Bringing a new puppy into your home is an incredible experience. Crate training can make it a lot easier for you and your new
furry family member.
Who doesn’t love those soft puppy eyes and sweet puppy breath?! It’s part of what makes a puppy adorable and irresistible. But, you’re going to need a lot more than that to survive puppyhood training!
While some dog owners view crate training as a form of punishment, it’s actually a valuable training tool. Dens have long been a part of life for the dogs in the wild offering safety and shelter. The modern-day crate should recreate this natural and instinctive experience.
The “secret” of crate training is to never use a crate negatively or as a form of punishment or as a long-term babysitter.
Creating a “Safe Place” for Your Puppy
Always use the crate positively, even if it’s for a time-out. Never force your puppy to accept the crate or rush your puppy inside against his will. By keeping the entire experience positive, your puppy will learn to accept and appreciate his crate as his own special and safe place.
Follow the 5 steps below when crate training:
1. Line the crate with your puppy’s blankets and toys (preferably with his own scent) and allow him to freely explore the crate on his own first without closing the door.
2. If your puppy seems shy or skittish about the crate, place his favorite toy or treat inside to encourage him to enter and leave the crate (again, on his own).
3. Always be patient and upbeat around the crate, but not overly excited.
4. Offer praise as your dog becomes comfortable around and inside the crate.
5. Slowly build up the length of time you leave them alone in the crate with the door closed only after the puppy is completely comfortable in the crate.
By slowly and patiently taking your time to properly crate train your puppy it will pay off in huge dividends throughout their life. Undoing a negative experience with the crate will be much harder, so focus on doing it right the first time. Not sure how to proceed? Bring in a professional to help you. (We can help!)
6 Benefits of Crate Training
Proper crate training helps with:
1. Potty-training (dogs will not typically soil where they sleep)
2. Time-outs for both your puppy and yourself before anxiety and overwhelm set in
3. Preventing K9 anxiety (a smaller and familiar place is easier for a puppy or even new dog to deal with than a large house)
4. Keeping puppy (and your home) safe during the night
5. Transporting (keeps both your puppy and you safe during car rides)
6. Teaching (without negative punishment)
Choosing the Perfect Size Crate
When choosing a crate, size does matter.
1. A crate that is too small will be uncomfortable for your dog.
2. A crate that is too large may allow for accidents without soiling his bedding.
When choosing your dog crate, make sure it is:
· Well-ventilated, offers unobstructed visibility and breaks down easily.
· Large enough for your puppy to stand up, lie down and turn around.
· Size-appropriate for your puppy’s full-grown size. If necessary, use a divider to make the crate smaller and then increasingly larger as your puppy grows.
Brought a new puppy into your home?
We want to help with all your puppy needs!
(Serving the Chandler, AZ area)
Puppy Classes ~ Puppy Socialization
Puppy House Training ~ Crate Training
Private In-Home Training ~ Dog Sitting
Family Style Boarding
or call us directly at 480-382-0144.
Learn More with These Great Resources:
1. How to Crate Train a Puppy
www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-crate-train-a-puppy/
2. Puppy Crate Training Made Easy
www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/lifecycle/puppies/Puppy-crate-training-made-easy
3. Crate Training for Puppies and Dogs
www.petmd.com/dog/puppycenter/potty-training/evr_dg_crate_training_for_puppies
4. Crate Training 101
www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101
5. How to Stop Your Puppy from Crying In Its Crate
www.caninejournal.com/puppy-crying-in-crate/
