How to Crate Train A Puppy

How To Crate Train A Puppy

1. How to pick the proper dog crate.

2. How to get our puppy used to the crate.

3. How long and when to leave your puppy in the crate.

4. How to make it a positive experience to where your dog will love his crate for his lifetime.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crate
• Treats
• Patience
• Consistency

1. You will want to purchase a dog crate before you bring your puppy home. The hard plastic kennel is nice and durable, has more of a den type feel to it, but does not have as much ventilation as a wire kennel. It will be your choice depending on your placement of the crate.

2. The next step is to introduce your puppy to the crate. Start by having the crate in the family or living room with the door open. Put a dog bed or blanket in it. Put treats and toys and even feed your puppy its meals in the crate, leave the door open at first.

3. Next, After you think your puppy is comfortable with the crate, spend some time playing with him or her and after they have eaten and drink some water. Put them in their crate with their favorite toy and or a kong toy stuffed with treats.

4. At this step you will give your puppy a kong toy with treats in it and put your puppy in the crate and shut the door. Do not let them out if they start crying or barking. Wait until they settle down. Now let them out.

5. Keep reinforcing that the crate is their own personal place and help them to know that their crate is a wonderful place, by making it a positive experience when you put them in it. Never use it for punishment.

6. In between when need your puppy crated, leave the door open so he or she can go in and out as they choose. Do not keep them in the crate for excessive periods of time. A good rule of thumb is 2 months = 2 hours max. 3 months = 3 hours max etc.

Tips & Warnings

• You want to develop a bond of trust with your puppy, and if he or she learns that every good gift comes from you. Plus the security and comfort they need, you will have the foundation for a lifetime of good things with your canine companion.
• Be reasonable, No puppy or dog should be in a crate for 12 hours a day every day. If they sleep through the night, that period of time is alright, but as soon as you get up in the morning, you need to take your puppy outside to potty.