Crate Training

There is quite a bit of controversy regarding crate training dogs. Roughly half the population of the dog world thinks it is cruel and akin to solitary confinement, and the other half thinks it's the greatest way to train a puppy.

Crate training a puppy has proven to be an effective method of teaching a puppy when NOT to eliminate, where to go to be safe, and it is a safe place to put him when you have to leave the house or are going to be occupied elsewhere. Like all things though, crates have the potential to be abused.

The benefits of crate training done properly are numerous. Dogs have a very strong "den" instinct. Most will not eliminate in their den, and being in there gives them a more secure feeling. Your dog will grow up a little more confident if she knows that she has that safe place to go to when the world becomes too much for her to handle.

Dog crates, however, are NOT a substitute for social interaction, and leaving a young puppy in a crate for hours on end is abuse. A good rule of thumb is no more than one hour for every month of life your pup has. A good crate should be just big enough for her to lay down, stand up, and turn around comfortably. Too big of a crate will ruin the 'den' feeling and you may find that your puppy has established a bathroom in a corner.

To keep your puppy safe, she should be crated when you can not watch what she is doing, but never for too long.

Done successfully, dog crate training will result in a happy, clean puppy that will grow to be a well-adjusted member of your family.

Crate Training Guidelines:

• Put some treats inside the cage. While exploring his new crate, your dog will discover edible items inside, thus reinforcing his positive associations with the crate. If you want, you can feed your pet inside the crate for the same effect
• Do not push, pull or force your pet, instead praise him when he enters.
• Continue placing some treats into the crate until your dog will go inside calmly all the way into the crate to get the treat. If he is still hesitant, put his favorite toy inside the cage.
• Put the crate in an area of your home where the family spends a lot of time, such as the living room.
• Place a soft blanket or pet bed if possible in the crate so he will feel comfortable.
• At first, keep the cage open so your pet has the access whenever he wants to enter and leave. In this case, your pet will not feel awkward but feel confident of having a place to rest.
• In the evening, you may need to leave your pet in his crate and close the door upon retiring. But it is still recommended to place the crate next your bed so he will not feel alone.
• While you are home with you dog, it is desirable first to crate your pet for short periods of time. Indeed, crate training is best completed while you are in the room with your pet.
• After your dog can spend about half hour in the crate without becoming afraid, you can start leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Put him in the crate with a treat or safe toys.
• Place a soft pet bed on the bottom of the crate. You can buy a bed designed to fit into the crate or you may choose to use an old blanket or towel. This makes your crate a comfortable home for your beloved pet.
• First thing in the morning, bring your dog out of the crate to his potty area and at regular intervals throughout the day. Keep in mind that your puppy will probably require to relieve himself every few hours and also after eating, drinking or playing. After he is eliminated in the appropriate location, he can have some playtime under your supervision.
• Puppies should not be left crated for longer than they can hold their bowels or bladders. Your pet can be left confined not for longer than five or six hours. If you need to be away for longer than this and no one is available to supervise him, you may want to consider a foldable crate.

Quick Crate Training Reminders

DO

• Slowly get your pup used to his new crate. Don't push or force him to go inside the crate, instead praise him or give some treats or toys.
• It is fine to get a larger crate if you are not sure which one is the right size. If it is too big for your puppies, you can use divider panel to minimize the space.
• It is advisable to use soft pet bed to cover the surface so your dog will feel more comfortable and your dog will keep coming back to his crate. You may also use crate wear accessories to keep your pet warm and comfy.
• If your pet is out of his cage, find time to supervise him. Supervision will correct your pet’s bad behavior like excessive barking, chewing and eliminating anywhere he wants to.
• Be patient while giving your pet a time to adjust. You must give an enough time for him to get used to the new crate when there is a change to a pet’s habit, At first you may find your pet is nervous in entering but this is normal, day after day you will see some improvements.

DON'T

• Leave your dog particularly the puppies in his home all day. -No dogs can hold their bowels and bladders over a long period of time. Maintain a regular schedule every few hours for your pet to eliminate. A six week old puppy can hold his bladder about 4 hours.
• Letting your pet go around your house unsupervised. - If you see your pet feeling awkward to go inside or outside of the crate, gently guide him.
• Forcefully put your pet inside the crate as a punishment. - The crate is made to be your pet’s secured home and not to be associated with punishment.
• Put your pet inside the crate when he has diarrhea and is vomiting. - If your pet is sick, the surface of the crate might have some remains of bacteria or worms. Try to adjust on the foods he eats and give him a balance diet. Crate him again when he backs to normal condition.