When your dog feels comfortable and secure in a crate, it will provide a tool for potty training and preventing destructive behavior when you’re not home.
When your dog is safe and causing no damage while you’re away can bring relief.
Here are the general steps for crate training a dog:
Select a crate:
Choose a crate that grows with your dog. The crate should be large enoughfor your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie comfortably. Makesure choose a crate just a few inches longer than your dog’s outstretched body. With a divider panel, you can change the size as your puppy grows, ensuring that your investment in the crate lasts long and provides a secure and comfortable space for your dog for years.
Make the crate a positive place:
Introduce the crate to your dog with the door open, leaving treats or toys inside to encourage exploration. Give your dog their meals inside the crate and praise them for going in and out. Use crate training aids like Kong filled with peanut butter or a special chew toy that your dog can only enjoy in the crate.
Introduce the crate gradually:
Allow your dog to explore it quickly. Encourage your dog to explore the crate by tossing treats or toys in. Be patient! It may take time for your dog to become comfortable with the crate.
Increase crate time gradually:
Start with short crate sessions and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable. Start with no more than 30 minutes at a time for puppies and gradually increase the time by 15-minute increments as your dog adjusts. It’s essential to leave your dog in the crate for only a short time as they can comfortably hold their bladder or bowels.
Crate training is a positive experience:
Use it as a safe and comfortable space for your dog. In fact your dog is doing good use treats when they enter the crate willingly. To sum up the positive nature of crate training. Never use the crate as a punishment.
Some additional tips for crate training success:
Location, location, location:
Place the crate in a quiet area of your home where your dog will feel safe and secure. Dogs are social animals, and placing the crate in a high-traffic area can cause stress. The noise and activity in a laundry room or garage can be unsettling for your dog.
Create a crate routine:
Dogs thrive on routine, and creating a consistent crate schedule is a key part of that. For this reason, crate your dog consistently throughout the day, especially after meals or before bedtime. This predictability will help your dog understand when to relax in the crate and when to be active.
Don’t give in to whining:
If your dog whines or barks when it is first crated, above all ignore it. Giving in to their whining will only teach them that whining gets them out of the crate.
Be patient:
Crate training can take time, be patient with your dog. Remember, your dog is learning a new routine, which may take some time to adjust. Patience and understanding are key to successful crate training.
Crate training should not replace exercise and socialization:
Take your dog out for exercise and socialization. This can include walks, playtime at the park, or even doggy playdates to ensure your dog gets the physical and social stimulation they need.
Create a den-like atmosphere by covering the crate with a blanket.
With patience and consistency, crate training can be a successful way to help your dog feel safe and secure.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The American Kennel Club: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101
- The Humane Society of the United States: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-crate-train-your-dog-in-9-easy-steps/
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