How to properly crate a Bulldog Puppy


The Proper Use of a Crate and Your Bulldog

 

In a previous article, we wrote about what size of crate you should buy for your bulldog. Now, you will need to have a fundamental understanding of the dos and don’ts of crate training.

 

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Crating Philosophy

When considering the natural habitation of a canine, often its home is a den, cave, or similar close-quartered shelter. They used this space as their home, to sleep, escape from danger, and raise their young. Obviously, your bulldog would not appreciate roughing it out in the wild. 

However, they still find comfort resting in a similar space. On some days, it feels like our bulldogs have decided to claim the entire house as their den. But, we know they find comfort and in their crate as an escape from the clamor of a busy house.
 
Certainly, the crate can be a great tool and outlet for your bulldog IF used properly. As useful as crates can be they are often one of the most abused resources an adopter. There is much, unneeded controversy on using them that has stemmed from irresponsible dog owners abusing their purpose. As concerned bulldog breeders, we make sure to take the time to explain to our adopters the proper and improper uses of a crate.

 

What a crate is to be used for…

1. Potty training

You will be encouraging control, establishing a routine for outdoor potty breaks, and helping to prevent “accidents” at night or when left alone. For a further in-depth explanation of this process please read this previous article we wrote on the matter.

2. Limit access to the house while you aren’t home (for short periods of time)

While starting the potty training process and as you build trust in your bulldog, you should controlany unsupervised time by crating him/her. With that being said you should LIMIT the amount of time that your bulldog spends in their crate. We like to use the 4-hour rule at our house for an adult bulldog and the 2 hour limit for our puppies. Any time past these limits, we would seriously consider arranging someone dropping by the house to let them out and move around.

3. Transporting your bully in the car

A crate provides a safe place for your bully to travel with you in the car (especially long trips). We have found they love to snooze in their crate when road-tripping with us.

4. Sleeping

Once your bully is completely potty trained it is ok to sleep outside the crate, but we have found they often prefer their crate as a place of comfort as they grow older.

5. Escaping from too much commotion

The crate should be a place that your bulldog voluntarily goes into; they should feel that the crate is their home! Crates are an escape haven for your bulldog when the house is busy and there is just too much commotion.
 
 
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What a crate is NOT to be used for…
 
1. Punishment

We cannot repeat this enough! Do not use it as punishment for your bulldog! The crate should be a place that your bulldog likes going and if you use it for punishment they will not want to go there.

 2. Long periods of time

Puppies under six months of age shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than a few hours at a time. They cannot hold their bladder that long and they should not be expected to! A crate is not a way of life for a dog, if you are working 8-10 hours a day, coming home and letting your bulldog out for a few hours and then putting them back in their crate for 8 hours of sleeping you are not being fair to your bulldog.

Eventually, behavioral issues will start to show simply from a lack of attention. If being home all day is not an option for you and you have to crate your bulldog we encourage you to look for another option… possibly having a family member dog sit, adjust your schedule or look for a trustworthy doggie daycare.
 
Crating caution!
 
Remember that a crate is a tool for training NOT a way of life! This isn’t a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated.