Words of Wisdom from Nytestok
There are lots of great reasons to crate train a puppy and this is a great website to start anyone off on the right foot:
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101
I wanted to add a few tidbits of information as well:
*ALWAYS take any harness or collar OFF your puppy or dog prior to leaving it in the crate for extended periods of time when you aren’t home.
Some crates can be purchased that allow the crate to grow as your pet grows. They come with a divider which allows you to section off a smaller area as the puppy is small and the divider can be taken out when your dog is full grown (for Boston’s they can be anywhere from 15-25, even 30 lbs; French Bulldogs can be similar size with much bigger bone, and should weigh between 20-30 lbs).
I find having ONE super-special toy, like a bully stick, a Kong with peanut butter, or a fresh beef marrow bone, that you ONLY give the dog when they are in their kennel will also help intise them to go in and stay in their kennel if you have to leave for longer periods. If the dog is busy licking and chewing their FAVORITE yummy toy, then they don’t notice the time ticking by until you arrive back home.
NEVER MAKE A BIG DEAL OVER LEAVING OR COMING HOME TO YOU DOG! My command for them to enter their kennel is “Bed”, I’ll say the command, point to the crate and throw their toy to the back of the crate so they have to enter all the way to get their toy. Say nothing else. I like to leave the TV on or music on for the dogs so they aren’t sensitive to everything that might be going on inside or outside of the home while they are crated. The same when you return from being gone for a few hours, make no big fuss over the dog and you may need to come in, drop your things, bring in groceries, etc. I think it’s important to get yourself settled first prior to removing the dog from the crate.
ALWAYS make sure the dog is sitting quietly prior opening the crate door and give attention in a CALM voice. Never praise a dog and give them attention when they are jumping all over you. Yes, they have missed you and you probably missed them too, but you need to train your pet to be courteous which means they should sit quietly for some loving. I place both of my hands on both sides of the dog where the shoulder joint meets with the chest, in a calming voice I “sshhh” or say “quiet” or “Calm” (you can choose your directive word) and by holding my hands on the dog at the shoulder joint, they are not able to jump on me at all. Once they are calm, I can move my hands down their back to pet them, but I can also easily bring my hands back to prevent a jump if needed.
Please REMEMBER — I am ALWAYS HERE TO HELP answer questions or concerns about my puppies and dogs no matter how old they get. This is my LIFETIME BREEDER SUPPORT TO YOU! I want you to have a well-mannered Boston or French Bulldog that will bring you years of enjoyment and love to your home. I am available for consultations with behaviour or training issues that are troubling you. I offer a “Nanny Bootcamp” to all of my puppies and their families that may be struggling with training issues so you can relax and de-stress, re-set boundaries and form clear rules for everyone so the puppy or dog can reintegrate to the family as a better version of themselves. This will make living with your dog more enjoyable and less stressful. ❤
Nytestok 