Tips for Crate Training Your Dog
Before a new dog or puppy learns the rules of the house, the crate can be used to restrict its movement in the home. A crate is an excellent alternative to leaving your dog in the car, especially if you plan to go somewhere it is not welcome to run free. If you crate-train your dog properly, it will associate it with feelings of security and be content to spend time inside as required. Here are some key tips for crate training your dog.
Select the Right Size Crate
You can get crates at any store selling pet supplies, and they come in various sizes. A dog's crate needs to be spacious enough for ease of movement within. The key is to choose one that can adapt to your specific training needs while still being sturdy, comfortable, and convenient. Ensure that the crate you purchase is appropriately sized for your dog. Also, consider your dog's expected adult size when you go shopping.
Crate Training Process Tips
Depending on your dog's age, temperament, and experience level, crate training could take a few days or weeks. When crate training, there are two things you must remember:
1.) Take your time with the training process.
2.) Make the crate a positive part of every training session.
1. Introduce your dog to the crate
Place the crate in areas where the dog spends the most time, such as the family room. Prepare the crate by placing a warm and soft blanket or towel inside. You should visit your dog in his crate and speak to him cheerfully. It's important to keep your dog from getting startled by slamming the crate door shut on him.
You can coax your dog into using the crate by placing treats near the crate, then inside the door, and lastly, inside the crate itself. Don't make him go in against his will if he resists at first. Try to entice it with treats until it enters the crate quietly. Throw in a favorite toy if he's not interested in treats. Be patient with this process.
2. Feed your dog in the crate
Begin feeding your dog its usual meals close to the crate. This will help the crate become associated with good feelings. Assuming your dog is already comfortable going into the crate, the next step calls for you to relocate the food dish to the back of the cage. If your dog is still hesitant to enter the crate, put the feeding bowl only as far inside as your dog will go without becoming afraid or worried. The dish should be moved further back into the crate with each feeding.
After your dog has settled in to dine, you can shut the crate's door gently. Open the door initially when it finishes eating. With each subsequent meal, gradually increase the amount of time he must remain in the crate before being released until it remains for at least 10 minutes. If he starts complaining about being kept inside for too long, you may have increased the duration too fast.
Keep him in the crate for less time the next time around. Even if he starts to weep or whimper in the crate, you must keep him there until he calms down. Without a way out of the crate, he'll associate whining with freedom and continue doing it.
3. Make It Comfortable Being in the Crate for Extended Periods.
Keeping your dog inside a crate is fine after meals, and there are no signs of fear or nervousness. Get him out of his crate and provide him a reward. Command him to enter the kennel by saying something like, "kennel up." Give him a boost by holding a treat and pointing inside the crate. As soon as your dog enters the crate, give him the treat, praise him, and then shut the door.
After five to ten minutes of sitting calmly inside, you should leave the room. Come back, wait for a while, and then it can leave the crate. Do this multiple times a day. Once your dog can peacefully spend 30 minutes in the crate while you are out of sight, you can leave him in there for brief periods and have him sleep there at night. This could take a few hours, or it could take a few weeks.
4. Crating the Dog While Alone
When your dog can spend 30 minutes or more in his crate without showing signs of stress or fear, you can start leaving him in there while you're gone. Feed him a reward and give him the standard command to get him inside the crate. Also, consider leaving him some harmless playthings in the crate.
You shouldn't crate him for too long before you leave, but you can do so from five to twenty minutes beforehand if necessary. You should gently leave the room after praising your dog for using the crate and giving him a treat. To prevent your dog from associating the crate with being left alone, continue to crate him for brief periods, even while you are home.
Crating Your Dog at Night
Use the usual command and a treat to get your dog to enter the crate. If you have a puppy, it's probably best to first keep the crate in your bedroom or a nearby hallway. When your puppy wakes up crying at night, he needs to go potty, so it's important that you can hear him. When your dog learns to spend the night in his crate while still being close to you, you can start considering relocating it.
Final Thoughts
Crate training your dog can take time and energy, but the benefits will persuade you to try it. The tips we have outlined above can make it easier to effectively crate-train your dog. However, if you need assistance, book a free consultation with us at Atlanta Pitbull Training today!
