Crate Training Your Dog the RIGHT Way

Dogs need to feel safe and by providing a kennel crate for them, you will satisfy their need with a den-like enclosure.

Some of the more common reasons for crate training are:

· Housebreaking - puppies are less likely to soil their own sleeping place
· Chewing - limits the destructive chewing that puppies will have due to teething
· Decreases Anxiety - dogs feel safer knowing they have a place of retreat
· Safety - you'll keep your puppy out of harms way when you are unable to supervise
· Mobility - teaching your dog to relax in a confined space makes traveling in a car less of a hassle

With so many advantages, it's hard to imagine anyone would forgo crate training. However, there are obstacles that can make this kind of training difficult.

It's common for many puppies to become overprotective of their crate. If snarling or territorial behavior starts when you go into the crate, you'll want to take action immediately.

Some dogs are challenging to crate train because they don't want to be in an enclosed, den-like area. They may misinterpret the gesture and think they are being punished for disobedient behavior.

In certain instances, placing your dog his a crate before you're off to bed may bring about a lonely feeling and separation anxiety in your dog. He may moan through the night at first.

A nice way around these problems is to gradually introduce the kennel crate to your dog from the second he enters your home.

How to Introduce Your Puppy to the Crate

1. When you get your dog, put treats or food in his crate sporadically throughout the day. This will help him associate his crate with comfort and happiness.

2. Use positive reinforcement to praise him when he goes inside his crate. NEVER force your dog into his crate. He will think he is being punished.

3. Create a game where you drop a piece of food into the crate. Playfully say to your dog "Where's the treat?" "Is it in your room?". Praise your puppy when he goes into his crate for the food. Let him go out of the crate at any moment during this game.

4. When you do begin to close the crate door with your dog in it, be sure you are there supervising and only keep the door closed for short periods of time. Increase the amount of time he is in there over the course of several days.

5. The trick to it all is building your dog's mental attachment to his crate being positive and good.

Leave the door open on the kennel crate for the first few days you have your dog and make sure the crate is in your room when you go to sleep. This avoids some separation anxiety for your dog.

Put your puppie's favorite toys and treats at the far end of the crate. Let him have a first impression of his crate as a fun hangout spot.

Putting in a hamster-like water dispenser is also a recommended treat for your dog. Don't let him feel like he is inconvenienced at all while in the crate.

Soft bedding is important. Putting down a soft towel or blanket will also help your dog enjoy his new pad. Make the crate as cozy and unrestrictive as possible at first.

Along with keeping the door off the first few days, you may also want to keep the roof unattached. You can gradually add the roof after a few days and then a few days later add the door.

While you're in the same room as the dog, begin closing the door while he's in it for a half hour.

Praise him he's in there and make sure you give him a treat when you open the door and let him out.

Gradually increase the time he is in there until he is in the crate with the door closed for a minimum of two hours.

Once he can relax in his crate for a couple of hours and remain calm, he knows the situation.
Crate training takes a bit of patience from both you and your dog, so be aware it can take up to two weeks to see good results.

Positive reinforcement is the key here. You want your dog to feel like his crate is his castle. Just make sure he knows you'll be going in there too. You don't want a dog that becomes territorial over his crate.

If you really want your dog to embrace his crate, you need an EXACT action plan detailing crate training your dog

Having a strong knowledge of proper dog training is the best thing you can do for your dog health. He'll be less anxious once you have the confidence to know EXACTLY how to lead him. Start learning about crate training for dogs and you'll have a happier, better behaved pet in no time.