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I need clarification on the crate training theory. I have not been locking her in her crate. Gretal is gated off in a laundry room with the crate in the room. She goes in to her crate to sleep, on her own. I do have papers near the back door and she is good about doing her business every time we go out. I reward her each time and she does use the papers occassionally. Should I be locking her in during the sleeping hours? I have been getting up around two o'clock a.m. to take her out and we get her out again around 5:45 a.m. Every time I come down to take her out, she is in her crate with the door open? Does she have to be locked in to get the message?

Kathy

>>I need clarification on the crate training theory. I have not been locking her in her crate. Gretal is gated off in a laundry room with the crate in the room. She goes in to her crate to sleep, on her own. I do have papers near the back door and she is good about doing her business every time we go out. I reward her each time and she does use the papers occassionally. Should I be locking her in during the sleeping hours? I have been getting up around two o'clock a.m. to take her out and we get her out again around 5:45 a.m. Every time I come down to take her out, she is in her crate with the door open? Does she have to be locked in to get the message?
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>>Kathy

Sounds like things are going well. What message are you trying to convey? She is still very young and does need to potty more than an adult dog. If you lock her in her crate, she may potty in there and that is not good Keep up the good traing!
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Charlene

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Adopt the pace of Nature
Her secret is patience

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

I have read that if she does not go while outside, she needs to be put back into her crate. While this has been rare (not going while outside), would I be sending a mixed message by crating her if she doesn't? She loves that crate becuase she sleeps in it not because it is house training her.

Kathy