Crate training is among the dog training basics. A crate can be helpful both for you and the dog. The crate training may be performed at home, but you need to know how to deal with your pet.
Crate Advantages
Having a crate is like having a home for the puppy and this will make the housebreaking easier. Dogs instinctively keep the place they sleep and eat clean so they are less likely to relieve themselves in the crate or the neighboring area.
A crate may also prevent accidents while the puppy is young and you are away. If you cannot watch your dog 24/7 you should place him in the crate and this will make sure he won’t chew on furniture, cables or eat toxic foods.
Training the Dog to Stay in Crate
When left in the crate alone, puppies will most likely cry, whine, howl or bark and it is very difficult not to give in and take your dog out of the crate.
You have to make your pet accept that he is confined in the crate. Alternate a few hours (2 to 3) of crate with keeping the dog outside. Make sure to offer plenty of exercise when the dog is outside, so that he burns his energy.
After a few days, the dog will be less noisy when placed in the crate. During nighttime, the dog should stay in the crate.
Keep your puppy’s schedule regular and make sure he gets regular nap times and is fed at the same hours. When your pet is tired, place him in the crate to rest. He will soon learn that this is the place to retreat when tired.
You may also place treats inside the crate, so that the dog will find the crate more enjoyable.
Teaching Commands
Teaching commands to your puppy requires patience but in the end your dog will be cooperative.
When you want your dog to voluntarily go in the crate you can toss a treat in the crate and the dog will go after it. Use a verbal command such as Kennel or Crate and use this every time you want your dog inside the crate. The dog will associate the verbal command with the crate and the treat.
Crate Training Duration
The time needed to train your dog depends on the personality and the age of the dog. Typically, puppies will adapt faster. There are also certain dogs that are more stubborn and training them will take longer.
Adult Dog Crate Training
If your pet is an adult and is not used to being in a crate it is not too late to train him. Dogs can be trained at any age to use a crate. You will need more patience. Start by placing the food in the crate and make your dog hop in the crate whenever administering a treat. This will make the dog feel more at ease in the crate and he is likely to start enjoying the place.
Choosing a Crate
Get a large crate that is suitable to the size of your pet. It may be a plastic crate or steel wire.
Make the room enjoyable by placing a few comfy blankets, toys and pillows.