How to Crate Train a Dog

Video Transcript

"On behalf of Expert Village, I'm Carlos Puentes with K-9 Solutions Dog Training in Miami, Florida, and today we're going to talk about dog training myths from my new book, Who's Training Whom? A lot of times people have a misconception of the dog crate. They figure it's doggy jail, prison, they hate it. In fact, dogs love it. If you introduce it to them the right way, it's great. It satisfies their den instinct. They can go in there and be away from everything; it's their sanctuary. In other words, let's say this dog was a year old, which he's not, but let's say he was. It's like leaving 7 year old alone in your house. Most people won't do that, because that's when they put the Batman costume, Spiderman, and they try to jump from here to over there. They landed over here and broke something. It's not going to happen in front of you. The kid is not ready to behave well alone yet. That's why we don't leave them alone. Same thing with a puppy. We don't leave our kids alone, we shouldn't do it with our puppies. Till they're about 2 years old and you start using a puppy gate and then you start giving them more freedom. That's equivalent to about 14 years with people. Okay buddy, come on. The golden rule for 2 good things in a crate; the dog and good behavior. They can even have their water. Right buddy? And they get to chew the right things. When you're not home, the dog learns the good things. The bad behavior fades away if there is bad behavior, and the good one comes in. See you later buddy. I think he can care less if I'm leaving or not right now."