Many people believe that crate training a dog is a cruel method to use.
What most people don't realize is that crate training is a great way to train a dog with much faster results! Dogs growing up in the wild find small dens to sleep in.
The den is an area that provides safety and comfort for the pack.
For dogs living in a home, a crate can provide that feeling of safety and comfort, when used properly.
Here are some of the best ways to implement crate training into your housebreaking routine.
Remember, consistency is key.
Your dog may whine or howl when he goes into the crate.
Let's face it, it's his nature to always want to be with his pack (you).
But I assure you, many dogs grow to love their crate.
It provides them with their own space, a place to store toys and treats, to be alone, or to just take a nap.
While it's always easier to start when your dog is a puppy, that's not always possible.
Older dogs can still benefit from this form of training.
First, choose a crate that is the right size for your dog.
Your dog should be able to stand and turn around easily in it.
For puppies, many crates can be too large.
In that case, you can start with a smaller crate and then move up to a larger one when he gets bigger.
Next, leave the crate opened and let the dog get used to it.
Let him investigate it.
Put something comfortable in the bottom of it for him to sleep on.
Don't immediately lock him in.
The object is for the crate to be a comfortable place for your pet.
If taking a puppy home for the first time, the crate can be introduced fairly easily.
Never use the crate as a punishment.
The object is to get your dog to enjoy his crate.
Instead, give him praise for going in by himself.
You can try putting toys or treats into the crate to encourage him.
Let him try it out a few times with you in the room.
That way, he won't associate it with you leaving him alone.
Very young pups might not be ready to "hold it" all night, so be prepared to have to get up at night for a while.
Puppies should only be let out of the crate when supervised.
The puppy must go directly outside from the crate.
Don't give him the opportunity to eliminate on the floor.
Give him a lot of praise when he goes where and when he's supposed to.
In time, you and your dog will develop a routine.
Taking on the responsibilities of pet ownership is hard enough.
For working households, there are many more considerations.
Remember that puppies should have many opportunities to be let out of the crate to eliminate, to eat, and to play.
It is important, if you work, to find a way to let the puppy out during the day.
Try to work something out with a neighbor, friend, family member, or find a pet service.
Puppies should not be expected to hold it all day.
Their bladders may not be developed enough.
Some people choose to put their dog in an enclosure outside while they are away.
Be very careful during inclement weather! Dogs can overheat if temperatures get too hot.
Provide shelter, shade, and plenty of water.
Leaving a dog outside all day in freezing temperatures is cruel.
A dog house does not provide adequate shelter if temperatures get too low! As your dog gets older, consider closing off an area of the house for your dog to stay in.
Make sure he has something to do if he's going to be left all day.
He may get bored and chew.
Another alternative, if you have a fenced in yard, is a doggie door.
It allows your pet access to the outdoors as needed.
Bringing home a new pet is always an adjustment.
Be sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities to eliminate during the training process.
Slowly, you will develop a routine that works for you and your pet.
Have patience and enjoy your new dog!
What most people don't realize is that crate training is a great way to train a dog with much faster results! Dogs growing up in the wild find small dens to sleep in.
The den is an area that provides safety and comfort for the pack.
For dogs living in a home, a crate can provide that feeling of safety and comfort, when used properly.
Here are some of the best ways to implement crate training into your housebreaking routine.
Remember, consistency is key.
Your dog may whine or howl when he goes into the crate.
Let's face it, it's his nature to always want to be with his pack (you).
But I assure you, many dogs grow to love their crate.
It provides them with their own space, a place to store toys and treats, to be alone, or to just take a nap.
While it's always easier to start when your dog is a puppy, that's not always possible.
Older dogs can still benefit from this form of training.
First, choose a crate that is the right size for your dog.
Your dog should be able to stand and turn around easily in it.
For puppies, many crates can be too large.
In that case, you can start with a smaller crate and then move up to a larger one when he gets bigger.
Next, leave the crate opened and let the dog get used to it.
Let him investigate it.
Put something comfortable in the bottom of it for him to sleep on.
Don't immediately lock him in.
The object is for the crate to be a comfortable place for your pet.
If taking a puppy home for the first time, the crate can be introduced fairly easily.
Never use the crate as a punishment.
The object is to get your dog to enjoy his crate.
Instead, give him praise for going in by himself.
You can try putting toys or treats into the crate to encourage him.
Let him try it out a few times with you in the room.
That way, he won't associate it with you leaving him alone.
Very young pups might not be ready to "hold it" all night, so be prepared to have to get up at night for a while.
Puppies should only be let out of the crate when supervised.
The puppy must go directly outside from the crate.
Don't give him the opportunity to eliminate on the floor.
Give him a lot of praise when he goes where and when he's supposed to.
In time, you and your dog will develop a routine.
Taking on the responsibilities of pet ownership is hard enough.
For working households, there are many more considerations.
Remember that puppies should have many opportunities to be let out of the crate to eliminate, to eat, and to play.
It is important, if you work, to find a way to let the puppy out during the day.
Try to work something out with a neighbor, friend, family member, or find a pet service.
Puppies should not be expected to hold it all day.
Their bladders may not be developed enough.
Some people choose to put their dog in an enclosure outside while they are away.
Be very careful during inclement weather! Dogs can overheat if temperatures get too hot.
Provide shelter, shade, and plenty of water.
Leaving a dog outside all day in freezing temperatures is cruel.
A dog house does not provide adequate shelter if temperatures get too low! As your dog gets older, consider closing off an area of the house for your dog to stay in.
Make sure he has something to do if he's going to be left all day.
He may get bored and chew.
Another alternative, if you have a fenced in yard, is a doggie door.
It allows your pet access to the outdoors as needed.
Bringing home a new pet is always an adjustment.
Be sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities to eliminate during the training process.
Slowly, you will develop a routine that works for you and your pet.
Have patience and enjoy your new dog!