If you’ve just welcomed a Great Pyrenees puppy into your home, you may be wondering how to go about crate training.

Crate training is a great way to help your puppy feel comfortable and secure in their new environment. It can also be helpful in potty training and preventing destructive behaviors.

We also crate-trained our Pyrenees, May, before we moved her outside full-time at six months. Here are some tips for crate training your Great Pyrenees puppy.

Should I Crate Train My Great Pyrenees?

Crate training is a surprisingly controversial topic when it comes to Pyrenees owners. Some owners believe that crate training is unnecessary and cruel, while others find it to be a safe and effective way to set boundaries for their dogs.

As a new owner, it’s important to research both sides of the argument before deciding whether or not to crate train your Great Pyrenees.

There are many benefits to crate training your dog. Crate training can help with potty training, reduce separation anxiety, and provide a sense of security for your dog in new or unfamiliar environments.

However, there are also some drawbacks to crate training. The first couple of weeks will be tough, especially for a soft-hearted owner.

As a Great Pyrenees owner who successfully crate trained their new puppy, I believe that owners should strongly consider doing it for their Pyrenees.

The Benefits of Crate Training

Most Pyrenees owners will notice three main benefits from crate training their puppy.

Potty Training Assistance

Crate training your Great Pyrenees has many benefits, with the biggest being potty training assistance (in our opinion).

When your dog is in their crate, they will not want to “mess” it and will usually hold it until you let them out, within reason.

Young puppies won’t be able to hold it long, so it’s important to monitor and take them outside for potty breaks at regular intervals (we recommend no longer than an hour).

This makes it much easier to potty train them as they will quickly learn that outside is the only acceptable place to relieve themselves. In addition, crates help keep your home clean as you’ll be able to keep your puppy’s toys inside too.

Separation Anxiety Prevention

Crate training your Great Pyrenees can help prevent separation anxiety. When you leave them in their crate, they’ll have a safe space to stay while you’re gone.

This will help them feel more secure and less anxious.

Also, if you plan on bringing your Pyrenees with you on road trips in the future, crate training them as a puppy will keep them calm on car rides.

A Feeling of Safety and Security

Crate training your Great Pyrenees has many benefits, one of which is that it provides a feeling of safety and security for your dog.

Once crate trained, they will know that their crate is their own personal space where they can go to feel safe and secure. This is especially beneficial for Great Pyrenees who are anxious or nervous, as the crate can provide them with a sense of calm.

Crate training also has the added benefit of giving the owner peace of mind knowing that their dog has a safe place to stay when they’re not home.

How To Crate Train Your Puppy

Although the task may seem impossible starting out, crate training your Pyrenees is very straightforward if you break it out into steps.

Step 1: Choose the Right Crate

It’s often overlooked, but the most important thing when crate training your Great Pyrenees is to choose the right crate.

The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around, but not too big. If the crate is too big, your puppy won’t feel safe and may not want to use it.

Another thing to consider is the material of the crate. You want to make sure that the crate is made of a sturdy material that won’t collapse if your dog leans on it or scratches at it.

The last thing to consider is where you put the crate. You want to make sure that it’s in a quiet area where your dog can feel safe and relaxed.

If you get the crate right, the rest of the training process will go much smoother.

Step 2: Get Your Puppy Used to the Crate

It’s important to get your puppy used to the crate when crate training your Great Pyrenees.

This will make it easier for them to stay in the crate for longer periods of time and will also make it less likely that they will have accidents in the crate.

To do this, put their food and water in the crate and let them eat and drink in there. You can also put a toy or bone in there for them to chew on.

Get them used to spending time in the crate every single day with the door open.

Step 3: Start With Short Periods of Time in the Crate

Before locking up your new puppy in a crate all day, start with short periods of time first so that they can get used to it.

Start with a few minutes at a time, with the door locked and with you out of the room.

Make sure to create a positive association with the crate by feeding them their meals in there and giving them treats.

Step 4: Increase the Time Gradually

As with any training, it’s important to increase the time gradually in the crate.

Start by placing your Great Pyrenees in the crate for short periods of time, such as 10-15 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time each day until your dog is comfortable being in the crate for several hours at a time.

Keep the crate training sessions positive and relaxed, so your dog does not associate them with anxiety or stress.

Step 5: Add in Some Distractions

If your Pyrenees is having a tough time getting used to the crate, you can help reduce their anxiety by adding some distractions.

Just like children, some Great Pyrenees will be better able to focus on the task at hand by fidgeting with something. Good distractions include food and chew toys.

That simple distraction will help calm their anxiety to a point where they will be more willing to stay in the crate.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Crate Training

Although the premise is simple, there are a few “do’s” and “don’ts” that you need to remember before starting to crate train your Pyrenees puppy.

DO – Make Sure That the Crate Is the Right Size

It should be big enough for them to stand up and turn around in, but not too big or they will be able to use one end as a bathroom.

DO – Line the Bottom of the Crate With Something Absorbent

This is especially important if your puppy isn’t fully potty trained yet. It will help contain the messes from accidents while they are learning.

One of the best things you can use to line the bottom of the crate is a towel. This will absorb any puppy messes and will also provide a bit of cushioning.

You can also use a blanket or sheet, but be sure to change it out regularly so that it doesn’t get too wet or dirty.

DO – Introduce Them to the Crate Slowly and Stay Positive

Start by placing the crate in a comfortable spot in your home and letting your dog explore it at their own pace.

Once they seem comfortable with it, start feeding them their meals in the crate and closing the door for short periods of time.

Gradually increase the amount of time you leave them in the crate until they are comfortable being in there for long periods of time. If you do this slowly and patiently, crate training your Great Pyrenees can be a success!

DON’T – Put Them in the Crate for Too Long

Don’t leave your Pyrenees in the crate for too long. If they’re left in the crate from sun up to sun down, their pent-up energy will make any behavioral problems much worse.

These destructive behaviors could include chewing on the crate or barking excessively.

If you need to leave your Pyrenees in the crate for extended periods of time, make sure to give them plenty of exercise and attention before putting them in the crate.

DON’T – Use It As Punishment

Some owners use the crate as a punishment, which is not effective and can actually make the process harder.

When crate training, you should never use it as punishment. This will only make your dog anxious and stressed, which will make it more difficult to train them.

Instead, use positive reinforcement such as treats and praise to encourage good behavior.

DON’T – Force Them Into It

During the training process, don’t force your Pyrenees into the crate.

If they’re resistant to being in the crate, try putting some of their favorite toys or treats inside to make it more appealing. You can also try feeding them in the crate so they associate it with positive experiences.

If you’re still having trouble, you can always consult a professional trainer for help.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you’ve started crate training but find yourself having problems, we answer the most common issues that owners will have with their Pyrenees.

Crate Selection

As we’ve covered, one of the most common problems people run into when crate training their Great Pyrenees puppy is choosing the wrong crate.

Crates come in all shapes and sizes, and it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your dog.

First, make sure the crate is big enough for your pup to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should also be tall enough that they don’t have to crouch over inside.

Second, choose a crate that has plenty of ventilation so your pup doesn’t get too hot.

Lastly, make sure the crate is made from durable materials so your puppy won’t destroy it as they get bigger.

Preparation

Failing to prepare your home or schedule is a common problem when crate training your Great Pyrenees puppy.

If you don’t have a plan for when your puppy will be in their crate, they may start to cry and become agitated. Have a set schedule for when your puppy will be in their crate and to stick to it as closely as possible.

The First Week

Crate training your Great Pyrenees puppy can be frustrating, especially if you’re new to the process. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re not making any progress and even to give up after the first week.

Understand that crate training takes time and patience. You won’t be able to just put your puppy in the crate and expect them to stay there quietly for hours at a time.

Start with short periods of time (a few minutes at a time) and gradually increase the amount of time as your puppy gets used to being in the crate.

To wrap everything up, crate training your Pyrenees puppy can be tough, but it’s well worth it.

With a little patience and consistency, you can have your puppy crate trained in no time!