Crate Training is still a bit controversial. Many people feel it is cruel and/or that dogs don’t like small spaces. While others swear by the crate training method.
Dogs, in fact, enjoy their crates when trained properly. It can be a safe haven for your pooch. Like you, your pup enjoys time alone and a little peace and quiet. Their crate becomes their den – a place that he/she can associate with safety, tranquility and quiet.
Teaching your puppy to use a crate requires patience and repetition but it is not hard. Puppies instinctively feel comfortable in a den so half of the work is done for you.
First, place the crate in the area you choose for your puppy’s “den” – make sure it is not in an isolated area but one in which the puppy can still feel like a part of the (human) pack, even when in his/her crate. The corner of the family room for example is a great place for your four-legged friend’s crate. The puppy can share in family togetherness from a distance but at the same time he/she won’t be constantly distracted by too much activity or foot traffic.
Make the crate comfortable and cozy for your wee four-legged friend. A bed or cushion or blankets make it more inviting. Put his/her favourite toy in the crate. Make it a place your pooch will want to hangout. He/she should have room to stand up and easily turn around. If you have a larger breed dog and will need a large crate once he/she is fully grown, buy a divider for the larger crate making it smaller while your pup is little and remove it once they start growing out of the smaller side.
Wherever you chose to put the crate, be sure to use it as the number one destination for all treats and rewards. Find a favourite toy or treat – whatever most motivates your puppy – and make the crate the place he/she is guaranteed to get it.
Begin the crate training routine as soon as you bring your puppy home. Let your little pooch play – supervised at all times, of course – when he/she starts to get tired, lead him/her to the crate (gently place him/her inside if needed) and close the door. Leave him/her in the crate for half an hour. Next time, make it an hour, then an hour and fifteen minutes, and so on.
Never close the puppy in if he/she is excited or anxious, but if he/she becomes whiny once in the crate, ignore him/her; don’t inadvertently reward the behaviour by trying to soothe your pooch with your voice.
Your pup might whine and yelp but ignore him/her. He/she will calm down within 10 to 15 minutes. Learning to self soothe is a invaluable tool for your tiny pooch. Always reward true calm submission in the crate with praise, petting, or treats.
Tire out your pup and put him/her in the crate at regular intervals throughout the day. Your goal is to build up to several hours of a peaceful, resting puppy. Once your puppy is house-trained, he/she will be able to stay in her crate overnight for a full seven to nine hours.
Once your puppy knows that his/her den is a safe comfortable place that is just his/hers, he/she will go to the crate without being prompted when he/she needs quiet time or just wants to relax.
A crate is NOT to be used as a punishment or for hours on end. A puppy needs to be exercised, stimulated and most importantly loved!
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