subject: How To Crate Train Dog - The 4 Essential Tips! [print this page] How To Crate Train Dog - The 4 Essential Tips!
As a lifetime dog owner, my opinion is that crate training a dog is absolute must! Many people have the wrong idea about crates and think that it is cruel but this is probably because they are using the crate in the wrong way. A dog crate should be somewhere they enjoy to be, a place they go to get a bit of peace. If you learn how to crate train dog sucessfully, he will learn to love his crate!
WHY SHOULD YOU CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG?
By crate training your dog, you will solve a number of common problems. If you're travelling in a car, your dog will happily sit in his crate as opposed to jumping around the car and distracting the driver! If your dog has a habit of chewing your belongings when you're not at home, you can solve this problem with crate training as your dog will be happy in his crate when he is home alone.
MY 3 STEPS FOR CRATE TRAINING A DOG ARE:
1) Never use the crate as a punishment! The crate should not be used to punish your dog. If you do, he will become confused and frightened of it.
2) Make the crate a comfortable place for your dog to be. Use a water bottle that you can attach to the side of the crate, instead of a bowl which your dog would probably tip over! Make sure you buy the right size crate for your dog. Remember, he will grow so unless you want to waste your money by having to change your crate every few months, think in advance!
3) Keep your dog entertained by leaving a couple of his favourite toys in there and a couple of treats. New puppies will be confused when they've just left the litter so many breeders will give you a toy that has their mothers scent on it which you can place in the crate for them.
4) Choose one word to use for the crate, such as 'house.' Use this when you want your dog to go into the crate. Tempt him into the crate with dog treats and reward him when he enters the crate. Comfort your dog from outside the crate and close the door when your dog is comfortable. Gradually increase the length of time you leave him in the crate, starting with very short periods. Keep repeating this and your dog should eventually go into his crate on his own accord!
