Since we just posted a blog about dog crates, we thought it would be a good idea to post some tips on crate training your dog. To crate train your dog, after all, is generally much easier than to train your dog to enjoy riding in the car (unless your dog naturally enjoys riding in the car).
The first thing you do is set up the dog crate and put your dog’s favorite bed in there. If your dog doesn’t use a dog bed, that’s fine. Depending on the dog crate you may not have to put anything inside.
Second, get your dog’s favorite toy or treat. It is important that you use whichever excites your dog the most. Some dogs go nuts over certain toys while other dogs dance in circles over certain treats. When your dog is adequately excited, coax your dog into the dog crate by slowly leading them inside with the toy or treat. When the dog goes inside, be sure to give them the toy or treat and lots of praise. Train your dog with positive reinforcement so they learn the crate is a rewarding place to be. It is important that you do not force your dog into the dog crate. If the dog is hesitant, just lead them as close to the dog crate as you can and give them their reward and praise. If you continue practicing on and off throughout the day, and possibly throughout the week or more depending on the dog, you will find that your dog will get more comfortable being around the dog crate and will eventually go inside.
When the dog is comfortable going all the way inside the dog crate, put several treats in the dog crate to encourage your dog to go inside and close the dog crate door. If your dog is distressed when you close the door, leave them in for only a short moment. After lots of practice, you can eventually leave your dog in the dog crate for longer periods of time.
After your dog is used to being in the dog crate for a minute or two, leave the room. Do not respond if your dog cries. Let them cry. This may sound mean, but if you run to your dog and let them out of the dog crate when they cry, you may mistakenly train your dog that crying will get them out of the dog crate.
When you feel that you can leave your dog home alone in the dog crate, you may leave certain toys in the dog crate. The best toys are the ones which are non-destructible, like a Kong. Do not leave toys or treats which the dog can chew up and possible choke on.
The three most important tips to remember when crate training your dog are:
1) Don’t let your dog out of the dog crate just because they are crying or whining.
2) If your dog is a chewer, don’t leave anything in the dog crate which your dog will chew up. This means toys, blankets, and dog bones.
3) Never use the dog crate as a form of punishment. The dog crate should be a place of comfort and safety.
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February 9th, 2009 at 5:57 am
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May 28th, 2009 at 5:02 am
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