Puppy Info : Crate Training
Crate Training

Wouldn’t it be great if someone developed a device for dogs that prevents destruction, chewing, and garbage raiding? The perfect device would also:
 
  • Assist in house training
  • Prevent jumping up
  • Ensure that your dog is safe when unsupervised
  • Help you to develop a closer relationship with your dog
  • Help you teach your dog not to whine or cry during the night
  • Help your dog adapt to being left alone
  • Give your dog a comfortable retreat of their own
 
Crate training is ideal for just about every new pup and it even works for most adult dogs. Proper crate training is neither cruel nor unpleasant for the dog. In fact, a properly crate-trained dog feels happy, secure and comfortable in their crate.



In the wild, dogs and wolves need a den or hide-a-way for their home. Except for hunting, eliminating, playtime and protection, they spend hours sleeping, eating or relaxing in their den. Most well-trained, contented house pets spend most of the day curled up on a chesterfield or under a bed. The crate-trained dog is simply taught that their bed is in their crate.
 
Crate training is the quickest and most effective way to house train a puppy or an adult dog (when combined with proper house training techniques). If you have taught your dog that their crate is their den, then they will keep it clean.
 
Dogs are extremely inquisitive, especially if they get bored. As a result they may chew or destroy furniture and property. Aside from this fact there is also a risk of chewing electrical cords, plants, or raiding garbage cans. In this respect puppies need to be treated like babies - confine them when they cannot be supervised. Put a few chew toys in the crate and they may even get in the habit of chewing the right things.
 
Many people have difficulty getting a new pup to sleep through the night. You must not go to them as this just encourages them to whine and cry. Using crate training, you can practice turning out the lights and leaving the room for short periods. By nighttime, the pup should be accustomed to being alone.
 
The crate must be an enjoyable place and must never be used for punishment.
 
Crate trained puppies seldom misbehave and need far less discipline. This results in a happier and closer puppy-owner relationship. Most dogs, once trained, enter their crates on their own whenever they want to relax or be left alone. Once the dog can be trusted, you could try leaving him loose in his favorite room with the cage door open to see how he does.
 
How to Crate Train
  • A collapsible dog cage with a metal tray floor, just large enough for the full grown adult to stand up in and turn around is the most practical crate. For additional comfort or security you can place a blanket over the top. Choose a floor covering that the dog doesn’t chew such as blankets or towels. The covering should also be easy to clean or dispose of.
  • Place the crate in a room where the dog will be content. A basement or laundry room is too isolated - kitchens or bedrooms work best.
  • Before placing the dog in the crate, be certain he has had sufficient exercise and attention. Leave the dog’s water bowl and chew toys in the crate. It may also help to give them treats when they enter the crate on their own. They will soon make the connection that going in the crate is a good thing.
  • Begin crate training a pup when you first bring him home. Place the dog in the crate, close the door and leave the room. Stay within hearing range and if the dog is quiet for about five minutes, return and reward the dog.
  • Repeat the procedure, gradually increasing the amount of time that you leave them alone. By the end of the first day, you should be able to leave the pup for several hours or even the entire night. An adult dog will take longer to enter the crate on their own and need to be trained more gradually.