In this article, we will discuss the best way to crate train a puppy. The most important thing you should keep in mind while crate training a puppy is to reward and praise the every time she does the right thing. The key to success is by establishing a routine that increases the likelihoods that your puppy will eliminate at the right place in your presence so that puppy can be praised and rewarded. Crate training a puppy uses the dog’s natural character to seek a safe den in which to sleep. When done according to guidelines the crate training is beneficial to the puppy and helps to decrease his or her stress.
Crating Philosophy:
A wild dog’s den is his home, it is a place to sleep, protect him from danger, and raise family members. Now the crate has an ideal spot to snooze during a thunderstorm for your dog.
Crating Caution:
A crate does not give any magical solution. If it is not correctly then your puppy may feel trapped and frustrated. So, you should not use the crate as a punishment. If your puppy feel it like a trap then he will come to fear and refuse to enter it.
Selecting the Right Crate:
There are various types of crates available at most pet supply stores or pet supply catalogs:
- Plastic (often called “flight kennels”)
- Collapsible, metal pens
- Fabric on a collapsible, rigid frame
It is very important to choose the crate which is big enough such that your puppy easily stands up and turn around in. For growing puppy, you need to pick the crate which can accommodate his adult size.
Best Way to Crate Train a Puppy:
1.) Introduce Your Dog to the Crate
You should place the crate where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Place a soft towel or blanket in the crate. Once your puppy gets in the crate close the door and let him explore his new home. Some puppies will be naturally curious to sleeping in the crate right away.
You need to encourage your puppy to enter the crate by putting some food treats nearby followed by the way inside the crate. If your fight to get out from the crate then this is quite normal as he does not have a habit of the crate. You should feed your dog in the crate only such that he will be used to. Once your puppy has started to enter the crate you can proceed to next step.
2.) Lengthen the Crating Periods
Steps to Follow to Crate Train a Puppy:
- Once your puppy starts eating his regular meals in the crate without any fear or anxiety, then you need to restrain him there for short time. Frequently call him over to the crate and do no forget to give him a treat.
- Use a command to convey that you are asking him to get in the crate like “kennel”. Always encourage him by pointing to the crate with a treat in your hand. After your puppy obeys your order give him the treat and close the door.
- Sit quietly near the crate for ten minutes and then move to other room for a few minutes. Then return and sit quietly again for a short time and free him from the crate. Keep on repeating the process by gradually decreasing time spend with the puppy near the crate and in increasing the length of time you leave him in the crate.
3.) Crate Your Dog When You Leave
Steps to Follow to Crate Train a Puppy:
- Once your puppy can spend about half an hour in the crate without becoming fear or anxious then you can leave him for short periods when you leave the house.
- Always try to put the puppy in the crate with the command and a treat. Put some safe toy in the crate when you leave the house. Make a routine to put your dog in the crate when you leave the house. You should only put him in the crate prior leaving the house.
- Do not make your departure for a long time and when you return praise your puppy and give him a treat for entering the crate, and then leave him quietly.
4.) Crate Your Dog at Night
Do remember to put your dog in the crate using your regular command with a treat. It will be the best idea to put the crate in the bedroom or nearby you can easily confront your puppy. Dogs often need to go outside to excrete during the night. The process is applicable for adult dogs too. Gradually move the crate at your prefer location once our dog is sleeping comfortably through the night.
