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How To Effectively Crate Train Your Dog

Are you getting a new dog? Have you thought about all the training you are going to need to stay on top to have the behavior that will be acceptable in your home from a dog? Training a new dog, especially a puppy, is going to require a lot of your time and patience. However, it is all worth every second for the bond that is formed between you and your pet. One way to effectively train a dog or pup is with dog crate training.

Introducing a crate to your new dog is going to be one of those times you will need to as gentle and loving as possible. If you have adopted an adult dog, keep in mind entering a crate may be something new to him. He might even have had a terrible experience with and another owner. If he seems over anxious about entering it, no matter what you try, talk to your vet about other methods. Puppies, however, need to crate trained right away.

How long should you keep a pup in a crate? Most professional trainers recommend never more than a couple of hours at a time. Your timing can be paced by how long your pup sleeps during naps. As soon as awakes from a nap, time is up for the crate. This is also the time you should take him outside for potty duty.

Adult dogs will have fewer outside trips to the bathroom than puppies. This is because puppies have not gained control of their bladders like an adult dog. Think of a puppy like a baby wearing does. It is exactly the same kind of thing. Crate training will be easier if you feed a well balanced diet at the same time every day. Feed only dry rations and never give table scraps.

While training an adult dog or a puppy to be house broken, you should always remember to never use the crate as punishment for accidents. If you scold your dog and place him inside the crate, he will begin to associate the crate with negative feelings. If he does have an accident, gently scold him and take him outside right then.

Making sure your dog associates his crate with good times like sleeping and eating can be done by feeding him inside it or next to it. Many trainers suggest introducing a crate with the positive reinforcement of food and treats. Dogs, even puppies, also have the instinctive want to potty away from their place of rest and eating. This will help even more with house training.

If you would like to ensure a dog accepts his crate, you can do so by putting his bowl of food into the crate. When he goes in the crate to eat, gently close the door behind him. Do this every time you feed him. After the food is eaten, let him stay inside a crate for a few minutes, then open the door. Let him come out only when he feels like it. The more you do this, the more it will occur to him the crate is his secure place.

Dog crate training is a great way to also lessen the incidents of chewed up valuable items in your house. If you must run errands or leave your home for a few hours, placing a dog in a crate is acceptable to keep him from chewing up things to satisfy separation anxiety over you not being there. If your dog shows signs of severe anxiety and violently tries to escape the crate, an animal behavioral professional may be the best medicine. If you are going to be gone longer than a few hours from your home, find other means of containing a dog. Hiring a pet sitter would be a good idea.

Polly Browder is a professional dog trainer and groomer. For more information about dog crate training visit PetsPavilion.com.

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