Tips for Crate Training Your Weimaraner

Contrary to the popular belief that it is one way of being cruel or inhumane, using crate brings many benefits to you and your Weimaraner. Just like their den-dwelling ancestors, adult dogs in the wild will naturally find a den or safe place to sleep. Similarly, domestic dogs will do the same. By providing crate, you are providing your Weimaraner his home, a safe area he can call his own.

Other advantages of using crate:

- Using crate will give you peace of mind when leaving your dog alone. You can be sure that nothing can be soiled or destroyed when you are away.

- Crate is an ideal aid when housebreaking your Weimaraner. The crate will help your dog learn to control their urge to urinate and defecate. It will motivate your pet to wait until taken outside since dogs naturally avoid soiling their den as mush as possible.

- You can take your pet with you in family outings and trips without having to worry of their safety as well as the safety of the people around.

Dog crates may be made of wire or plastic. They come in different sizes and can be purchased at pet stores, department stores and pet supply stores. You can even order one from the Internet. Your dog's crate should be large enough for him to stand up and turn around. If your dog is still growing, choose a crate that will accommodate his adult size. Block off the excess crate space so your dog can't eliminate at one end and retreat to the other.

Since dogs are social animals, it is best to place the crate in a room where you and your family spend a lot of time. Drop some small pieces of kibble or dog biscuits in the crate. This method will help your dog create a positive association with the crate, realizing that good things can be found inside it. Praise your dog when he enters the crate at his own will. Do not try to force him or push him to get inside. Keep the door open and allow him to come out at first. When he is comfortable with the crate, close the door for a second then open it. Repeat the process until such time that you can close the crate for a few seconds and can step away from it. Go on with the process until you can leave the room and then the house without upsetting your dog.

Richard Cussons is a great lover of dogs such as Weimaraner. Discover more about Weimaraner training at weimaranersavvy.com.