Crate Training for Dummies

There are several advantages to crate training your puppy. It can satisfy the need of many dogs to have a den-like enclosure, can be an effective housebreaking tool as it plays into a dog’s natural reluctance to soil its sleeping place and helps to reduce separation anxiety. Crating can also prevent destructive behavior, keep puppies away from dangerous household items and sever as a mobile indoor doghouse.

Choosing a kennel is the most important step. You must measure your dog’s width, height, and length. The height should be measured when the dog is standing upright. You don’t want to purchase a kennel that is too long or too wide, as the puppy will see this as an opportunity to soil one end of the crate and sleep on the other.

There are several styles of crates to choose from. The two most popular are the Vari-Kennel type and the Wire Mesh type.

The Vari-Kennel type can come apart into separate pieces. When using this style, take the crate apart, removing the top piece and the door, and allow your dog to go in and out of the bottom half of the crate. This stage can take hours or days but it is important for your dog to get used to the crate without being fully enclosed at first.

The Wire Mesh type can seem more open to a puppy as it will be able to see out all sides of the kennel. When preparing a wire mesh crate, tie the door back so that it stays open without moving or shutting close. Also, if a floor pan is used, place a towel between the floor and the bottom of the pan to prevent rattling, which will scare the puppy.

There are several important factors when furnishing your puppy’s crate. You should include your pet’s favorite toys at the far end to promote entry to the crate. Great ideas for toys to keep him busy include toys that can be stuffed with treats such as the Kong Dental Stick or the Kong Chew Toys. Placing treats in these toys promote hours of entertainment for your puppy. Also include fresh water for your pet. Using a hanging bowl prevents the puppy from stepping in the water or spilling it in the kennel. This style of bowl can also be used to place food in the kennel if your pet open feeds.

The most important aspect to furnishing the kennel is the bedding used. You may use a towel or blanket, or a specific crate bed. If the puppy soils on it, remove it promptly until he stops eliminating in the kennel.

Introducing dogs to the kennel while still young conditions them to rest and sleep in their crate. Since they do tend to just hang out in their crate, it should never be used to punish a puppy. If you punish your dog with time in the crate, they will begin to associate it with fear and punishment, thus not wanting to go inside. Likewise if you simply start locking your pet in the crate and leaving, they will associate it with you leaving them alone.

Using praise and occasional treats will entice your puppy to enter his new crate willingly. Remember to start out with short periods while you are at home with the puppy.

Always remove the collar before confining the dog in the crate. They tend to get stuck on the bars or wire mesh and can result in strangulation.

Crate training can take days, weeks, or months to complete. Remember, don’t rush your dog or they will not willingly continue to go to the crate, and never use it as a punishment.