Dog Puppy Crate Training

Why do Dogs Love Crates?
Dogs are, by nature, den animals and feel secure in small, enclosed spaces. Most dogs will seek out a place in your home that will mimic a den. You will often find them sleeping under a table or desk. Dog crates make excellent dens and can serve as a refuge, a hangout and a bedroom. It is very important that the dog crate is never used as punishment - the crate must always be regarded as a safe and special retreat.

The most common misconception about a dog crate is that it is a cruel form of caging a pet. This is completely false, and in fact, a dog will actually find a crate to be a secure and safe sanctuary in the same manner as a wolf enjoys the comfort of a den for resting and eating.

Why do Dog Owners Love Crates?
Next to the training collar and leash, the dog crate is the proven training tool most recommended by professional dog trainers, groomers and veterinarians. Once accustomed to the dog crate, unfavorable behaviors such as house soiling, destructive chewing, digging, unnecessary barking, and howling can be avoided. Crate training is also an ideal system to help ease separation anxiety. Since the dog's habits will be much easier to regulate by using the dog crate, discipline for misbehavior will be less necessary which will allow a stronger dog and owner relationship. Crate-trained dogs travel easier in their "den" since they feel secure. This sense of security is also helpful if a dog needs to stay at the veterinarian or groomer since the dog is already accustomed to being crated.

And, compared to the cost of replacing furniture, plants, carpet, and other personal items that may be destroyed when a dog is allowed to roam a household unsupervised, the expense of a crate is very economical.

How Can a Crate be Used to Avoid Accidents?
Crate training is proven to be the fastest, most cost effective method of instilling "good dog" behavior. A dog's natural instinct is to keep the area in which she rests as clean as possible. Most dogs are very resistant to being near their own waste and therefore will make an extra effort to control their own elimination when confined to a crate. By the owner encouraging elimination in the proper place immediately after a dog is released from the crate, the pet quickly learns when and where to "take care of business." This is a proven method of house training recommended by nationally known trainers.

How Can a Crate be Used to Solve Other Behavioral Problems?
Most behavior problems such as destructive chewing are due to the boredom of an unsupervised dog. If allowed to continue the behavior, it quickly becomes a habit that is difficult to change. Dogs naturally want to please their owners and receive praise and love in return. If the dog knows exactly what is expected of her, she will gladly behave accordingly to benefit from it and be rewarded. By using a crate during the owner's short-term absences, the dog is simply not able to misbehave. Instead she will rest quietly in her crate. Dogs generally sleep 90% of the time the owners are away. It's the other 10% that so many things can go wrong. By crating the dog, you are essentially only asking for a small amount of change to the dog's natural schedule.

When Can You Start Using a Crate?
Immediately! The sooner the better, no matter what age your dog may be. Ideally, a puppy should be introduced to a crate at an early age. In fact, many reputable breeders will already have a puppy familiar with a crate before the puppy is introduced to a new home, which makes that transition much easier for both the dog and new owner. But a dog at any age can be introduced to crate training. Older dogs may view the crate as punishment in the beginning and may need extra encouragement and slower graduated confinement times. Start your training when you are able to be home with your dog.

Introducing Your Dog to Her Crate.
Allow your dog to explore the crate on her own. You can toss some of her favorite toys or treats inside and show interest in the crate to encourage her curiosity. Leave the door open during the introduction period. NEVER force your dog into her crate and ALWAYS praise her anytime she enters on her own.

Soon your dog will enter and exit the crate willingly. At that time you should close the door for a few seconds or a minute and remain close to the crate praising her while she is inside. Then, let your dog out in a calm and quiet manor, not making a big deal of it. You do not want the exit of the crate to be an excitable moment. This will make your dog want out of her crate rather than enjoying the time inside. If she barks or cries while inside her crate, reassure her and wait for her to settle down before allowing her out of the crate. You do not want her to associate negative behavior with being released from the crate.

Gradually you can extend the amount of time the dog is left in a crate. Your first few absences should be less than 30 minutes. Keep your departures and arrivals low-key. Continue to crate your dog for a few minutes each day when you are home, so that crating does not always predict that you are leaving. Within a few attempts over two or three days most dogs will enter the crate willingly and quietly settle down for a nap. It is natural for your pet to bark or cry when getting used to her new den.

Some owners like to feed their dog in the crate, although the bowl should be removed as soon as the dog finishes eating so that it is not in her way. Sometimes this will help gain the dogs trust with a crate. Remember that puppies will need to eliminate immediately after a meal and adult dogs will need to eliminate within 30 minutes. Once the puppy or dog no longer has a habit of chewing, a washable blanket or some other form of bedding can be put in the bottom of the crate for additional comfort.

It is very important that the convenience of a crate not be abused. Every dog needs plenty of exercise and should be allowed the opportunity to socialize daily with her human family.