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December 2025 Puppy Crate Training in the Netherlands

Bringing a new puppy home in December in the Netherlands presents unique considerations for crate training. The weather will be cold and likely wet, influencing your training approach. Success hinges on patience, consistency, and creating a positive association with the crate.

Preparation is Key: Before your puppy arrives, prepare the crate. Choose an appropriate size – large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large they can use one area as a bathroom. Line the crate with soft, warm bedding. A plush blanket and perhaps even a hot water bottle (securely wrapped!) can make it especially inviting during the chilly Dutch winter. Ensure the crate is in a warm, draft-free area of your home, ideally near where you spend most of your time, like the living room.

Positive Associations: Introduce the crate gradually and positively. Never force your puppy inside. Toss treats and toys into the crate, encouraging them to explore. Use a cheerful tone of voice when they approach or enter the crate. Feed your puppy their meals inside the crate. Initially, leave the door open so they don’t feel trapped. As they become more comfortable, start closing the door for short periods while they’re eating, gradually increasing the duration. Speak soothingly while the door is closed. Release them before they whine or become anxious.

Potty Training Considerations: December weather makes outdoor potty breaks challenging. Establish a regular potty schedule and take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, after meals, and before bedtime, even if it’s raining or snowing. Use a designated potty area in your garden or a nearby park. Reward them immediately with praise and a treat when they eliminate outside. Clean up accidents thoroughly inside with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors and discourage repeat offenses. Since indoor accidents might be more frequent due to the weather, consider using puppy pads, but don’t rely on them exclusively. The goal is outdoor elimination.

Nighttime Training: Initially, place the crate in your bedroom so your puppy feels secure and you can hear them if they need to go outside. Take them out for a potty break immediately before bedtime. Ignore whining unless you suspect they need to eliminate. If they whine persistently, take them outside, but keep the interaction brief and boring – no playtime. Place them back in the crate immediately afterward. Over time, you can gradually move the crate to a different location if desired.

Addressing Whining and Barking: Some whining is normal, especially initially. It’s important to distinguish between whining for attention and whining because they need to go outside. If you’ve ruled out the need for elimination and the whining persists, ignore it. Giving in to whining reinforces the behavior. If the whining escalates to frantic barking, briefly check on them to ensure they’re safe and comfortable, then return to ignoring them. If the problem is severe, consult with a professional dog trainer. Remember that patience is crucial. Consistency in your training approach will ultimately lead to a well-adjusted, crate-trained puppy, even during a cold Dutch winter.