Useful Crate Training Tips and Tricks
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Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to stay in a dog crate, which is basically a wooden, plastic or wire kennel. Some dog owners consider this inhumane when it’s actually quite the opposite, most dogs actually enjoy being in the crate.
The crate simulates the den environment of a wolf, so not only is crate training humane, it actually draws on natural canine behavior.
Start crate training from the very first night you bring your puppy home. By this time, you should have already bought the crate. Buy one that is suitable for your dog’s fully-grown size, but make sure that is has a panel that allows you to adjust the space as the pup grows. Start by setting the panel so the dog has enough space to turn around, but not much else.
Don’t put a blanket and pillow in the crate, rather use a soft towel which is better at absorbing any spills.If you got your pup from a breeder, ask if he has a strip of bedding which has her mother’s scent on it. The scent will help to pup relax and settle in quicker.
When placing the crate, put it in an area that get’s lots of human traffic. Dogs love interaction with others, so don’t make the mistake of isolating your puppy.
At night you should put the crate in your bedroom – at least in the early weeks. The puppy will kick up a fuss at first. This is only to be expected, as she’ll be frightened by her new surroundings and most likely missing her mom and littermates.
Don’t pander to every cry though, or you will be up half the night once she figures out that you come running every time she cries.
Before you know it she’ll be quite happy to sleep in her crate. As she settles into the household you can start thinking about moving her out of your bedroom at night. She won’t like this at first and won’t be afraid to let you know it, but hang tough and she’ll soon accept the new situation.
Soon the crate will be her favorite spot in to whole house, and you’ll find it’s where she prefers sleeping.
An often overlooked benefit of crate training is that it makes house training a breeze. Dogs are, by nature, clean animals, so if your puppy needs to go while she’s in the crate she’ll learn to keep it in.
Remember though that a puppy does not have the control of an adult dog, so give her regular toilet breaks every hour or so.
If she starts making a fuss and wanting to go out, get her outdoors right away. Give lots of praise when she relieves herself outside and your potty training will be much easier.
Find out more about crate training puppies, dog care, puppy care and other helpful dog info at www.dogsanddogtraining.com
