Crate training puppies is invaluable tool that can help keep your puppy safe and secure. Crate training a puppy will also assist and speed up the housebreaking process. There are many tips to help your puppy get accustomed to being in a crate. Here you will find some suggestion to speed up the process of crate training a puppy.
Crate training should be a pleasant experience and never used for punishment. Crate training is actually more about teaching your puppy they have a space or a “den” of their own. Allowing your dog to routinely spend time in his crate everyday can eliminate unwanted behaviors such as inappropriate chewing, digging, barking and eliminating in the house.
It can be normal for a puppy to feel uncomfortable or anxious in a crate for the first time. Place your puppy into the crate with a command “kennel or crate” and give puppy a small yummy treat. Close the door to the crate and stay within your puppy’s view so they do not feel abandoned.
When first starting out, introduce the crate slowly, only leaving your puppy in it for a few minutes. As your pup becomes accustomed to the crate gradually increase the amount of time spent in the crate. It will not be long before your puppy is comfortable and confident inside of the crate.
Never remove your puppy from the crate if they are whining or barking. If your pup initially cries or barks ignore this behavior and only remove your puppy after they have quieted down. It is also important to remain stoic or nonchalant when removing your puppy from the crate. If you act excited about removing your puppy from the crate, your puppy will become excited. Save the fun and excitement for playtime outside of the crate.
If your puppy is not eating, playing or being directly supervised, get into the habit of crating him. This will keep him out of trouble and he will more than likely nap. Your puppy will not soil in a confined area where he regularly sleeps. Use this to you advantage to speed up housebreaking. Get into the routine of taking your puppy outside to eliminate every time you remove him after a nap or a prolonged period of time in the crate.
In closing, crate training a puppy should not be stressful for humans or pets. Most puppies quickly learn and adapt to routines that involves their crate. When used properly, crate training is an important tool to assist with raising a puppy.
