We’ve left an open crate in the puppies play enclosure so that they can become accustomed to napping there. As you can see, it has become a popular hangout. It is also a reminder that these pups have NEVER slept alone in a crate by themselves, having 6 brothers and sisters around to keep them company since birth. When they go home with you, sleeping alone and crate training will be a new and somewhat scary experience. For the least amount of stress and crying, we recommend that you crate the puppy in your room at night until s/he becomes accustomed to new surroundings. If you are away during the day, enclose the pup in an area where s/he has enough access to water and room to walk and jump around for play. Our favorite location for a new puppy is enclosed in an X-pen in the kitchen with water, a safe bed and safe toys. Your young friend will be lonely at first, so here are some things to consider:
(1) Who’s home to let the puppy out during the day and interact with him or her? If you aren’t, have you lined up a weekday dog walker? Depending upon how long you are gone, you may need to arrange two visits per day.
(2) Is the pup’s new place inviting with a comfy, chew-safe bed, some toys and water?
(3) Do you have treats at hand to reward the pup every time s/he goes into the crate? Looking forward to a treat makes the crate a happy experience! In our house we use the words, “Get in your box!”
(4) Where will you put the wood shavings for the puppy to toilet if you are away for an hour or two? Our pups have a solid foundation for house training and are accustomed to walking far from their sleeping area to soil in wood shavings near the door of the house. We recommend a similar set up for you. For new pups at our house, we purchase an extra crate pan at Petsmart, place it near the door and put shavings in it. When we are away, this cuts down on messes to clean up. When we are home, we watch the pup and encourage him or her to go outside when we see that s/he is walking to the wood chips. There will be some mistakes. Clean them up as soon as possible and ignore them. Mistakes are normal, but Ridgebacks like to be clean. Be sure to heap on the praise when your pup gets it right!