{"id":196,"date":"2016-02-29T06:00:44","date_gmt":"2016-02-29T06:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/?p=196"},"modified":"2017-01-07T20:28:55","modified_gmt":"2017-01-07T20:28:55","slug":"crate-training-your-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happypetsinfo.com\/blog\/crate-training-your-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Crate Training Your Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Training Your Dog To Use A Crate<\/h1>\n
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Crate training your dog<\/p><\/div>\n

There are many advantages to crate training your puppy or adult dog.\u00a0 Most important is that it uses a dog\u2019s natural instinct as a den animal. \u00a0A wolf or a wild dog\u2019s den is his home, place to sleep, hide from danger, and where they raise a family. \u00a0The crate becomes your dog\u2019s den when he is introduced to it correctly.<\/p>\n

In addition to being an effective housebreaking tool, the crate can also reduce separation anxiety and keep him from dangerous or destructive behavior if he is running loose in the house.\u00a0 A dog or puppy will use his crate as a little cave, or den, to feel safe and secure.\u00a0 It will serve as a refuge for him from scary thunderstorms and is a safe way to transport him when traveling.<\/p>\n

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A crate should never be used for punishment, because he may come to fear it and refuse to enter it.\u00a0 Also, your dog should never be in his crate for too long a period. \u00a0If a dog is crated for long periods, he can become depressed or anxious without exercise or human interaction. The best advice here is to take your dog for a good, long walk or an extended play time before he goes into his crate. \u00a0Puppies under six months of age should not be in the crate any more than three or four hours at a time, because they cannot hold their bladders for that length of time.\u00a0 The same would apply to an older dog who is being housetrained.<\/p>\n

Crate your dog with the door shut until he can be trusted not to destroy your house.\u00a0 After that, it should be a place where he will go to voluntarily.<\/p>\n

Types of crates vary, such as plastic (flight kennels), fabric on a collapsible rigid frame, and collapsible metal pens, and they are available at pet supply stores, pet supply catalogs, or online.<\/p>\n

The crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.\u00a0 If your puppy is still growing, choose a crate size that will accommodate his estimated adult size.<\/p>\n

Two important things to remember about crate training <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

1 .The crate should always be associated with something pleasant. Using small treats, praise, and a positive attitude are all important in beginning the crate training process.<\/p>\n

2. The training should be done in small steps. Crate training may take days or weeks, depending on your dog\u2019s age, temperament, and his history. It is very important to remain calm and patient during the process.<\/p>\n

Placement and \u201cFurnishings\u201d<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Treat the crate as if it is your dog\u2019s furniture, and place it in a part of your house that he frequents and where you and the family spend a lot of time. Place a soft blanket or a dog bed in the crate, along with his favorite toys.\u00a0 Some people put a worn shirt or piece of their clothing inside the crate so that the dog will sense a familiar scent.<\/p>\n

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Introducing\u00a0 your dog to the crate<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Keeping the door open during the first part of the process, place some of his favorite treats just inside the door of the crate.\u00a0 Place the treats further and further toward the back of the crate so that he will learn to go all the way in and then praise him when he comes back out to you.\u00a0 Use this to eventually get him to go willingly into the crate and then come back out, all the while praising him when he enters and also when he exits.\u00a0 Be patient, as this part of the process may take days. \u00a0Please watch the video below to see how wonderfully this works!<\/p>\n