Crate Training A Puppy

How Does Crate Training A Puppy Work?

The purpose of crate training a puppy is to encourage your dog to go into his crate on command for safety, obedience and general behavior control. Acting as a substitute for a den, the crate is also highly effective in housebreaking your puppy fast since dogs generally learn not to soil their resting area.

An effective training method used successfully by many dog owners and trainers alike, crate training your puppy is also useful when you travel with your dog and the crate can be use to transport your pet dog safely.

What Type Of Crate Should I Use For My Puppy?

It is more logical and economical to buy an adjustable wire crate that can be partition to the right size later to accommodate him as an adult dog.

Make sure that the size of the crate should be big enough with space for your dog to stand up and move around but not too big that it might use one corner to "eliminate".

How Should I Crate Train My Puppy?

Before proceeding with crate training your puppy, place a crate pad, a bowl of water and your dog’s favorite toy in it. Secure the crate's door open so it won't hit and frighten him/her accidentally.

After which, start introducing your puppy to the crate by playing with your dog near the crate. Entice your puppy into the crate by placing its favorite snack or toy in the crate. When your dog enters the crate, be sure to reward it further with praise and gentle patting. This will help associate positive feelings towards the crate. Repeat the process for the next few days till it is accustom and uses the crate without any prompting.

Young puppies adapt easily to crates however there will be some initial whining or barking. Still, these will go away once your puppy realizes that the crate is his/her new home.

What Are The Keys To Successful Crate Training A Puppy?

• Successfully crate training a puppy is to associate it with all things positive with the crate, even when it is alone in it. Never send a dog back to its crate as a form of punishment for any misbehavior. A dog's attitude to its crate must always be positive.



• The best location to place the crate is in a busy area of your house (where you have dinner, or where you spend most of the time with your family), as dogs are social animals and they will enjoy your company.



• Provide ample water in the crate for drinking and a chew toy for your puppy to play with.



• Place the meal near the crate – this has the effect of creating a positive association between the puppy’s home and his meal.



• Make a schedule for your puppy’s toilet needs and avoid leaving him inside the crate longer than 45 minutes after each meal as puppies cannot hold their bowels or bladder very long.



• Make sure your puppy is getting plenty of exercise and time out of the crate.

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