How to Crate Train Your New Puppy

Dogs naturally don't like to do their business where they sleep. Crate training is a way to speed up the house training process and reduce the mistakes puppies commit when left alone. Puppies actually like smaller enclosed areas and feel secure in a crate once they are used to it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine what size crate is appropriate for your puppy. He should be able to lay down stand up and turn around, but that is all. A crate that is too large will allow him to go to the bathroom in the corner and still sleep in the other area of the crate.

2. Remove the top part of the crate and allow her to go in just the uncovered bottom to get acquainted with the crate without feeling confined.

3. Reassemble the crate. Encourage the puppy to go into the crate in a positive way. Put a treat in the front of the crate. Put a treat further back in the crate each time to persuade him to enter the crate. Showing your puppy positive attention when he enters the crate works well. Repeat this until your puppy walks into the crate without hesitation.

4. Allow your puppy to go to the bathroom right before you place her in the crate.

5. Leave him in the closed crate for 5 minutes and gradually increase the time. Sit next to the crate so he can still see you initially. You don't want the puppy to connect the crate with you leaving.

6. Accommodate your pet's needs while in the crate. Place a blanket down for her to lie on. Attach a pet water bottle to the side. Put a few toys your puppy likes in the far end of the crate, this entices her into the crate

7. Take your puppy outside immediately when you get home to allow him to go to the bathroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Feed the puppy near the crate to help her feel comfortable around the crate. When she can eat near the crate without being nervous, place the food in the crate to allow her to eat in there. You may also close the door behind her.
• Place the crate in an area of your home you are in often. This allows your puppy to be able to see you and not feel left alone.
• Don't force a puppy into the crate. This creates negative feelings towards the crate and makes training harder. The puppy could also get hurt.
• You shouldn't leave a puppy in the crate for long periods of time. He might not be able to hold going to the bathroom and resort to going in the crate.

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[rleeevans]

on 6/8/2008 Along with creating 'negative feelings', NEVER punish your puppy/dog and put him in the crate; no one wants to live in a jail cell! Excellent article!