Dog Crate Training – Crate training is a way to give your dog a place to call their own that will help to prevent them from doing many unwanted behaviors. Crate training can be used as a potty training tool.

A dog has a natural instinct to not soil their sleeping area so most dogs will not soil their crate. It can also prevent unruly behavior such as chewing and getting into dangerous items such as electrical cords when they are left alone.

It is important that a crate not be used as a source of punishment. This will cause the dog to experience anxiety when placed in their crate leading to problems with proper crate training later on.

Dogs should be introduced to the crate right away while they are young so that the crate becomes a familiar place for them to retreat and rest when needed. Leave the door to the crate open and unlocked at all times so that the puppy can go in and out as it likes.

Dog Crate Training

Dog Crate Training – When crate training a puppy or dog it is essential that the crate is prepared properly. Place a towel under the tray at the bottom of the cage to prevent the try from rattling.

This noise can often scare a puppy and make them fearful of their crate. Place the dogs favorite treats or toys in the crate towards the back to encourage them to go inside to retrieve their toys. This will get the puppy used to going in and out of the crate. To make the puppy more comfortable place a blanket into the crate to give it a soft place to rest.

Place the crate in an area of the home that is not isolated. Dogs are social creatures and will want their crate in an area where they can interact with people. To encourage the puppy to associate the crate with a positive reward place small treats in the crate and allow the dog to find them.

Dog Crate Training

These treats will help the dog associate the crate with the treats making it a desired place to be. If the dog does not locate the treats on their own coax them to the crate so that they notice the surprise inside.

Never leave the dog unattended in the crate for long periods of time. This will make the dog associate their crate with being left alone.

Instead begin crate training while you are home so that the dog does not form this association.

Dog Crate Training – If you must leave it in the crate while you are not home be sure to leave fresh food and water and remove the dogs collar so that it does not become accidentally stick on the cage while you are away.