Crate Training Your Puppy
A dog crate can be a great training tool if used correctly. If you introduce the crate in a positive way it will become your dogs safe place where they can relax.
Crates are great to use when your dog is left home alone during the day, during bedtime at night, or when you are potty training and cannot watch them.
Be sure to use a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand all the way up in and easily turn around.
When you introduce the crate make it a fun event by using treats. Start by throwing a treat into the crate and encouraging the puppy to go in on their own. Give them lots of praise when they go in and allow them to come out of the crate after they retrieve the treat.
Repeat this several times until they’re happily going into the crate on their own. Once they’re comfortable start closing the crate door for a few seconds at a time. Then release them while giving them praise and a treat.
After doing this a few times try leaving the room for a couple minutes while the puppy is in the crate. Whining is normal at first and should be ignored since this exercise is only for a few minutes.
If your puppy is excessively crying in the crate at night, it can help to bring their crate into your bedroom so they don’t feel so alone.
Be sure to give your puppy plenty of exercise before putting them in their crate. Putting a dog full of energy into a crate is asking for failure.
You can also help your puppy enjoy their crate time by giving them a stuffed Kong, or their favorite toy to keep them entertained and help them relax. If they’re unhappy while in their crate start feeding them their meals in there.
While using a crate isn’t essential it can be extremely helpful for preventing accidents, destruction, and unwanted behaviors.
Crates are great to use when your dog is left home alone during the day, during bedtime at night, or when you are potty training and cannot watch them.
Be sure to use a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand all the way up in and easily turn around.
When you introduce the crate make it a fun event by using treats. Start by throwing a treat into the crate and encouraging the puppy to go in on their own. Give them lots of praise when they go in and allow them to come out of the crate after they retrieve the treat.
Repeat this several times until they’re happily going into the crate on their own. Once they’re comfortable start closing the crate door for a few seconds at a time. Then release them while giving them praise and a treat.
After doing this a few times try leaving the room for a couple minutes while the puppy is in the crate. Whining is normal at first and should be ignored since this exercise is only for a few minutes.
If your puppy is excessively crying in the crate at night, it can help to bring their crate into your bedroom so they don’t feel so alone.
Be sure to give your puppy plenty of exercise before putting them in their crate. Putting a dog full of energy into a crate is asking for failure.
You can also help your puppy enjoy their crate time by giving them a stuffed Kong, or their favorite toy to keep them entertained and help them relax. If they’re unhappy while in their crate start feeding them their meals in there.
While using a crate isn’t essential it can be extremely helpful for preventing accidents, destruction, and unwanted behaviors.
Doak, 6 month old Giant Schnoodle puppy.
