Crate Training

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     Are you considering crate training your puppy? One of the advantages of crate training is housebreaking. Since puppies are not completely in control of their bladder until they have matured somewhat, they often go constantly. When you crate train them, you are teaching them to wait until you take them outside. The crate is his home or den and dogs have a natural instinct not to go in their den. By placing him in the den for a certain period of time and then taking him outside, you are reinforcing that he needs to wait to go to the bathroom.

For Use as Behavior Training

Crate training can be a useful training aid for many other behaviors you may want to discourage or encourage. Add to this that you can crate train an older dog as well as a puppy and this is one of the best methods of doing so. Fix his crate to be more like his home. Add a pad for lying on so he will be comfortable. A few of his favorite toys added to the crate will make him feel right at home.

When buying a crate get one that is large enough for the dog to turn around in but if you get a huge one, they may designate a corner for their bathroom. To discourage this from happening buy the smaller crate, typically no larger than the pad you have for him to lie down on. One made of wire is preferred because they are less apt to try and chew on wire. The removal of their collar and tags when they will be in the crate alone is a good idea to keep them from getting tangled.

One thing you do not want to do is isolate the crate away from the rest of the family when you are using it. Dogs are pack animals and as such they do not enjoy being separated from their pack, which is your family. This can make him feel as if he is an outcast and can be quite traumatic. At night, if he stays in the crate, you should place it in your room so he will feel safe.

When crate training an older dog, you may need to entice him inside with snacks or food. You can begin placing his food dish in the crate so he will have to go in to eat and when he does, make sure you praise him. After he has gone in to eat a couple of times, shut the door and then you can leave him in for a few minutes until he get the idea. Do not let him out the minute he begins whining or barking; you will end up getting this used against you if you reward this behavior. Always wait until he stops before letting him out.

When you effectively crate train your puppy or older dog, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that he is safe and your home is safe when you need to leave him home alone. At night, this prevents him from prowling when you are asleep and getting into things. He will soon begin to think of it as his home and will go in to lie down without you telling him to do so.