I still remember the night we brought Chuy home. We were just two adults madly in love with each other, engaged for two days, and full of uncertainty as we planned for a last minute deployment where we’d be apart for over a year. The one thing that was certain was that we both wanted a Chihuahua puppy to help keep me company while Frank was in Iraq. I also needed all the Chihuahua tips I could get!
One night after work, we met an irresistibly cute 6 week old puppy. From the minute he walked into the room, there was no second guessing that he was OUR dog. Little did we know he would be our once in a lifetime dog. He is OUR heart dog. We didn’t even think about it, we just took him home without any preparation. Very out of character for how I make decisions!
There we were, naïve pet parents, already in love with this 1 lb puppy, but clueless about what to do next. With new puppy in hand (literally), we headed to PetSmart to pick up the things we would need. We talked to the most helpful and sweet associate that walked with us around the store showing us everything we needed. She also educated us about selecting a crate and the benefits of crate training.
There are many benefits of crate training a Chihuahua or small dog. I want to share with you how it has benefited our life with Chuy (our little puppy) over the past 6 years.
1. Potty and House Training
We came home that first night and put together Chuy’s crate. Right from night one, Chuy had to know what was going on and be right up in the mix. Nothing has changed!
The crate helped Chuy (and my husband and I) learn how to potty train and respect boundaries in the home. They kept telling us that a dog will never “go” where he sleeps. Leave it to my Chuy to challenge the status quo. I can remember a handful of times during the first month or so that Chuy pooped all over himself in the crate. That was such a joy to clean up! However, it didn’t take long before Chuy realized that he needed to “go” when he was outside and out of the crate. These days Chuy comes out of his crate and goes directly to the indoor puppy pad or straight to the back door, depending on the weather. There are at least two things I highly recommend for your crate before getting started.
1. A soft blanket or cushion that you can place on the bottom of the crate. It helps if the blanket smells familiar or has your scent on it. This is especially comforting for puppies who aren’t used to being separated yet. If you are training a Chihuahua puppy, try adding one of your t-shirts with your scent on it.
2. A water bottle to hang on the side. You don’t want your dog to drink so much that they have to hold it for hours but they should always have access to some kind of water. We use a hamster bottle so that Chuy can still get a sip of water if he needs it.
2. A Safe Place When We Aren’t Home
There’s a story I read that has always stuck with me when it comes to crate training. It was about a couple who went out to run errands and when they came home their precious Chihuahua was dead. They weren’t sure exactly what killed her but they think it was because of something she ate while they were away. I clearly remember that story solidifying all of my beliefs in why Chuy would always be crated while we were out of the home. It gives us peace of mind to know that he is comfortable and safe while we are out. Chuy is the type of dog to put anything in his mouth and I could never imagine leaving him at home to run free in the house.
3. A Healing Place for IVDD (intervertebral Disc Disease)
As you may already know, Chuy was diagnosed with IVDD or Intervertebral Disc Disease a few years ago. From a medical standpoint, there’s only two things that the vet can recommend when he has a flare up. The typical RX for a flare up consists of a few rounds of RX medications and extreme crate rest. He just had another flare up around Super Bowl Sunday. We were able to set Chuy up in his crate so he could still watch the game with us. When he has a flare up, I put a heated crate pad under his blanket to provide extra support to his back. Only use a heating pad when you are monitoring your dog!
4. A Place to Travel
When Chuy has an extreme IVDD flare up, you can forget about touching him or picking him up. That’s not exactly convenient when you need to get him to the vet ASAP. I have to coax him into the crate and then place that into the car. Thank goodness he will get into the crate since he’s already used to it and feels safe in there. Driving with a Chihuahua in pain from IVDD is an entirely separate post. You might need a margarita when the day is over and I’ll just leave it at that!
We also have a collapsible crate that we use at the beach. We are beach bums, Chuy included! The soft crate gives Chuy a safe and cool place to retreat while we are at the beach. Most of the time he prefers running around on the sand though!
5. A Place of His Own
Let’s be real, all two stories of this house are really ruled by Chuy . . . or so he thinks! Yes, he sleeps with us in our King bed every single night. That isn’t going to change anytime soon. However, Chuy’s crate is a place of his own where he can hangout without his parents and just be by himself. He does go in there occasionally on his own and camp out.
Where to Buy a Crate?
Now let’s talk about where to get a crate. If you want to shop in-person, I highly recommend PetSmart as that’s where we got both of our crates. You can also order dog crates online on Amazon.
We do have a much larger crate that we use when I have to travel and my husband is out of the home all day for work. That way Chuy has access to his bowl, bed, a puppy pad, and can move around more. It’s a nice backup but we don’t have to use it too often.
I hope that this list of benefits to crate training a Chihuahua will will help you determine what type of crate and carrier you need for your Chihuahua or small dog. Feel free to leave any questions or comments down below! Be sure to also stop by our Chihuahua Tips page for more helpful advice for parenting a Chihuahua.
Jana Rade says
Being crate-trained is awesome for most dogs.
Dolly the Doxie says
So many similarities bringing home me and your Chuy! OMD that’s the name of the guy running for mayor here and we do NOT like him, sorry Chuy! At six months I let mom and dad know that I was sleeping with them and no more crate! Love Dolly
Sweet Purrfections says
Thank you for sharing the benefits of using a crate and especially to help Chuy with his health issues.
Christine & Riley says
It is so awesome that you had pictures of getting the crate ready of when Chuy was little! I just love that! This is a great post about the benefits of crate training!
Irresistible Pets says
It’s funny b/c I take WAY more pics now than I did back then! I’m so glad that I have them though. I made a photobook with Chuy’s “first year” pics 🙂
Amy Shojai, CABC says
Great post–and so glad Chuy benefits from the crate.
Carleen says
I’m a big fan of crate training!
Carol Bryant says
Soooooo glad you put the travel aspect out there – and Chuy is a little super model. We love PetSmart for dog supplies and treats. It’s a weekly stop for us.
Irresistible Pets says
Why, thank you 🙂 Going to PetSmart is also a great way to socialize and get dogs used to all the crazy noises, smells, and sights of the world!
MyDogLikes says
Crate training is so important! I couldn’t have said it better, its about keeping them safe and secure.
Maureen says
Thanks for sharing your story and pictures! They are awesome!!!
Irresistible Pets says
Thanks Maureen!
DogVills says
Those are awesome points. We use it mainly for travel
Golden Daily Scoop says
Great points! Crate training was the best thing I did for all three of my dogs. Made house training so easy and it was a great way to introduce the new dog to the family. Now, they enjoy going in their crates when they want some quiet time away from each other and when we are going to be gone for more than a few hours.
Irresistible Pets says
That is great that they go in there on their own. It gives us pet parents peace of mind!
Jenny says
I believe crate training is a MUST for any dog! Great points that you mentioned above for the benefits! Fantastic blog post! 🙂
Irresistible Pets says
Thanks Jenny!
Robin says
I’m glad that Chuy is able to use his crate as a place of safety. We all need a place that is specifically for us. It sounds like the crate has played a significant part in his life.
Irresistible Pets says
I wish I had a crate of my own sometimes LOL!!
Caryn McCleskey says
I’ve always had crates for my Chihuahuas. They are especially helpful when they are sick or Caspian needs to protect his back. (He also has IVDD.) Caspian loves sitting on the porch in his crate, or looking out of the window. Using it as soon as possible with a new puppy is the best way to get a dog used to it. Great tips here!
Irresistible Pets says
A lot of Chi’s have IVDD. It really comes in handy during those flare ups!
Groovy Goldendoodles says
Crate training is so very important for many reasons. You’re spot on with your points.
Irresistible Pets says
Thank ya!
Cathy Armato says
I love Chuy’s story ! I’m a big fan of crate training for the same reasons you mention as well It’s very effective and a safe place for dogs. I use crates for my dogs and for dogs I foster. A big Thank You to Frank for his military service!
Irresistible Pets says
Thanks Cathy! Awww, I’ll pass that along to Frank!
Elaine says
I can’t imagine not having a crate for your dog, at least when they are puppies. We only use it now when we’re traveling, but it really comes in handy. Great article and tips.
Irresistible Pets says
Thank you! It is such a help!