subject: Chihuahua crate training doesn't have to be hard! [print this page] Chihuahua crate training doesn't have to be hard!
Crate Training your Chihuahua properly while they're still a puppy is important. Doing this can save you and your Chihuahua from a lot of stress and drama.Chihuahuas, like all other dogs when they are small, actually like to be in small, enclosed spaces, so don't get hung up on the idea that it is cruel that's simply not true.
Playing around in a small space while you are gone makes them feel safe and relaxed. You will likely find that they even spend a lot of time playing in their crate, without you even asking them to get inside.Your doggie won't poop where he/she sleeps! Therefore it is important to have them sleeping in the same area - eventually they will learn that it is their sleeping spot. Your crate comes into handy here. Making a mess where he/she sleeps in just not part of their nature.Have something for your puppy to play with. Will make them feel secure and it will feel like an friendly area.Crate time is meant to be a fun experience. Never associate it will bad times. It is also not meant to be used to keep your Chihuahua in for hours on end. It is just mean.
Puppies need their freedom, but encouraging a puppy to establish a sleeping area in there is not harmful in any way, as long as you are careful to ensure they get plenty of time to run around outside of it.Training your Chi the right way will ensure that your Chi won't see spending a couple of hours in the crate as a bad thing.How do you crate train your Chihuahua?Begin by sitting the crate in the centre of the room - so your dog can view it. Add some goodies such as dog biscuits in the crate to grab his attention. Eventually he/she will begin to wonder in and out of the crate. When he/she does say "crate" - this will help your Chi relate the word with going into the crate.Add more treats into the crate after your Chi has looked around it for a bit. Next time he goes in, close the door for a few second before reopening it.
Repeat this a few times before starting to leave the door closed for a longer period. For example, shut the door fin periods of one minute, then five minutes, ten - you get the idea. Do this until you have closed the door for an hour. By doing this you will teach him not to be scared when the gate is closed for long periods of time.
Make sure you stay close by the whole time so he can hear you are still around. If the crate has a screen, make sure it is facing you so he can see you too.If he cries during this time, be strong and don't let him out. He is not scared, he just doesn't yet understand what is going on. Being the alpha dog in this situation is important! Lets your pup know who is boss.
This is part of the natural mentality of a dog pack: One dog asserts itself as the leader of the pack, and in this instance the leader must always be the owner. It's really important to stand your ground in this case as if you let him out when he cries, he will do it every time you try to put him in there.
You would have seen a similar process when we put our babies to bed. However, if he starts growling or barking he may need to come out to go to the toilet. If possible, try to remember to take him to the toilet before you start his crate training for the day.Pups that are one month old can sit in the crate for up to an hour, two month old can stay in there for three hours. Three to six months can play around in the crate for up to four hours. Six months or older Chihuahua can play around in the crate for up to eight hours.
Never use the crate as somewhere to keep the puppy for prolonged periods of time. The crate is not to be a replacement for your attention and love. Love and attention from you is the most important thing for your Chihuahua.
