Dog Training FAQ - Crate Training Question

I just got a new beagle x basset hound puppy. She is 7 weeks old. I was just wondering how long crate training takes? She goes in her crate herself when she gets sleepy (which is often) and sleeps for 2-2 1/2 hours at a time. She has never had an accident in her crate. Knock on wood. I do work 8 hours a day 5 days a week. I have my son's babysitter come over to check on her during the day. I just bought a large pet water bottle for her cage but now I'm not so sure that was a great idea. I just didn't want her to get too thirsty while in her kennel. But now I wonder if it would just make her want to pee more. Am I kennel training her properly? She sleeps in the kennel during the day with the door open and I lock her in at night. I am up with her every 2 hours or whenever she whines to let her outside. We play until she gets tired then she goes back in her kennel. She usually goes back in herself. Sometimes she likes to sleep in a corner beside my couch. If I see her sleeping there, I put her in the kennel. Is that the right thing to do? Or should I be leaving her wherever she is comfortable sleeping?

It sounds like you are mostly on the right track. Let me answer all your questions in order.
- Crate training is different for every dog. I err on the side of caution with my own dogs and recommend the same for clients. Let me explain. The crate is used as a method for 'supervising' your dog when you aren't around. As your dogs house manners and house training improve you will allow her more and more freedom outside of the crate. For some dogs, they catch on to house manners quickly and you can wean them off the use of the crate. Other dogs take a while, or may make a mistake in training which requires that you take a step back. This can mean anywhere from a month or two to a year. I think you will notice your dog's behavior and will be able to read the signs of whether or not she is ready to be weaned off the crate. I always leave a crate out for my dogs, though, even though they are both adults with perfect house manners. Sometimes they like to go hang out in there.
- I wouldn't leave a water bottle in the crate. You are right, it will make it difficult for her to hold it long enough.
- With regards to when she should be in the crate and when she should be out, (sleep time, after play time, etc.) I recommend that she is in the crate whenever you can't supervise her. That means when you aren't home and when you are home but are too busy to watch her 100%. If you are able to watch her you dont need to worry about putting her in there to sleep or after play. Remember, the crate is a supervision tool. If you are there to supervise you dont need the crate.
Read this article I wrote on that subject.
House Manners Article
Good luck. Let me know if you have more questions.
Ty Brown