A Simple Guide To Crate Training Your Puppy
I discussed the topic of crate training your dog in one of my other articles however I also wanted to address specifically the topic of crate training your puppy as I feel that although they are similar methods there are some slight differences you must take into account.
With crate training your puppy you still follow the method for getting ready for crate training your dog however you need to be aware that your puppy may need a little more attention and they can’t be left on their own for as long as a dog can. A puppy must also be left alone when it’s in its crate because you want the crate to act as a ‘safe haven’ to your puppy from the outside world. If you got your puppy from a responsible dog breeder then your puppy should already be used to a crate so crate training your puppy should be easy.
So here’s an overview on how crate training your puppy should be done. First sit on the floor by the crate with some treats in your hand, call your puppy over to you and give them a treat along with some positive praise and attention for obeying your command, then throw a couple of treats into the crate by the door (not all the way in, about an inch or two from the door) your puppy, been a puppy, should go into the crate for the treat. At this point your puppy isn’t thinking ‘I’m in a crate’ he’s thinking ‘gimme that treat.’ Don’t start off by throwing a treat all the way into the crate and then shutting the door behind him when he goes in. You want to gradually entice your puppy into the crate and you shut the door when they are comfortably inside the crate and their attention is elsewhere (like on a toy or eating more treats).
While your puppy is eating the first batch of treats near the front of the crate toss a few treats to the back of the crate. Your puppy will do one of two things stop and think about going all the way into the crate or he will just dive straight in for the rest of the treats without thinking about it. Basically the whole process of crate training your puppy is all based around you throwing the treats further and further into the crate which in turn entices your puppy further and further inside the crate.
Once your puppy goes all the way in on his own accord give him more positive praise and attention followed by more treats. Try closing the door when he’s all the way in and his attention is on either a toy or eating more treats however, to begin with, open the door again before he’s nearly eaten all the treats. Eventually he’ll be happy to go inside the crate without enticement from you.
What to do next if crate training your puppy is going well:
Once they are happy and comfortable with the crate you could try crate training your puppy at night and see how you puppy is while you sleep. Hopefully he will also be tired and should sleep right through. However in the first few days whilst your puppy adjusts to the crate you may experience puppy crate training whining and crying. As heartbreaking as it can be you just need to ignore them and they will eventually settle down. If you attend to them when they whine or cry, they will learn that this is how they get your attention.
Begin crate training your puppy by creating a schedule by letting them out of the crate at regular intervals during the day and if possible at night. I’d put your puppy in the crate a couple of hours before you go to bed and then let him out just before you go to bed, take him straight outside to pee and then put him straight back in. Then first thing in the morning do the same again. Don’t make a fuss just straight out and straight back in. Obviously in the morning once you’ve let him out he will be out until he’s going to be left alone like when you go to work.
The whole process of crate training your puppy can take just a couple of hours or it could take anything up to a week. It all depends on how patient and consistent you are and how much you allow your puppy to make his own mind up about entering the crate. The best thing to do with crate training your puppy is don’t pressure him in if you force him in he won’t ever accept the crate at all.
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