For what its worth, I think knowing how to crate train your puppy is almost an insurance policy against future stress and anxiety. For your puppy and you, the owner. The sooner you get your puppy used to a crate the better. The longer you leave it the worse/harder it gets.
Many people feel sorry for young puppies, especially when they look up at with those “Puppy Dog Eyes”. Sometimes you just have to be cruel to be kind. That said though, if you start early enough and do it correctly, it shouldn’t be stressful at all. Trust me on this one, I know from experience.
In the wild dogs find comfort in dens – as a place to shelter from storms, a safe, warm place for new puppies to be born and a snuggly place to sleep.
Crate training harnesses this natural instinct. When used properly crate cages not only provide a haven for your puppy but assist in toilet training and reduce separation anxiety.
Benefits of Crate Training Your Puppy
There are many benefits to knowing how to crate train your puppy. We have mentioned elsewhere on this site that a well-trained puppy grows into a well balanced, happier, calmer and better-behaved dog. That alone is a good enough reason, don’t you think?
And if you think putting a dog in a crate is cruel and inhuman. Harden up!
It’s not about you. It’s about what is best for the dog.
And if that is not good enough reason, you don’t deserve to own a dog. Take it back or find someone who can care for it in a loving and caring way. I’m SERIOUS!
Moving on. The benefits of crate training a puppy include;
- Dogs are naturally clean animals, that do not like to dirty their beds. As a crate serves as a snuggly sleep area for your puppy it is an excellent tool for toilet training. Make sure you give your puppy an opportunity to toilet before and after crating.
- Provides a safe haven. This means a safe place for your puppy to prevent them getting into mischief while you are out and a place to retreat to when they feel like they need a break.
- Having a dog that already has positive feelings towards a crate is perfect if the need to travel arises or if an injury or surgery requires them to be confined.
How to Crate Train Your Puppy
Step 1: The Introduction
Set up the crate in the room where you will spend most of the day, such as the lounge. Line the crate with newspaper and bedding. Sheepskin is a great option – this fiber is insulating and warm but draws moisture away from the surface if your pup has an accident.
Allow your pet to inspect the crate in their own time as you carry on activities around them. If your puppy approaches the crate give them plenty of praise, treats, and pats.
As your puppy becomes confident around the crate encourage them to enter by placing treats or their favorite toy inside. As your puppy enters use a command such as “crate” or “bed”.
Do not just shove the puppy into the crate, close the door and walk away. That is the worst possible thing you can do. A mistake you may never recover completely.
Step 2: Making The Den
Once your puppy is happy entering the crate in their own time you can begin using it to confine them. Encourage your puppy to enter the crate using the chosen command with plenty of praise, pats and treats.
Once your puppy enters the crate sit next to them with the door closed continuing to praise them. Initially keep your puppy confined for a 5-minute interval, then withdraw from sight for a few minutes. Once you return, sit next to the crate for a few minutes. When your puppy is calm let them out of the crate and offer praise.
Gradually increase the time your puppy is in the crate with you out of sight.
This process can take days, or weeks depending on your puppy’s temperament. As they build confidence and are happy with you out of sight for 30 minutes you can begin leaving them confined overnight or during short trips out.
Top Crate Tips
- Keep your return to your puppy low-key. Rather than let him out while he is super excited, wait until he is calm.
- Crate your pup while you are home and in the room. This helps your puppy associates his crate with company, as well as quiet.
- Never use the crate as a punishment – this should be a safe, positive place for your pet.
- When using the crate with young puppies remember they will need to be let out overnight for toileting.
Knowing how to crate train your puppy is a great skill to have that provides your puppy with comfort and safety while assisting you in their training.
You may also be interested in these articles;
Best Way To Train A Puppy
Although time-consuming, puppy obedience training is one of the most important and rewarding parts of dog ownership. With this in mind, there are simple steps you can take to make the most of the time spent training your puppy and maximize their retention.
Continue reading: Best Way To Train A Puppy
8 Step Guide on How to Crate Train a Dog
If you want a well-mannered dog that doesn’t destroy stuff and goes to the toilet outdoors, you first have to establish yourself as the pack leader and secondly, learn how to crate train a dog. Because dogs are born trained, and just like children, you have to teach and train your dog. Among countless other things, crate training is one of the most important things you should train your dog for.
Continue reading: 8 Step Guide on How to Crate Train a Dog