Nike.

Petey is now 6 months old, so we are still not 100% *** Edit 6/19/07....he became 100% the past 6 weeks. Loving it!! We also haven't used the crate at all for a couple of weeks, Summer vacation and the boys are in and out all day.

Topic – Crate Training & Housebreaking

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on. Large Vari...not big enough if he continues to grow so fast!
• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take? We started leaving him for short periods, and he got used to it.
• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc) We use it only when we go to work, for me 2 days a week.
• When did you stop using the crate? I'm thinking by a year, I already started leaving him gated in the kitchen while going out on short trips

• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc) Outside every time, and it was Winter, which helped! Being so cold out make him go quicker!
• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes. He can go weeks without any mistakes since he was 12 weeks old, but I have 5 dumb men in the house....who can't see that he has to go!
• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out. He goes to the door.
• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)[/QUOTE] Yes! He will even go in a parking lot! When Petey has to go....he goes!

Carol

•What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.
I use a regular wire cage. I keep blankets and towels in it. I have a pet bed in the corner of the kitchen and in the family room.

•How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?
a couple of days is all...I have Sabot in the laundry room and Paris in my room. I would love to have Sabot in my room too...but about every 3 or 4 months he seems to ge diahreah and he projectile shoots it out of the cage..if it weren't for this he would be in my room...Now for about 3 months he was left out and was sleeping with me but then he started getting up and peeing in the kitchen....so back in the crate he goes for a while.

•What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)
Sabot LOVES his crate...he goes in there with no problem at all...now Paris, I still have to make her go in at times, but once she is in she doesn't complain.

•When did you stop using the crate?
still using it.

•What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc)
just praise

•How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.
as you can tell, still not reliable...but getting better.

•How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.
Paris doesn't do anything, but Sabot whines.

•Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)
nopel....that has been an issue and because i have a fenced back yard, they have issues with going on lead....I am currently working on that.

Topic – Crate Training & Housebreaking

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on. Wire crate
• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take? We started leaving her for short periods, and she got used to it, but never loved it.
• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc) We use it only when we go to work & at night.
• When did you stop using the crate? About year for night time and shortly after that during the day (if I remember right )
• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc) praise & a treat om occasion
• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes. No long - she has had maybe 3 accidents in the house since she was trained. She was pretty easy.
• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out. She goes to the sliding glass door and paws at it. If we are not paying attention she come over by you and whines & if that doesn't work she barks/whines and then runs to the door.
• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)[/quote] Yes - we have grass and gravel in the back yard. She dosen't like to go on a leash though.

Since I show them they start going to shows or trials pretty early in life and learn both how to go on leash, on flexi's, in ex-pens and on whatever surface is available. Some will go on command--I have males and they are easy about peeing--find a spot where some other dog has been and they'll pee there. Handlers hate it when they take dogs who have never pooped or peed away from home or on leash and have to teach them that it's OK. Because of that I start teaching the rudiments of elimination on leash and in odd places very early--when they are young they are poop and pee machines and don't care much where they go.

Topic – Crate Training & Housebreaking

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.

42" metal wire crate with a blanket.


• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?

We just set it up, put some of his toys in it, and he wanted to be in there.



• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)

When I am away at work or errands.............that is the only time.


• When did you stop using the crate?

Still in use.



• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc)

Kept him in our sight, watched for "the signs" then rushed outside........lots of praise & a treat. He sleeps with us and has never needed to go out at night...........thank goodness.

• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.

We got him at 12 weeks, and I'd say within a month (4 months) he understood, and did his thing outside.


• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.

High pitch bark followed by wiggle butt bow at the moment...........he changes the attention signal ever so often with age, LOL


• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)

Orson was trained to use the outdoor kennel as his potty area.......it has a concrete floor. So he will pretty much go on any surface, and he goes when he is asked to go (if he needs to)

Kratty, thank you SO MUCH for making this thread!! We just got our puppy yesterday, I have a week off work, and I'm been really concentrating on crate training since he will need to be in it while no one's home and during the night because we have 2 cats that are not thrilled about his arrival (but that is for another thread, lol).

I've really enjoyed reading this thread so far - and I'd be thrilled if you experienced Dobe owners would give my post a read and give me any other advice you can think of (please!!).

We have an XL Vari-Kennel and mainly keep it in the living room where we spend most of our time. At night, we move it into the bedroom with us so he can see us - at least for now - we're hoping we can eventually have him sleep in it in another room...

I've been feeding him his meals in it - sometimes with the door open, and sometimes with it closed. I try to open the door back up before he starts whining to get out, so he doesn't think whining=getting let out.

We had him in his crate last night for his very first night away from his mom and siblings, and he cried for about 30 mins, but then settled down and slept for 8 hours straight! o_O I'm not sure if that's because he was REALLY tired from such a big day, or if he's just a good night-sleeper...

After he falls asleep for a nap during the day, I pick him up and place him in it with the door open and stay in the same room so when he wakes up, he won't associate the crate with being left alone.

But every time I try putting him in it awake (even after a long play session) and shut the door, he cries and wails forever. I try to ignore it, and only leave the room for a few seconds, and then come back into the room so he knows he's not alone, but he acts like he hates it.

I know we've only had him for about 24 hours, but is this normal? I mean, from what I'm reading, it sometimes takes a couple weeks before they accept it and stop crying every time they are locked in it?

Sorry to sort-of hijack to ask these questions - mods feel free to move this post to a new thread if you want. I was just so excited to see this topic that I couldn't resist asking!! Thank you so much!!!

EDIT: oh btw, he is a housebreaking champ - only 10 wks old and never an accident in the house! But we are taking him out about every 30 mins.

Completely normal. You are on the right track. Don't be swayed by that puppy cuteness and let your heart melt by their every whim and cry. Stick to your guns. It is hard to do. It can take sometime for them to get accustomed to the crate.

By the way, where are the pics?

Thanks, DreamDoby! It's hard not to give in to that pitiful crying, LOL! But I'll just have to suck it up and be tough.

I posted some pics for ya!

EDIT: whoops I see you've already replied! thanks!

EDIT AGAIN: okay, so as I'm typing this, Red just went into his crate, plopped down, and went to sleep - all on his own! I think it'll all be okay. Ok, I'm done being annoying now... sorry

Sorry, double post, but now that the crate issue is resolved, I figured I'd answer the questions

We use an XL Vari Kennel Ultra, with a large folded blanket inside to lay on. He's never chewed his blanket, and we've never had to partition it off when he was smaller since he's never eliminated in it.

We started by feeding him meals in the crate to create a positive association with it. We played games by it and had him chase toys and treats in it. We'd put him in it with the door closed for short periods, and let him back out before he started crying. We've NEVER used it for punishment or time-outs.

The first night he was in it, he cried for about 20 mins, the second night for about 8 mins, and after that he hasn't cried at night at all. And he doesn't cry in it when we put him in there to leave the house anymore either.

I rotate safe chew toys in it, so he never knows what fun things he will find in there when he goes in.

All in all, it took about a month for him to be totally accepting of the crate and to go in it willingly when he tell him to.

The crate is his bedroom at night and while we are out of the house or can't watch him (like when we're in the shower or something). It has never been used for time-outs or punishment. He hasn't needed very many time-outs, but when he does, he lays on his fleece blanket in the main room for a few minutes. We never wanted him to associate the crate with unhappy things such as time-outs or punishments - and it has worked for us. He goes in his crate willingly when we ask him to, and lays down immediately. He knows it's not a bad place and has accepted it beautifully.

We haven't stopped using it. We probably always will considering he likes it and he can stay out of trouble when we are gone or at night.

We put up a tall gate in the doorway from our family room to the rest of the house so he was confined to the room where we spend most of our time so we could keep a close watch on him. And we took him out every 20-30 minutes for "potty" and praised and rewarded him every time he eliminated outside. He also went out 10-15 mins after eating, playing, and napping. We keep a close eye on him for sniffing around, restlessness, or circling. We've never given him a chance to make a mistake since we take him out so much and keep such a close eye on him.

And we've utilized his crate for night-time and when we aren't home. He's NEVER eliminated in his crate.

He is 17 weeks old, and in the 7 weeks we've had him, he's only had 2 VERY minor accidents, when he's started to squat to urinate, but we've caught him and took him outside. He's never even attempted to defecate in the house.

I am not going to consider him house-trained until he is 6 months old and hasn't had an accident in the house for 30 days. Once he hits both these milestones, we will be considered trained. He's already close to his 30 days without an accident though, but he's got about 2 more months til he's 6 months old.

He hardly has a chance to tell us he needs to go since we take him out so often, but in the few times he's had to alert us, he's sat by the door and stared at us.

No, Red will only eliminate on grass. Also, he has a hard time going if he is not in his own yard. He's only urinated twice on walks since we've had him - he usually holds it til we get home - and he'll only eliminate in someone else's yard while we are visiting if he doesn't have a choice. He's like people who refuse to use public toilets, and wait until they get home to use the bathroom, LOL

We just bought this pup on Friday and he did well untill last night. He sleeps in his crate and every 2 hours cries and I would take him out and he would pee. When I put him back in crate for 15 minutes or so he cries and the fall asleeP. But every 2 hrs last night. He is 8 weeks. He went o bed the night before at 10.20 and woke up at 4.30 so i am not sure why he did this. He didnt eat or drink much either

Kyra was 4 months when we got her. She used her crate for sleeping and when we couldn't watch her when she was less than 1 1/2. Now she has the run of the house night and day.

For house breaking she was taken out a dozen times a day when we got her. I hung a small cow bell on a stand at the front door. Each time I took her out I would say "let's go potty" and ring the bell. Then I would take her paw and ring the bell after about two weeks the light went off a she went to the door and rang the bell. Since then if we miss her other signals she just rings the bell and prances by the door.

This past week we adopted an 8 month old male and are starting the same way. It has been 6 days and he doesn't seem to have a clue what the bell is about. Hopefully one day the light will go off for him. Again out every little bit, on a leash, in his crate or very closely watched. If you have no or very few accidents to begin with I think it is easier to housebreak them.

We moved the bell to the back door for him. Kyra wanted out the front and found the bells on a Christmas bow in the front hallway and now rings them.

Both of the puppies are crated in a coated wire adjustable crate that has grown with them. They each have a sherpa bed and their blankie. My previous girls were also crated. They sleep in them and use them for a little alone time occasionally and when we are not home. They are never used as punishment. Neither one has had an accident in the crate, but we are still working on potty training. Both puppies took to the crate from night one. My male holds a toy in his mouth and then comes and lays it on my lap, the female just follows suit. I use "go potty" when taking them out. They both preferred grass until the snow came, then they both sniffed for about a half hour and finally decided to give the snow a try. If we are traveling and no grass is available, it is a hard job depending on how badly they have to go.

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.

Metal wire ones and comforters for padding (easy to throw into the washer each week) and draped some old bed sheets over them to create cave type environment.
• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?

Left door open and in the room we spend the most time in. Put all toys in there so they have to go in to get them. Also would say "CRATE" place the puppy in and give a treat. Now I say crate and they both run into them as fast as they can. Saves a lot of time when getting ready to leave for work.

• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)

A place they can go to relax or have some alone time if they want. It is their place to sleep but we often all fall asleep together on the couch.

I never put them in when being punished. The crate is a safe zone where only good things happen.
• When did you stop using the crate?

Haven't yet, and don't know when I will. Will depend on the pups rate of maturity.

• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc)

Outside after every meal, after waking up from sleep (even short naps) and putting them out every 1/2 hour while awake. Praise like they cured cancer after they did their business. Made going outside to pee/poop fun and happy occasion.

• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.

They have not had any mistakes in the house since they were 12 weeks old. They have never pooped in the house. I'm very proud of them.

• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.

They look at me and whine. I stop what I am doing immediately and take them out.

• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)

Yes, they will go on any surface so far. I've taken them on various surfaces since I've had them so they aren't fearful of where they put their feet.

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.

We used a large metal grate one with the hard plastic bottom. We got the extra large ones.

• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?

We would let them out to go to the bathroom and if they would not go then it was back in the kennal for a nother like 10-20min and then try again. If they went then they got to be out in the house with us.
My girl only took about a month. The boy a little longer.

• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)

Definatly Bedroom.

• When did you stop using the crate?

About a year old....

• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc)

We tried Puppy pads and they would not really go. At the time I was not working full time so I would be home to let them out or my mom loved stopping by to see them and let them out too when we couldnt.

• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.

Probalby about a year or so...

• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.

Our girl goes and stands by the door staring at me with that "its now or in the house mom" and then we let her out. My boy usually sniffs around and then stands by the door as well.

• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)

Yah they will pretty much go anywhere if they have to and there is no grass.

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.

42" metal wire crate with a blanket/comforter.


• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?

He came to me already crate trained. I was blessed!



• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)

He is only in the crate when I am at work


• When did you stop using the crate?

Still in use.



• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc)

Again, he came to me potty trained!

• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.

Day 1


• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.

He whines and circles around me


• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)

If he has to go bad enough any surface
__________________

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie
on.
4'x3'x3' thick guage stainless steel with 3 washable 2'x2' pillows and two
blankets

• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?
He still does not like it and ocassionally has to be led to it by his collar. I
really think this is a Doberman thing - not wanting to be alone.

• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see
the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)
It has never been used for punishment and never will. It is only when I
have to leave for more than an hour or so. It is never used otherwise.

• When did you stop using the crate?
Still do

• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman?
(puppy pads, etc)
Got him at 10 months already trained. Only dog I have ever had that has
NEVER had an accident - even when sick. Amazing

• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.
Always has been

• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.
Comes to me and gives me a few silent barks.

• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)
Not picky. Anywhere he does not frequent.

Topic – Crate Training & Housebreaking

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.

I used both wire and vari kennels (wire are easier to transport if we have to evacuate) I used beach towels.

• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?

Feeding them (fosters) in it always seemed to help them adjust and like being in a crate. Usually a week maybe a little more depending on disposition.

• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)

All of my dogs personal/foster loved their crates. I never used it as a form of punishment. All fosters were fed in their crates, crated when I was gone (I don't work) and slept in them at night.

• When did you stop using the crate?

With Zack, when I knew I could trust him not to eat the sofa when I was gone. With fosters, most were always crated when I was gone. A "selling" point in adoption was that they were crate trained. I figured their new family could make that decision once they were adopted.

both my dogs are not dobes, but one is a gsd and one a pitbull mix

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.i use a midwest fold up metal crate with metal pan for Rufus(he is a power chewer, not a dobe)rufus's crate has 3 fleece blankets, and 3 sheepskin blankets

• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?
it took me 2 weeks to crate train 2 of my dogs from 8 weeks old.
• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)crate serves as a safe zone and bed
• When did you stop using the crate?jesse my gsd i didnt have to use the crate for her since she turned 2 years old, she is now 7, rufus is still crated sometimes, i just gave him run of the downstairs with a babygate separating him and jesse when we are not home, he too views his crate as a safe zone

• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? i had both pups on leash attached to my hip, so that when i saw they had to go potty i took them outside and treated/praised and threw them a party when they pottied. the pads didnt work at all for either of them(puppy pads, etc)
• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.jesse was 100% reliable at a year, rufus too
• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.both dogs were taught to ring a bell at the door to go outside, or to bark
• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is availablejesse doesnt like to potty anywhere but our yard, but over the years she has gotten better to potty on grass, dirt, pavement. rufus will go anywhere he doesnt care

My husband and I are looking at a 3-4 y/o rescue who was found as a stray. They suspect she was bought, then basically tied up outside and ignored until she slipped her leash. She is crate trained and doesn't "go" in her crate, but is not "housebroken," per se from what I understand.

Is she a lost cause? Can older dogs be taught? Luckily our living room has durable floors, so I can live with a few accidents if they happen, but it is NOT practical for me to live with a dog that just pees all over the place.

Any help, please? (And/or suggestions under other threads where I can cross-post this?) Thanks!

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.

Vari-Kennel Furrari 550 & its furnished with a Slumber Pet Double Sided Sherpa Mat & a Big Sky fleece blanket.

• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?

Amazingly no training time at all to use it. We introduced him to it {visually} when he arrived home, put his travelling blankie in it along with the blankie our breeder sent home, his stuffie bone & stuffie dog. We played him out, scooped him up & laid him in it & closed the door. Not a whimper from night one. Since he's still a baby @ 9wks, I reinforce his crate daily by tossing treats and/or stuffies into it for him to enjoy or fetch

• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)

Its his bedroom

• When did you stop using the crate?

No time soon. Hopefully he will see it as a getaway & his personal oasis all his life. Although we are going to allow him on the bed when he's a bigger boy.

• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc)

We are going out every time he wakes up, every time he eats, and always after playing hard or a little training. So far 3 very minor accidents as we caught him in process & carried him outside to finish.

• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.

Wont know for a while

• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.

Since he's a baby I dont give him time yet to "alert" us. He does, on day 4 now, awake & walks to the back door. Twice he's put his paw on the door frame which I take as a fact that he's "getting it"

• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)

Dont know yet.

[QUOTE=Kratty;8146]With all the new puppys in the forum, I thought this topic would be appropriate and also a trip down memory lane for most of us....

Topic – Crate Training & Housebreaking

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.
Ruby sleeps on sheeps skins.

• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?
She's 13 wks so she's still being crate-trained.
• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)
We call the crate Ruby's room. She eats and sleeps in her room.
• When did you stop using the crate?
Still using

• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train you doberman? (puppy pads, etc)
When we brought her home it was the middle of December and it was extremely cold so for the first couple of weeks the garage was where she would go but now she is more used to the weather and enjoys her walks. We tried the puppy pads but she only used it once. Unless she's in her room, she doesn't bark to let us know she has to go out so as soon as she gives us a sign that things are 'stirring', she gets taken out.
• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.
N/A
• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.
We watch for signals at this point. Hopefully she'll learn to bark to let us know
• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)
Yes

• What type of crate do you use and what materials does your doberman lie on.
We've gone from small, medium to large of the wire kennels, as she has grown, as I was told she should only have enough room to stand up and turn around in. It is padded on the bottom with a quilt and then sheepskin mattress kind of affair. It is wrapped in a cover made especially for crates. It gives her privacy and a feeling of safety.
• How did you train your doberman to use the crate, how long did it take?
We lured her into the crate with treats. I slept out by her, when she was first in the crate. We made it a special place, by placing her special toys, special treats in with her. We always made it a good place to be. It has never been used for punishment.
• What uses does the crate serve for you and how does your doberman see the crate? (bedroom, punishment, etc)
See above + when she can't be observed I use the crate for her safety when I have to do something where I can't attend to her.
• When did you stop using the crate?
She still sleeps in the crate at night
• What techniques did you use to Housebreak/potty train your doberman? (puppy pads, etc)
Took her out every 20 minutes AND after play, nap or eat.
• How long did it take it become 100% reliable, no more mistakes.
She's 6.5 months now and hasn't had a mistake since she was about 3 months. She only had two mistakes and both were my fault. Missed the clues.
• How does your Doberman alert you that they need to go out.
She stares at me, while at the door, or if she can't see me, she whines at the door.
• Do they go on different surfaces and in new locations easily? (if traveling and no grass is available)
She prefers lawn. I trained her to go on the leash, so she is pretty amiable to most surfaces if our options are limited.

Someone on DT, said they carried around a newspaper with them and when the puppy had an accident, they hit themselves over the head with it, because they missed the clues. There are always clues. Everything I learned here on DT.

I could not imagine putting a Dobermann over the age of 7 weeks old in a crate. How cruel, this age is the easiest time to train none distructive behavior. Boundary's are established, limitations are set.You start small. (area) You also learn when toys are offered, incorporate short time durations for them to be alone. And when they do well you DON"T make a big deal about it. These are Dobermanns simple tasks don't need verbal reward they sense how your feeling. As you increase the time alone use raw meaty bones, very good for them and will keep them occupied and happy. As they get older more area, I don't leave fluffy pillows out ( i don't have any) but you get my drift puppy proof the areas. I understand working households,so set up an area better than a crate. Nothing personnel, but I would never sell any of my pups when I bred to any one who would cage them.

Nick is new to us still so we are working on it. But he hikes on anything if we dont watch him. LOL