. Here’s how to choose the right size crate for your Bernedoodle:
Step 1: Measure your puppy
Before you start shopping for a crate, you’ll need to measure your Bernedoodle. Measure your puppy from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, and add a few inches to determine the minimum length of the crate. You should also measure your puppy’s height from the floor to the top of their head, and add a few inches to determine the minimum height of the crate.
Step 2: Consider your puppy’s adult size
Bernedoodles can vary in size depending on their lineage, but most will grow to be between 70 and 90 pounds. If you’re buying a crate for a puppy, you’ll need to estimate their adult size to ensure you choose a crate that will be big enough for them when they’re fully grown.
Step 3: Choose a crate with a divider
If you’re crate training a puppy, consider purchasing a crate with a divider. A divider can be adjusted as your puppy grows, allowing you to increase the size of the crate as needed without buying a new one.
Step 4: Opt for a larger crate if in doubt
If you’re unsure which size crate to choose, it’s better to err on the side of caution and choose a larger crate. You can always use a divider to make the crate smaller for a puppy, and your adult Bernedoodle will appreciate the extra space.
For most Bernedoodles, a crate that is at least 36 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 27 inches tall should be sufficient. However, it’s always best to measure your puppy and consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
How To Crate Train Your Bernedoodle
Now you know why crates training is so good, and what you should look for in a crate. The next step is beginning the crate training! Here is the step by step guide you should follow to crate train your bernedoodle successfully.
Step 1: Introduce the Crate
Introduce your Bernedoodle to their crate by placing it in a common area of your home with the door open. Allow your puppy to explore the crate on their own terms, and praise them for any positive interactions with the crate.
Step 2: Encourage Your Bernedoodle to Enter the Crate
Once your puppy is comfortable with the crate, begin encouraging them to enter the crate by placing treats or toys inside. Gradually move the treats further back into the crate until your puppy is fully inside the crate.
Step 3: Close the Door for Short Periods
Once your puppy is comfortable entering the crate, begin closing the door for short periods of time while you are nearby. Gradually increase the length of time the door is closed, always making sure your puppy is comfortable and not showing signs of anxiety.
Step 4: Use a Command
When your puppy is comfortable with the crate and able to stay inside for longer periods of time, begin using a command such as “crate” or “kennel” to signal it’s time to go in the crate. Always reward your puppy for going into the crate on command.
Step 5: Use the Crate for Short Absences
Start using the crate for short absences, such as running errands or taking a shower. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate, always monitoring their behavior and comfort level.
Positive Reinforcement Techniques You Should Incorporate
Now that you know the steps you should take, here are some positive reinforcement techniques you can try when crate training your Bernedoodle:
Using Treats:
Offering treats to your puppy can be a great way to positively reinforce good behavior. When your puppy enters their crate on their own or follows a command to go into their crate, reward them with a treat. Gradually reduce the frequency of treats as your puppy becomes more comfortable and consistent with their behavior.
Using Toys:
Providing your puppy with a favorite toy inside their crate can help them associate the crate with positive experiences. When your puppy goes into their crate, offer them a toy to play with while inside. This can help keep them entertained and less anxious while in the crate.
Using Verbal Praise:
Providing verbal praise to your puppy when they exhibit good behavior can be a powerful positive reinforcement tool. When your puppy enters their crate or follows a command to go into their crate, offer verbal praise such as “good job!” or “good boy/girl!”. This can help them associate the crate with positive experiences and make crate training a more enjoyable process.
Why You Should Try Brain Training For Dogs
If you’re crate training your Bernedoodle, I wanted to share a resource with you that I think could be really helpful. It’s called Brain Training for Dogs, and it’s a course that’s designed to help you build a stronger bond with your furry friend while also improving their behavior and overall well-being.
One of the great things about this course is that it includes a variety of brain training games and exercises that you can use to help your Bernedoodle stay mentally stimulated and engaged, even when they’re spending time in their crate. These games can help reduce anxiety and boredom, which can in turn make crate training easier and more effective.
Brain Training for Dogs also includes a number of other helpful resources, including tips and tricks for solving common behavior problems like barking, chewing, and jumping. And the course is designed to be accessible and easy to follow, so even if you’re new to dog training, you should be able to pick up the techniques and strategies quickly.
If you’re interested in learning more about Brain Training for Dogs and how it can benefit you and your Bernedoodle, I encourage you to check out their website.
And as an affiliate, I also wanted to let you know that if you decide to sign up for the course using the link on my website, I’ll receive a small commission. But regardless of whether or not you choose to purchase the course, I truly believe that it could be a valuable resource for anyone who is crate training their Bernedoodle.
Problems You May Experience When Crate Training A Bernedoodle
As much as you’d like your crate training to go smoothly there are often issues that can arise. So here are some common issues that you may encounter when crate training your Bernedoodle, along with some troubleshooting tips:
Issue: Whining or Barking
Your puppy may whine or bark when first introduced to the crate or when left alone in the crate. This can be a sign of anxiety or discomfort.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Make sure your puppy is comfortable in the crate with bedding and toys.
- Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage your puppy to go into the crate on their own.
- Provide plenty of exercise and playtime outside of the crate to help your puppy burn off excess energy.
- Avoid using the crate as punishment, and instead, use it as a safe and comfortable space for your puppy.
Issue: Refusal to Enter the Crate
Your puppy may refuse to enter the crate, even with the use of positive reinforcement techniques.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Try placing treats or toys inside the crate to encourage your puppy to enter.
- Gradually move the treats further back into the crate until your puppy is fully inside.
- Use a command such as “crate” or “kennel” to signal it’s time to go in the crate.
- Consider placing the crate in a different location if your puppy seems uncomfortable in its current spot.
Issue: Accidents in the Crate
Your puppy may have accidents in the crate, which can be a sign that they need to go outside to use the bathroom.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Make sure your puppy is taken outside frequently to use the bathroom.
- Use a smaller crate or partition off a section of the crate to reduce the amount of space your puppy has to move around.
- Clean the crate thoroughly after any accidents to prevent lingering smells that may encourage your puppy to go in the crate.
- Avoid leaving your puppy in the crate for extended periods of time.
Issue: Escaping the Crate
Your puppy may try to escape the crate by digging, chewing, or scratching at the door.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Make sure the crate is the appropriate size for your puppy and that the door is securely latched.
- Try placing a blanket or towel over the crate to make it feel more enclosed and secure.
- Again, make sure your bernedoodle is getting lots of exercise before they enter the crate to decrease their energy,
- Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage your puppy to stay in the crate, such as giving treats or toys when they are calm and relaxed inside.
Issue: Destructive Behavior
Your puppy may exhibit destructive behavior, such as chewing on bedding or toys, while in the crate.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Make sure the crate is the appropriate size for your puppy and that it contains safe and durable toys.
- Provide plenty of exercise and playtime outside of the crate to help your puppy burn off excess energy.
- Consider crate training your puppy in shorter intervals throughout the day to prevent boredom and restlessness.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior and discourage destructive behavior.
Issue: Separation Anxiety
Your puppy may exhibit signs of separation anxiety, such as excessive barking, destructive behavior, or attempting to escape the crate.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Gradually introduce your puppy to the crate, starting with short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration.
- Provide plenty of exercise and playtime outside of the crate to help your puppy burn off excess energy.
- Try leaving the room for short periods of time while your puppy is in the crate to help them get used to being alone.
- Consider using calming supplements or seeking the advice of a professional trainer or veterinarian.
General Tips For Crate Training Your Bernedoodle
Now that you know everything there is to know about crate training your bernedoodle, here are a few helpful tips you can keep in mind as you begin!
- Be patient and consistent with your training. Crate training can take time and effort, but it is important to stick with it to help your puppy feel safe and secure in their crate.
- Make sure that the crate is always a positive and comfortable environment for your puppy. This means providing them with soft bedding, safe and durable toys, and plenty of fresh water.
- Avoid using the crate as a form of punishment. Your puppy should never associate their crate with negative experiences, such as being scolded or reprimanded.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques, like giving treats or praise when your puppy exhibits good behavior, to encourage them to enjoy spending time in the crate.
- Gradually increase the amount of time that your puppy spends in the crate, starting with short intervals and gradually working up to longer periods of time. This will help your puppy feel more comfortable and less anxious while in the crate.
- If you are struggling with crate training or experiencing issues that you can’t seem to resolve, consider seeking advice from a professional trainer or veterinarian. They can provide you with personalized advice and support to help you and your puppy succeed.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about crate training their bernedoodles
How long does it take to crate train a Bernedoodle?
Crate training a Bernedoodle takes a few weeks to several months, depending on the dog’s age, personality, and prior experiences.
Do Bernedoodles need to be crate trained?
Crate training isn’t strictly necessary for Bernedoodles, but it can be helpful for house training and preventing destructive behavior.
Are Bernedoodles hard to house train?
Bernedoodles can present challenges when house training, but with patience and positive reinforcement, most can be successfully trained.
Recap
Crate training is important for Bernedoodles, using positive reinforcement techniques can help, and common issues can be addressed with appropriate training and patience. Additional tips include establishing a routine and making the crate comfortable. The Brain Training for Dogs course is a recommended resource.
