Puppy Training Home > Crate Training
Introduction to Puppy Crate Training
It's well known that crate training is the fastest method for housebreaking a puppy. But there is more...
In addition to house training, you can use a dog crate to treat separation anxiety and other destructive behaviors.
When done correctly, crates training benefits both your dog and you. It will create a much happier household for all family members.
I'll show what behaviors you can modify with the help of training crates and what types of crates are available in a moment but first, let's answer one very important question...
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Isn't Crate Training Cruel?
You may feel guilty about locking your puppy up, but dogs don't think like us.
Let me explain…
Just like wolves, dogs are den animals. Tight, enclosed spaces provide them with comfort and security. This is why you will often find your puppy under a table, a chair, or anything that can surround him. Blame it on the genes!
A dog crate can serve as your puppy's bedroom, a refuge or a place for training. And since dogs don't mind spending reasonable amount of time in a crate, training a puppy will not be as difficult as you may think.
Here is a short introduction to crate training...
Learn more about How to Introduce your Puppy to his Crate
Types of Dog Crates
The two most popular types of crates on the market today are wire crates and plastic or, as they are also called, airline crates.
A Wire Crate
In my opinion, a wire crate is better suited for crate training because it…
- Provides better visibility to your puppy
- Provides better ventilation
- Is easier to clean
Here is an example of a wire crate: a
Designer Color Wire Homes from
Kennel Aire.
It's a see-through crate made out of thick wire that you can assemble in minutes, without any tools.
An Airline Crate
Airline crates are fully enclosed and are made out of durable plastic. If you need to transport your puppy by plane, use this type of crate.
Here is a
Portable Kennel from
Petmate.
It's easy to assemble and comes in many sizes and colors.
Best of all, it meets airline regulations for domestic and international pet travel.
One advantage that an airline crate has over a wire crate, other than ability to transport puppies by plane, is that it provides a better sense of security to your puppy.
If you would like to learn more about various types of crates, including some I did not mention here, check puppy crates page. I'll also show you…
- What to look for before you buy a crate
- Why the size of the crate is so important
I'll even show how you can save money when you buy a crate for a large breed puppy.
Crate Training Can Reduce...
Accidents during Housetraining
Unless your puppy has no choice, he will not eliminate near an area where he eats or sleeps. Use this fact to your advantage when house training puppy .
Of course, after you release your puppy from a crate, put on his dog collar and leash and take him to his usual place for "business".
In addition to puppy potty training, you can also use a crate for housebreaking a dog that was never housebroken as a young puppy.
This house training eBook is probably the best source of information on house training, and it covers crate training in great detail.
I strongly recommend it.
Separation Anxiety
Many puppies suffer from separation anxiety when left home alone. A usually well-behaved puppy can suddenly become destructive. Needless to say, this can be a very costly behavior.
Crate training a puppy will help you to get rid of this behavior.
Check dog separation anxiety page for more tips and suggestions on curing this behavioral problem.
Please visit puppy crate training for more information on crate training. I'll show you how to…
- Shorten the training time
- Make your puppy enjoy his time in a crate
- Use a crate to minimize the damage to your household
Another good source of information on crates and training is this puppy training guide. It not only shows how to crate train your puppy (or an adult dog), but it's also the most complete guide for behavior and obedience training you'll find anywhere. I've used it myself and ended up very impressed with the quality of the material.
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