Crate Training is a great way to provide a safe and comfortable space for your new furry friend. However, it’s important to follow the proper techniques to ensure a positive experience for both you and your puppy.
Every dog owner needs a crate for their dog at some point. It helps you to move around without any problems. Besides, a crate allows you to take your furry friend anywhere. To bless you and your pet with a crate, you must train your pup well. If you are looking for guidance, you are at the right place.
Do’s of Crate Training
Firstly, you must understand what the necessary steps to train your dog in the right way are: Here are a few dos of crate training your dog.
1. Gradual Training
First and foremost, take it slow. It’s important to introduce your puppy to the crate slowly. You can start by leaving the door open and placing treats and toys inside. This way, your dog will not feel forced to do something by its owner.
Additionally, allow your puppy to investigate the crate on their terms. Once your puppy is comfortable going in and out of the crate, you can start closing the door for short periods while you are home. Gradual training is necessary when you decide on other tools, like a dog perimeter shock collar.
2. Reinforce But Positively
Reinforcement can be a great challenge when it comes to your lovely pets. Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to doing it the right way. Few positive reinforcement behaviours are a must.
Reward your puppy with treats and praise when they go into the crate. Also, the same tricks can be done when they stay in the crate for longer. This will help them associate the crate with positive vibes and memories.
3. Choose a comfortable Crate
For every pet you have at home, comfort should always come first. The same goes for your furry friend.
Choose a crate that is a comfortable space for them to relax and sleep. Provide a soft bed or blanket inside the crate. Also, the crate should be the right size for your puppy. It should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie comfortably.
4. Short Training Sessions
Note that, Puppies have short attention spans. It is important to keep training sessions short and consistent when training your dog for a crate.
In the beginning, you can Start with 5-10 minutes sessions. The time can gradually increase according to the learning ability of your dog. This can also rely on the dog breed you have.
5. Be Consistent Together
Like all the other goals you have, make crate training for your dog a collective goal. Consistency is very important when it comes to training your dog in the right way.
Also, you must change or enhance your strategy according to how your dog reacts to the training. If you do not see any progress, you might want expert advice to train your dog for the crate.
Don’ts of Crate Training
Since you are nearly done with what to do. Now is the time for what not to do. You must be aware of possible mistakes while crate-training your dog.
1. Do Not Force
The very important thing about training your puppy for a crate it giving it comfort during the process. Every dog breed, indeed, has different ways of understanding and learning. Pushing them to do something can backfire sometimes.
So, it’s important to let them go in on their terms and at their own pace. Some dogs learn slower than others. And it is completely fine!
2. The crate is not a Punishment
If you finally decide to bring the crate home, never use it for punishment. Remember that the crate should be a place of comfort and safety for your pup. Using it to punish bad behaviours in dogs can ruin the process as a whole.
This will create a negative association. Eventually, it makes it harder for your puppy to feel comfortable in the crate. Treating crate training as a punishment tool can discourage your dog from learning and make itself comfortable in the long run.
3. Do not Leave your Pup in the Crate for too Long
Puppies should not be left in the crate for extended periods. Remember, the crate is useful for taking your pet with you without hassle. Dogs can feel uncomfortable and, sometimes, aggressive in places. With a crate, you can ensure that your pet has a space to feel safe.
They need to be let out to use the bathroom, eat, and have playtime no matter what. For adult dogs, it is easier to stay inside the crate for longer. On the other hand, puppies should not be left for more than a few hours.
4. Do Not Ignore their Discomfort
Crying is a natural response for puppies in a new and unfamiliar environment. It is normal for most living things. Whenever your dog shows signs of discomfort, you must answer their call.
Such behavior is expected when your dog is new to the crate. With time, your pup’s behavior will change and you will see the progress. It always depends on how you initiate the process.
Concluding Remarks
Crate training is just one aspect of puppy training. Various factors can impact the process of crate training. It is also important to work on obedience training, socialization, and other important behaviors.
Dog owners must know the different kinds of training necessary for dogs. With the right knowledge, it is not difficult to achieve. The crate training can be used to help with potty training. This also helps prevent destructive behavior when your dog is around people.
With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can successfully crate-train your puppy.
Besides, crate training contributes towards a happy and healthy relationship between the owner and the pet. More people are now using crates to keep their pet dogs safe.
