Crate Training a Dog

Are you one of the thousands of people that are wondering about the proper way to crate training a dog If so, you should know that you’re not alone! Crate training a dog is fairly easy; however, it does take some time and a bit of effort on your part. In the long run, it will be beneficial for both you and your dog for years to come. I guarantee it!

Crate training a dog is a valuable tool; it creates a safe place for your dog to relax, and it reduces anxiety for both owner and dog alike. Crate training can also be of great assistance when teaching your puppy to be house broken, to reduce barking, and to reduce destructive behavior.

As you begin crate training your dog, you should know that most dogs love their crates; they become like a second home to them. In the wild, dogs will dig a den to keep themselves safe and warm, and to have a place to sleep. They know that nothing can sneak up from behind them as they rest. Dogs that have a large area to roam without a small place to rest often become anxious while trying to guard it.

As long as the crate has water for your dog to drink, a comfortable place to sleep with a toy, then crate training a dog is perfectly humane and totally reasonable.

Crate Training a Dog in 6 Ways

1) When crate training a dog or puppy, make sure that the crate is the right size. It should be large enough for your dog to turn around and sleep in comfortably, but if it’s too large, then they might make a mess inside. This will help you house train your puppy as well.

2) When you first begin placing your dog in the crate, it’s best if you place it in a room near other people, this way it’s not all alone. Place a toy and water dish inside.

3) Start by placing your dog in the crate for short periods of time, perhaps an hour or two. When you go to bed for the evening, place the crate in the bedroom with you so that it knows you’re nearby. As long as you’re nearby and you’re there in the morning, then your puppy will learn quickly when it’s time for bed.

4) During the course of 4-6 weeks, you can slowly increase the amount of time up to a day’s work or a night’s sleep.

5) When you let your dog out of the crate, it’s a good idea to take them directly to the designated area for them to do their duty. When your dog finally answers natures call, give it lots of love and praise. They will learn to go from the crate, then to their area, and then on with the day! Dogs are creatures of habit, so make it a routine.

6) Try to realize that a puppy will want to be near you, and that their whining from inside the crate can sound much worse than it really is. Don’t let the dog out for this reason, this will teach them that if they whine and make a fuss, then you will let them out. Only after your puppy has been quiet for at least 5 minutes should you let them out – then give them praise and attention to reinforce the good behavior.

Ideally, the best time to start crate training a dog is when your dog is just a puppy. Older dogs can still be taught and the methods are the same; however, they will have a more difficult time adjusting to the smaller space, and they might become anxious. A puppy might also become agitated, but they generally settle in much quicker than older dogs do. When you crate train a dog properly, everybody’s safer and there’s a lot less stress.