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Easy Puppy Crate Training Techniques
No other training will eliminate as many unwelcome dog behaviors as puppy crate training. But to get the most
out it, you need to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and concentrate on techniques that work.
Crate training will take some time and effort but believe me, it's time well spent.
Because young puppies learn much quicker than older dogs, start training when your puppy is eight weeks old.
I Just Got a Crate. Now What?
Before you begin puppy crate training, decide where you want to place the crate.
Avoid direct sun and air vents but because dogs are highly social animals, any area where your family will spend the most time is a good choice.
To cut down on housetraining time even more, move the crate to your bedroom at night. It will give your puppy a sense of security and, if you are really dedicated, allow you to react quickly if he needs to eliminate. For convenience, and if your budget allows, get a second crate just for the bedroom.
Introducing Your Puppy to His New Crate
As you begin puppy crate training, your first goal is to make your puppy feel comfortably around his crate.
Bring your puppy to his new crate and allow him to explore it. To make it less stressful, put some of his favorite toys inside and keep the crate door open. Be right next to him and offer words of encouragement and praise as he comes inside.
To make your pet more comfortable, consider adding some padding to a crate.
I used to line Bo's crate with Cratewear Pet Dreams
3-Piece Complete Crate Bed Set.
It's machine washable and includes…
- A mattress (for comfort)
- Padded bumper (to prevent an injury)
- Crate cover (for a sense of security)
Oh, it also includes a crate training brochure endorsed by top veterinarians and trainers!
Another technique you can use to help your puppy adjust to his new crate quicker is to offer him food and water inside the crate.
Initially, place the bowls just inside the crate, near the door. As he becomes more comfortable, gradually move them deeper inside.
For now, you are just trying to make your puppy feel comfortably inside the crate, so don't force him.
Almost There…
When your puppy becomes comfortable around the crate, you are ready to begin puppy crate training. Here are some tips before we continue…
- Remove the leash before you lock your puppy inside his crate
- Never use a crate for punishment
- Start slowly, with five-minute sessions and gradually increase the time
Puppy Crate Training
Put your puppy inside his crate, close the crate door and leave the room.
Come back in five munutes and let him out, but only if he is quiet. If he is barking or crying, let him calm down before you return and let him out.
When you come back to let him out, behave like nothing special is happening. Don't show any excitement or that you feel sorry for him. Don't even praise him. If he jumps and tries to lick you, ignore him.
Are you confused? Let me explain...
If you express sorrow or offer encouragement, your puppy will associate your actions with him exiting the crate. He will think that your actions are in response to his barking and crying. In a way, you would be encouraging his future tantrums. This is not what you want to achieve.
Your goal is to make his exit from the crate as uneventful as possible.
Initially, your puppy will 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 your puppy becomes accustomed to being left in a crate, gradually increase the time he is alone. But unless it's nighttime, don't leave him there for more than four hours at a time. If you need to confine your puppy for a longer period of time, consider dog pen.
Just one more thing before we finish our puppy crate training discussion…
Remember I mentioned in crate training that dogs don't like to eliminate when confined to a small area?
But just because your puppy did not eliminate while inside the crate, it doesn't mean that he will not eliminate when you let him out. As soon as you let him out, put on his leash and take him outside.
That's all there is to puppy crate training. Visit puppy crates to learn about different types of dog crates.
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