Puppy Crate Training
Puppy crate training is not punishment. Proper crate training will actually do the opposite. Your puppy should love their crate as it creates a similar natural environment to a den. By incorporating the crate with other training, you are creating an environment for the dog that they should feel comfortable in and a place where the puppy has a chance to settle down in between training and exercise.
Why Crate Train
1 - Crating your dog will create a similar habitat to one a wild dog would have in nature.
2 - Keeps your dog from chewing your favorite shoes. Place dog toys in the crate to help associate what the dog is allowed to chew on.
3 - Provides safety for your dog when you are unable to watch them. If the dog is in the crate, they are unable to ingest poisonous materials, chew on wires and dangerous objects.
4 - Makes it easy to travel with your dog. when in a crate, the dog is protected and moves easily with you from place to place.
5 - When guests arrive at your home, use the crate to help relax the dog. Dogs love people, especially at a young age. Their excitement is often shown by jumping on your guests, bursts of energy, running, barking, and licking. Use the crate to calm the dog down until the excitement wears off.
6 - The best reason to crate train is to assist you in your puppy housebreaking. Dogs will rarely defecate in their sleeping area. By utilizing the crate, you can control when the dog needs to relieve themselves. This also helps strengthen their bladder muscles and helps the dog learn to hold it. Use the crate and follow your housebreaking routine and you will have less "puppy accidence" in your house. |
Crate Types
There are three major types of crates; durable plastic, metal wire and soft crates.
Plastic - Often these crates can be lighter in weight and provide a solid structure to move your dog from location to location. They tend to be easier to clean and price ranges from $10 - $200. Size and style are the reason for the large price range.
Metal - Wired crates can often collapse. These crates are useful when traveling and space is limited. Some wire crates have a second layer to capture animal feces if they do relieve themselves in their crate. Prices ranges from $20 - $160.
Specialty crates - Some crates are cloth or nylon based but are usually suited for small dogs and puppies only. Soft sided crates are very portable and can easily collapse. Price ranges for these crates are $10 to $100. Soft sided crates are not the best crates for crate training as they are usually much smaller and ideal only for travel.
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Crate Supplies
Crates are great for your dog. The objects you place in the crate will make the crate even better. Having the right supplies in the crate for your dog will create an atmosphere the dog will enjoy.
Bedding - Provide comfortable bedding for the environment you dog will spend some time in. Cooler materials for hot climates and warm materials for cooler ones. Make sure the bedding is durable, simple to clean and can not easily be chewed into a million pieces. There are some great unique eco friendly green dog beds that you can find here. They are safe, durable and free from harsh chemicals.
Water - There are multiple accessories on the market for connecting or attaching dog bowls to your crate. A bottom heavy bowl works just as well. Either way make sure the bowl does not easily tip over or spill.
Toys - Create that strong association with chewing their toys and not your furniture. Always have something in their crate to play with. It will keep your dog occupied and make them happy. Depending on the abrasive nature of the toy it can also aid in dog dental care.
Other Accessories - Crate attached fans, puppy poop trays, crate wheels and insulating coats are all add on attachments for your dog's crate.
Puppy Crate Introduction
Your puppy will not know what the crate is at first. It will be your job to warm the puppy up to the crate experience with training. Following the tips below will help your puppy create a positive attitude towards the crate. Remember do not use your crate as a punishment tool, this will create a bad association towards the crate.
1 - First use organic dog treats and place them in or around the crate. Always keep the door open and allow your puppy to explore the crate.
2 - When feeding the puppy do so by placing the food bowl inside the crate. Again do not shut the door behind the puppy. . 3 - Place their favorite chew toys inside the crate. If the dog goes inside quickly praise and reward them with a treat. If you find the puppy is always dragging the chew toy outside of the crate, try securing the toy inside the crate with a leash.
4 - Place the puppy's bedding inside the crate. Again always reward the puppy when they enter the crate and use the bedding.
5 - After some time in and out of the crate begin closing the door behind them. Reward them with treats while they are in the crate. If they begin to wine or bark excessively then let them out.
6 - Build up crate exposure and increase the time with the door closed. As the puppy becomes use to the crate reduce the amount of treats. |
Dog Crate Guidelines
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Do not crate longer than the dog is capable of holding it in. If your dog does relieve themselves inside their crate do not punish them. Clean out the mess with an all natural deodorizer or odor neutralizer.
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Remove the dog collar, leash and dog clothing. Your dog should be comfortable in the crate and you wouldn't want something on the dog to accidentally attach to the crate causing limited range of motion.
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In extreme weather always monitor your dog. If it is to hot make sure the bedding is cool and there is plenty of water. Always keep the crate in the shade. If temperatures are to cold, provide plenty of warm bedding for the dog.
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No excessive crate time. Other than over night, dogs should not be in a crate more than a couple hours at a time. After long periods you should always provide your dog some exercise. Keep dog toys and other stimulating objects in the crate as well.
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Do not let your dog out of the crate if they whine or bark excessively. You are only giving in to their demands which will enforce this behavior. Instead, ignore the dog until they calm down and then release them.
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Try not to crate them right before you leave the house. Crate your dog 10-15 minutes before you leave. This will stop your dog from making an association with you leaving and being placed in the crate.
Remember you want to create a positive attitude towards the crate. Follow the simple guidelines and make proper judgment calls with your dog.
