Simple Ideas for Crate Training Your Dog
A dog crate is used for many different purposes - a lot of the time they are chosen as a means of transporting a dog, for use as a bed at home or even for house training a young puppy.
Many people are opposed to the use of crates, though dogs don't see them in quite the same way.
When used correctly, a dog crate should offer a comfortable place of refuge that makes your dog feel secure and at home.
The most important rule to remember is that a dog crate should always be a positive thing to use - don't ever use it as a means of punishment as that will defeat the purpose.
If you're to be successful with crate training a dog then they need to be happy to be inside.
Other than this, you should never force your dog into their crate - introduce it to them gradually so they can learn to go inside whenever they feel like it.
Before you start crate training your dog, it is important to first get the right crate.
For most purposes, your dog should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around while inside.
If you are using a crate as a bed you might want one that is slightly larger.
Sometimes the best option might be a wire crate that allows you to adjust the size as your puppy grows.
To start crate training your dog, you should place the crate in a place where you can spend a lot of time and can watch your dog.
Leave the door open and allow your dog to check it out at their own pace.
Try placing a few treats nearby or inside to let your dog know it is nothing to be feared.
Also put a bed inside the crate to allow your dog to get comfortable spending longer amounts of time inside the crate.
It can also be a good idea to feed your dog their meals in or outside the crate - dogs will always form a positive association with the help of food! In more time you can extend the amount of time you leave your dog inside and eventually you can shut the door on them.
If your dog ever starts crying, you should not let them out of the crate.
Doing so will reward such behavior and teach them that they only need to cry to be let out.
If you're having trouble with this, try leaving your dog in their crate for shorter periods before gradually extending them.
In future, you may also try teaching your dog the crate command to have your dog fully crate trained and ready to go inside whenever you need them to.
Many people are opposed to the use of crates, though dogs don't see them in quite the same way.
When used correctly, a dog crate should offer a comfortable place of refuge that makes your dog feel secure and at home.
The most important rule to remember is that a dog crate should always be a positive thing to use - don't ever use it as a means of punishment as that will defeat the purpose.
If you're to be successful with crate training a dog then they need to be happy to be inside.
Other than this, you should never force your dog into their crate - introduce it to them gradually so they can learn to go inside whenever they feel like it.
Before you start crate training your dog, it is important to first get the right crate.
For most purposes, your dog should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around while inside.
If you are using a crate as a bed you might want one that is slightly larger.
Sometimes the best option might be a wire crate that allows you to adjust the size as your puppy grows.
To start crate training your dog, you should place the crate in a place where you can spend a lot of time and can watch your dog.
Leave the door open and allow your dog to check it out at their own pace.
Try placing a few treats nearby or inside to let your dog know it is nothing to be feared.
Also put a bed inside the crate to allow your dog to get comfortable spending longer amounts of time inside the crate.
It can also be a good idea to feed your dog their meals in or outside the crate - dogs will always form a positive association with the help of food! In more time you can extend the amount of time you leave your dog inside and eventually you can shut the door on them.
If your dog ever starts crying, you should not let them out of the crate.
Doing so will reward such behavior and teach them that they only need to cry to be let out.
If you're having trouble with this, try leaving your dog in their crate for shorter periods before gradually extending them.
In future, you may also try teaching your dog the crate command to have your dog fully crate trained and ready to go inside whenever you need them to.
