Top 5 Tips On Crate Training a Puppy

Credit: Paige Maguire

A few people may view crate training as something heartless to dogs, but it is actually more beneficial to them. Crate training a puppy, if done right, will help your pooch to become more appreciative since they’ll have a place where they can relax and be at home. In this process, you will have to teach your pet to treat it as a safe place to settle. If your pet is crate-trained, it’ll be easier for you to bring him along when travelling, and they will be ready when you need to bring them to the vet.

Here are a few tips to remember if you plan to crate train your pooch:

• Tip #1 - Select the right one. When buying your pup’s new home, select the one that is well-ventilated, and have enough room for yhem to sit, stand, and stretch. But don’t buy a crate that will have enough space for your dog to use as a bathroom. It should be their safe place, not sleeping-slash-potty area.

• Tip #2 - Your doggy should be comfortable. Get an old towel, and line it on the crate’s floor. If your pet has a bed, put it in as well. The main objective is to get your dog comfortable, and let her know that this is her new home. In case they cause an "accident" on the towel, clean it right away. If you don’t clean it up soon, your puppy will think that it’s okay to use it as a potty area again and again.

• Tip #3 - Provide toys, food and water. If you’re going to leave your dog in the “cage” for several hours, it is necessary for you to leave food and water. Invest on food and water container that won’t leave a lot of mess. Also, to keep your dog entertained, leave toys at one corner for them to play on. Just get the ones that are big enough so they won't choke on them.

• Tip #4 - Be positive. Asking your dog to stay in their cage will render as a punishment, especially if they’ve done something you didn’t like. Don’t ever push them into it. Instead, it’s always best to use positive reinforcements like giving small pieces of treats or dog food, and line them up around the entrance of their box. This will help them remember good things about the crate so they’re more likely to go inside without having to push them.

• Tip #5 - Alone time in the “box”. Once your pup is settled in their new home, try closing the door, then leave for a few minutes. Go to another room for a few minutes, and then come back. Repeat the process until your pooch is comfortable being left alone.

Depending on your dog’s age, the time it takes for her to be fully trained might be shorter or longer than the other pups. Also remember not to leave your pet alone in their box for more than 5 hours, except during night time. Nobody wants their pets alone and sad. So even if you are crate training them, you still have to spend as much time as you can with your pup.  

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