Training a Puppy/dog ....

[DNoonan]

crate training gives them a secure/safe place to be and makes it a lot easier to manage a dog over the long run....also stops them from destroying the house while you are gone when they are young...

my advice is to be very consistent....our dogs are used to certain commands and every one has to end with them complying and a "good boy"

basically a simple tree:

command
if followed..."good boy"
if not...."no...correction"...repeat command
if followed..."good boy"
if not...."no...correction"...repeat command
if followed..."good boy"
if not...."no...correction"...repeat command...on and on

they have to know that they must follow instructions every time they are given or they will be corrected

one of my rescues is a problem beast, so can't give him any margin for error

also would socialize early and give them plenty of exercise (but no long walks when a pup)

 

[MattyMatt]

What is the point of crate training?

The main reason I recommended it in Defying's case is that...

1) He seems to travel for his wife's nursing job a lot, so it will make it easier for car transport.
2) Living in an apartment during that time frame is ideal for a crate
3) He has a puppy and it is way easier to potty train them when using a crate
4) Being a boxer breed, they can be a little on the wilder side, and having him crate trained is great for when people come over that may not feel comfy with the dog all over them or just out in general.
5) Dnoonan nailed it with the safe/secure part.

keep in mind that I am an advocate for crate training, but not for crating a dog in general, meaning leaving him there as much as possible or for long periods of time.