How To Crate Train My Dog

Whether you bring home a puppy or adopt an adult dog, crate training can be successful though it will take time, but it is well worth the effort. A secure and safe place is a must for your puppy or dog. That is true even if your puppy or dog lives outside, but for those who want to keep their dog inside the house, the crate is the safest place for your pet. For your pet, it helps to provide a peaceful place to live when you are not around. It is also a place for him to get away from the stress and worries of life.

You should keep in mind that crate selection requires a little more thought. Though all dog crates are basically the same, but don’t just pick the first crate you see in the store. Make room for your dog’s future needs, and only buy a crate large enough for the dog that you will need.

Ideally, crates should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay comfortably but not too big. If you allow your dog to stretch out in his crate too much, he’ll use one end as a potty and the other as his bed.

It’s important to pick a crate that will fit your dog when he’s full grown as an adult dog. Don’t purchase a crate that’s too small as this will restraint his movement in the crate when he grows bigger.

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Prices for dog crates can range from $20 for a plastic crate to $60 for a wire crate and many others model. A durable dog crate can cost $150-$200, but you can get a crate of your choice for $100 or less.

Many people believe crates are only used for potty training but that is not really true. Any dog, regardless of size, age or breed can be crate trained. This is a very important fact to remember, since you want your dog to be relaxed when you are away and to be obedience and well behave while you are at home.

You would want your dog to view his crate as a place that is secure and comfortable by putting his familiar items or favorite toys in it and letting him going in to the crate cheerfully. Never use the crate as a punishment. Limit the amount of time your dog is inside the crate. It should be only a few minutes at a time.

To begin your puppy crate training, you need to be outside of the crate with your puppy. It’s important for your puppy not to go to an area where he is going to feel isolated or punished. Make sure that you place the crate in a family area, so that your puppy doesn’t feel lonely or isolated. This is why I do not recommend using a crate to punish your puppy.

You will also have to plan where to place the crate when you are not around at home. A bedroom is often a good choice. At night, most puppies will sleep throughout the night. Make sure you choose a space where he can sleep without being bothered by the activity going on in the room.

You can also keep a toy in the crate that your puppy can ‘play’ with, or chew. This way, your puppy will have the scent on the toy, and will feel comfortable going into the crate. Don’t put a food reward as that could get your puppy to start going into the crate expecting to get a food reward.

Remember, your dog should be naturally calming when he gets into the crate. If he is whining or barking while in the crate, ignore him for a few minutes. By ignoring him, he may think barking will not get your attention and will stop this action.

After he’s become accustomed being inside the crate, leave him in it for a few minutes and then let him out. Remember, it will take some time for your puppy to be relaxed and get used to going into his crate.

One important thing to remember is to let your puppy out of the crate immediately when he wakes up in the morning. Give your puppy a chance to eliminate outside. Keep the crate door wide open when your puppy is learning.

If you’re patient and work consistently to teach your dog when he should be in the crate and when he should be let out, he will be crate trained easily and quickly. Your puppy will associate the crate with something positive. He will go into the crate at your command, even when you’re not around.

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House training can be time consuming. You need to be patient and give your dog enough time to learn what you want him to learn. Remember that your puppy is young and needs lots of your time to learn.