Crate Training for Dogs and Puppies
Having a dog that will happily spend time in a crate can make things much easier for you as the owner, especially if you plan on taking your dog out and about with you in the car or on airplane trips, and require the dog to stay in different places. A crate can also help to prevent separation anxiety, destructive behavior and serves as a ‘mobile' home.
When crate training your dog, it is important that the crate is never used for punishment. If you want the dog to view the crate as a safe, and enjoyable place (which is vitally important if you plan on transporting your pet regularly), then you dog needs to view the crate as a welcoming place, and not something associated with punishment.
To make the crate a comfortable and welcoming place, begin by placing a towel or blanket on the bottom of the crate to form a soft bed for the puppy. Add a favorite treat or toy and the crate is ready to welcome its occupant.
To introduce the crate to your puppy or dog, begin by dropping some dry dog food or biscuits into the crate. If the pup is wary at first, try first feeding it a small distance away from the crate, then at the door, and finally inside the crate. When the pup enters the crate, be sure to praise generously.
Never push, or try to force a puppy or dog into the crate. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and are likely to want to explore it on their own anyway. If they are a little cautious, give them time to get used to the crate, and continue trying to entice them into the crate with food treats.
Once your puppy is comfortable entering the crate, begin by leaving it alone in the room for short periods of time. Gradually increase the time until the puppy is happy to stay in the crate for up to an hour. As the puppy becomes older, the time spent in the crate can be increased, but should never be for more than 5 hours in duration. The only exception to this rule is overnight. If your puppy or dog is happy to spend the entire night inside the crate, then that doesn't present any problems.
When you first begin training your puppy or dog, there may be instances where they eliminate inside the crate, especially if they were bought from a pet store and confined inside a small cage. Never punish a puppy or dog for this. Simply clean out the crate, avoiding ammonia based products, as these can encourage the dog to repeat the behavior, as they resemble a urine type smell to animals.
Crates are available in a range of sizes and styles, so you're sure to be able to find one that will suit your puppy or dog, no matter what the breed. Crates can be bought from most pet supply outlets, online, and through many professional breeders. Make sure that when buying a crate, you consider the size your puppy is likely to grow to. Having a crate that is either too large or too small makes it an uncomfortable environment for the dog, and crate training will be difficult, if not impossible.
