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Step 1
Although some people fear a crate is like a jail, dogs don't think that way at all. Wild dogs live in caves and the dog mind is very comfortable in a safe, comfortable, enclosed environment for limit periods of time. In fact, crate training can be an excellent first step in settling in an insecure dog.
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Step 2
Crates are ideal for house training a puppy. When puppies are small, they suffer from TWB: teeny-weeny-bladder. That means they simply don't have the space to store much liquid and they have to urinate frequently. Make sure you take your puppy out to relieve himself as often as possible. Praise will help the pup associate going outside with it being a 'good thing to do'. Nights are long for puppies, though, since after the first week or two you are less likely to be willing to escort the little fellow outside every few hours. Most dogs do not like to soil their sleeping quarters so if a pup is sleeping in his or her crate, the pup is likely to be upset about needing to relieve himself/herself and will probably cry in frustration. This will let you know if and when you do have to get up in the middle of the night to help out. Many puppies learn early to hold it throughout the night since they don't want to mess up their 'caves'. In short, crate training can help you sleep better while helping puppies to develop the ability to control themselves better.
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Step 3
Crates are perfect for keeping your pup out from underfoot when they could get in the way of your work, worry a guest or be endangered by work going on in your home.
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Step 4
Train your pup as soon as you get him/her. Introduce the dog to the crate without fuss so the pup will see this as a curious place to explore. Throw treats and toys inside to encourage entry. Don't close the door. Make sure it's cozy inside with a cushion or pad (a puppy pad is useful for early accidents). Serve a meal or two inside the crate if your dog is skittish about entering. Only close the door once the dog is comfortable inside. Before long your dog will consider this his or her private cave and enjoy having time to spend in it.
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Step 5
Try not to use the crate as a punishment. You want all associations with the crate to be good and pleasant so if the dog must stay there for a while it is seen as a positive experience.
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Step 6
Now whether you need to travel with your dog, keep your dog quiet to heal from a medical treatment, find a safe place to put your dog for a period of time or simply offer a place your dog can have as his or her own, you will have the crate to help. Crate training makes your life and that of your pet all that much better!
Comments
PavChaos said
on 12/10/2008 Hello, I recently found out about this site and Im considering my first dog, I always wanted one and think its time. Before going through with it (waiting for spring or summer) Im doing lots of reading, this is a great site. My question regarding crate training how do you go about keeping a dog in his "cave" when you head to work. I know as a puppy they need their exercise and what not and Im worried that when going to work one might tear up the house so I would like to keep him in the cage but at the same time I wouldn't want to be stuck in a 2x4 foot box for 8hrs either.
Olympiclover said
on 11/21/2008 This a great article. A similar article can be found at http://my-dog-has-fleas.com/articles/crate-training
Puppies can be so much fun but it's important to remember that they are just babies and the owner needs to set the rules.
Vanillatte said
on 9/16/2008 Excellent. I believe in crate training. You make many good points in your article!
Cateeto said
on 9/16/2008 A crate is very important when owning a dog and should be their safe haven. Good article.
Sush56 said
on 9/16/2008 Great training tips!