Crate Training Puppies Can Be Easy To Do
Crate Training a Puppy refers to the process of conditioning a puppy or dog to remain quietly and comfortably in a plastic or metal dog crate. There are significant advantages to applying crate training early in the puppy’s life, so that it becomes an inconsequential, totally neutral, and “normal” part of the growing pup’s daily life in the home.
When properly introduced and positively trained, the puppy crate becomes a much welcome respite for the puppy from the over-stimulating big wide world and a place to call its own away from people and other animals.
Should your dog need to spend the night away from home at the vet clinic or in a boarding facility, understand that in all likelihood your dog will be expected to remain quietly in a clinic cage or kennel crate.
If you don’t train your puppy early on to feel comfortable and safe in its crate, you will be setting your dog up for the unnecessary stress and trauma of finding itself away from home and in a strange and unfamiliar enclosure.
Should something happen to you or your home (ie, fire or flood) that requires your dog to be removed from your house and boarded elsewhere, having its own familiar “den” that goes with your dog to the new destination is eminently comforting in the midst of possible stress and upset.
Also consider the possibility that your dog may become injured or have surgery that demands “bed rest” and restricted physical activity. If yours is a high energy, high drive dog, you’ll thank your lucky stars that you introduced crate training early on so that your dog is at ease, resting quietly and quickly recuperating, in the safety of its crate.
How Do You Train Your Puppy to Use Crate?
You have to be very careful while first introducing the kennel to your dog. Following some simple steps will make the experience enjoyable to your puppy.
◊ Never use force while trying to get your pet to use the crate. Always talk to him in a comforting tone and try to tempt him into it with little treats.
◊ Never use this as a punishment – the puppy shouldn’t come to fear the crate in any way.
◊ Place your pet’s favorite things inside his kennel – soft toys, towels and blankets.
◊ Many crates have a detachable door. You may want to fix the door till the pup has been trained. You can remove the door once he’s trained to use the crate.
◊ It is better to purchase a crate that’s just right for your pet’s size. You can even buy a larger crate and then insert a compartment into it, to make it smaller for his present size.
◊ In case your pup is under 3 months old, he will have no bladder control. So it is advisable to leave a stack of newspapers on one end of the crate, just in case he’s in a hurry to ease himself.
◊ In case the pup creates a mess in the crate, do not punish him for it. Dogs care a lot about cleanliness, so he probably couldn’t help himself.
◊ Place the crate in a room where you can always keep an eye on your pet. Don’t leave him alone in dark, empty rooms. Create a comfortable environment for your pet.
◊ Once he starts to like his kennel, you can think of leaving him alone in there for short periods of time. Afterwards, your dog will naturally get used to the idea of being alone for longer periods of time.
◊ Do not let your children disturb the dog when he is in his crate. He’s definitely not going to like the intrusion into his privacy!
◊ It is best not to use the crate if your pup is under 8 weeks old, is ill, feels lonely or displays severe separation anxiety symptoms. It is also best to avoid using crates when the weather is too warm and stuffy.
Showering a lot of love on your pet is vital for his well-being. Playing by some simple pet care rules will ensure a great relationship between you and your precious little pup!
Why Crate Train Your Puppy
There are many reasons why puppy crate or dog kennel training should be at the forefront of training your puppy or dog. While there are those who claim that use of a crate to contain their dog is “cruel,” these folks are unfortunately ill-informed about fundamental canine development and behaviors, not the least of which is the denning characteristic of all canids.
Failing to provide a safe and secure retreat for a tired or over-stimulated puppy or dog, crate or otherwise, might be the real lapse of kind, responsible, and humane stewardship.
The desire to have a safe, secure, and quiet place to retire and sleep is a biological imperative in all mammals.
When properly introduced and positively trained, the your dog’s plastic crate, or metal crate or even a portable crate becomes a much welcome respite for the puppy from the over-stimulating world at large, a quiet and peaceful comfort zone to call its very own away from people and other animals.
To teach your puppy to go in the crate, throughout the day put pieces of dog food or treats inside the crate. You can try keeping the dog food in front or inside the crate as well. Every time the puppy enters the crate, praise him. You should not force the puppy into the crate, because then he will become stressed and see it as a punishment.
Many people who crate their dogs do so while taking the dog with them in the car as well. This is safe for the owner and the dog. It keeps the dog still stationary so it cannot get hurt from falling in the car and getting too excited. It keeps the driver from becoming distracted by the dog running around the car.
You do not have to use crate forever. You can use it until the dog has learned to not be housebroken while you are gone. You should always keep the puppy in the crate for as short a time as possible. A recommended guide to follow is:
- 9-10 weeks old puppy, 30-60 minutes
- 11-14 weeks old, 1-3 hours
- 15-16 weeks old, 3-4 hours
- Older than 17 weeks, 4-5 hours
The main purpose of crate training puppies is to teach your young dog to accept and treat their crate as their home. They will learn to feel safe and secure in the crate and they can also be safely transported when needed. Crate training puppies is mainly done as a method of house-training.
You can use the crate while playing with the dog and also while feeding so they will associate it with fun and enjoyable things while crate training puppies, all this will help the dog feel less afraid or stressed with the feeling of being locked up, eventually when they get used to it they will be able to stay in the crate for longer periods of time and also sleep in the crate without a problem. This is great if your dog is causing a lot of damage around the house when left alone. It is also important during crate training to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere, your pet will find it easier to adapt and feel safe and secure without being forced to do something and they will accept the crate easier.
Crate training puppies is quite similar to potty training and it is one of the ultimate methods used to help your pet develop good behavior from the very start. This is when dogs generally learn to have their own space in the house especially when they want quiet time or nap.
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