Crate Training Tips

Crate training is a great tool for housebreaking a puppy. A dog crate can also provide a safe haven for your puppy long after it becomes an adult. If you plan on using a crate to train a puppy, it's vital that you take the time to properly introduce the pup to the crate.

Choose The Right Size

Ensuring that you puppy easily gets used to its crate starts with choosing a crate that's the right size. Crates should be large enough for a puppy to lie down and turn around in comfortably. A crate too small will be uncomfortable. A crate too big may leave your puppy enough space to sleep and have a separate spot to use as a potty area.

Make It Comfortable

Before you introduce puppy to the crate try to make it as comfortable as possible. Most puppies aren't going to want to sped time laying on the colds, hard crate floor for very long.

Start by adding something soft, warm, and preferably washable in the bottom of the crate. Small throw blankets, towels, and crate pads all work well. Keep in minds that crate pads can be harder to clean.

There are products on the market designed to make puppy's first days and nights in its new home easier. These are usually plush toys which allow you to tuck a hot water bottle inside or have devices that mimic the mothers heartbeat.

Make It Interesting

It's also important to think about how to keep your puppy from getting bored in the crate. You may want to put some chew toys, stuffed animals, squeaky toys, or food dispensing toys in the crate.

For best results try putting two or three different types of toys in at a time, and rotate the toys every few days or so. This way your puppy finds something new and interesting every time it enters the crate.

Let The Puppy Explore

With the crate prepared, it's time to bring the puppy in. The first time your pup sees the crate, don't push it in and close the door. Instead, allow the puppy time to explore the crate on its own. Let it walk in and out of the crate at will. If the puppy seems hesitant to step into the crate, try throwing a few treats inside.

Shut The Door

Once puppy has gotten comfortable walking in and out of the crate, you can begin closing the door behind it. Start off with short periods - no more than a few minutes each time - and work up to longer periods.

When you first close the crate door stay in the room. After the puppy has been able to stay calm with the door closed a few times, start stepping out for a few seconds and then coming back into the room. Don't make a big deal, and don't immediately open the crate door. Slowly work your way up to leaving your puppy in the closed crate for longer periods.

Problems And Proofing

While a dog crate is a great tool for managing your puppy's behavior when you are unable to supervise, it's not meant to be the place where the puppy spends all of its time. Puppies need time to run around, play and socialize with their new family as well.

Since your puppy will be uncomfortable if it eliminates in the crate, it's important that you don't leave it in there longer than it can hold its bladder or bowels. Puppies under 6 months of age should not be left in the crate for more than 3-4 hours at a time.

A common mistake dog owners make is using the crate as a form of punishment. The goal of crate training is to create a happy environment where your puppy likes to spend time. Yelling at a dog and pushing it into a crate can lead to fear and anxiety every time that they go near it.

Additionally, in order for crate training to work, don't let you puppy out if it's whining or barking. That will only teach it that it gets what it wants by making a lot of noise. The puppy should be calm whenever you open the door.