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Everything on Crate Training your Dog
If you have an older dog that was never housebroken, crate training your dog will greatly reduce the housetraining period.
To succeed, you will need to learn some easy crate training techniques.
You will also need to be patient, even more so than you would have been with a young puppy.
You may also use dog crate training techniques to treat behavioral problems, including separation anxiety.
But before we learn the specifics of crate training your dog, let's answer the following question...
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Why do Dogs Love Crates?
You may feel guilty about locking your dog up, but dogs don't think like us. If you use the crate correctly, your dog will actually enjoy the time he will spend inside his crate.
Surprised?
Just like wolves, dogs are den animals. Tight, enclosed spaces provide them with comfort and security. This is why you will often find your dog under a table, a chair, or anything that can surround him.
A dog crate can serve as your dog's bedroom, a refuge or a place for training. With so many applications, crate is the most valuable training tool at your disposal. And since dogs don't mind spending reasonable amount of time in a crate, crate training your dog will not be as difficult as you may think.
But what does this have to do with housebreaking a dog?
Glad you asked!
Like all den animals, dogs don't like to eliminate in close proximity to where they sleep. Crate training your dog will teach him to have bladder and bowel control.
A Crate
If you did not yet buy a crate, visit puppy crates to learn how to buy the right crate for your dog.
Before you begin crate training your dog, decide where you want to place the crate.
By nature, dogs are very social animals, so place the crate in an area where your family will spend the most amount of time. But don't place it in direct sun or next to an air vent.
Introducing Your Dog to His New Crate
Before you begin crate training your dog, allow him to explore his new crate.
To make it less stressful, put some of his favorite toys inside and keep the door open. You can also use food, instead of or in addition to toys.
Learn more about How to Crate Train your Dog
Be right next to him and offer words of encouragement and praise as he comes inside. Once he is inside, keep the door open.
At first, place the toys and/or food just inside the crate, near the door. As he becomes more comfortable, gradually move them deeper inside.
For now, just concentrate on making your dog feel secure inside his crate and don't force him.
Crate Training Your Dog
After your dog is comfortable entering his crate, it's time to start leaving him there with the crate door closed.
Put your dog in the crate and leave the room. If he is quiet, come back in five minutes and let him out. If he is crying or barking, let him calm down first.
When you come back to let him out, behave like nothing special is happening. Don't be excited or show that you feel sorry for him. Don't even praise him. If he jumps and tries licking you, ignore him.
If you express sorrow or offer encouragement to your dog when you let him out, in the future, he will want to get out just to get this attention.
Your goal is to make his exit from the crate as something uneventful, even boring. This way, there is no incentive to get out.
Initially, your dog may be confused by your indifference to his "suffering" and "happiness". But, in a few days, he will begin to accept it. Repeat this exercise four to six times per day.
As soon as you let him out, put on his leash and take him outside.
As your dog becomes accustomed to being left in a crate, gradually increase the time he is alone. However, unless it's nighttime, don't keep him confined in a crate for more than four hours at a time. For longer periods of time, consider a dog pen.
If you are considering crate training your dog and are looking for a good crate, you can't go wrong with
Designer Color Wire Homes from
Kennel Aire.
It comes in several sizes, is constructed of a quality material and comes in three colors: Blue, Green and Burgundy.
You can assemble it in minutes, without any tools. And if you are as handy as I am, this is very important!
If you need more help with crate training your dog, I highly recommend this house training guide. It has a very good section on crate training.
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