Crate Training Dog

Dog Crate Training

First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. You can watch your dog from a distance to see how long it takes them to calm down and get used to the crate. Remember this is for training so if he begins to act up you should not let him out. Instead, let him settle down first then let him leave after awhile. Do this exercise for a couple of days until he has learned to enter the crate and leave it on his own.

Many people protest against crate training a dog because, according to them, it is similar to solitary confinement. However, with the benefits mentioned below and other benefits not listed in this article, may help you to conclude that crate training could benefit both owner and his dog.

People who take the right approach to crate training puppies will help their dog or puppy realize it to be a safe place for them to rest and not something to fear.

This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. Dens are what dogs naturally seek for in a home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.

Why You Should Use a Crate

a) For occasions when the dog cannot run around freely, placing them in a crate will be a good choice for controlling their movements.

b) Dogs will begin to feel secure inside the crate and appreciate the safety zone it provides when they are in an unfamiliar place.

c) They would have a place for solace when they wanted to rest or when feeling under stressed where no one could bother them.

d) A crate could also be used to limit dogs with problem behaviors.

e) Puppies respond well to crate training as a way to teach them potty training skills and what not to chew on or to not bite people.

f) If your dog has separation anxieties, once they become familiar with their crate they will be able to calm down better.

g) It could secure the dog whenever the owner has to bring him outside.

h) Dogs feel safe and secure inside their own familiar crate.

i) Crates could enhance training by giving the dog a better sense of direction for routine activities.

Size of the Crate

The crate should be large enough to accommodate the dog on all fours, to let him lie down comfortably and to give him enough space to turn around without hitting the walls. However, if you also intend to use the crate for travel, the crate should be larger than the regular above mentioned size.

However, when a crate is used for just training purposes, they do not need to be so large that the dog can move around in it and maybe do something undesirable inside it.

How to introduce the crate to the dog

The best time to introduce the crate to a dog is when you feel that they are ready for it. After you purchase the right crate for your dog you will need to put it someplace in the home where they will see it often. Let him explore his crate first for the first week with the door removed.

If he does not show any sign of interest, try leaving some of his favorite treats inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This will condition his mind that the crate is for him and he can safely go inside it without fearing any harm.