Last Updated: 2 months ago
Crate training is a popular method for the modern dog owner. It helps provide the structure for solid guidelines when crate training a puppy.
Consistency is very important but it is easy to get inconsistent, especially when you are frustrated.
Gives Dogs A Designated Space All Their Own
Households can be busy places. A dog needs a space that is theirs where they won’t get in the way of the comings and goings of others. If a dog is constantly being “run off” from places they can begin to feel that they have no place in the household.
Dogs that are constantly being reprimanded for being in certain spaces can develop nervous habits. On the other side you may not have the greatest relationship with your dog if you feel that you are constantly having to tell them to go somewhere else.
Keeps Other Areas Cleaner
Unless you are extremely consistent with grooming, the space that a dog occupies is going to be quite noticeably dirtier than other areas of your home.
If your dog has a designated area, you can more easily keep your home clean.
Never Use The Crate As Punishment
The purpose of crate training is to give a dog their own private space that is safe and comfortable. No matter how much you are tempted to do so you should never use the crate as a punishment says the experts at That Pet Place.
If a dog sees the crate as a place they go when they are being denied something, it can be hard to get them to come to accept it as a comfortable and soothing place of their own.
Gets Your Dog On A Schedule
If you work outside the home and no one else is around your home during the day, it becomes important to have a routine that works for you and your dog. Regular feeding times can help with this.
If you take your dog out at the same time each day and stick to a feeding routine, it will decrease the chance that your dog will go to the bathroom inside.
It is important to remember that the younger the dog, the more often they will need to be let outside. Older dogs may need more frequent bathroom time as well.
According to Dog Breed Info experts, a 6-week old puppy is going to need a bathroom break every hour while after they are 3 months old they may be able to go the entire night without needing to use the bathroom (make sure to properly potty train your dog). It is important to be patient with young puppies.
Include Activities and Toys In The Crate
Puppies especially need some form of entertainment if you want to eliminate the chance of destructive chewing or your puppy developing separation anxiety.
Adding good quality chew toys and other toys such as a stuffed animal can give a puppy something to cuddle with and be a comfort much like the effect a teddy bear can have on a child.
Don’t Just Lock Your Dog In Their Crate For Long Periods Of Time
A crate should not be seen as a space for your dog to be for very long periods of time. One of the biggest problems opponents of crate training have is the amount of people that think of a crate as an ok place to leave their dog for most of the day.
An outdoor kennel with a shelter in it is a good solution for those that don’t have a fenced yard and need to leave their dog for a large part of the day. Wire crates are very much intended to make it easier for your dog to be part of the inside of your home and be close to you during puppyhood.
Get The Right Size Crate To Start With
While it can be hard to determine the exact size a mixed breed dog will eventually achieve you probably at least have an idea.
Make sure to get a crate that can accommodate your dog when they are grown. This allows them to claim the crate and not be surprised by changes as they grow.
A crate should be large enough for a dog to completely stand up and turn around in according to The Humane Society.
Crates that are too small can make a dog feel too confined and uncomfortable. You may have noticed that your dog likes to turn around a few times before laying down. If they can’t do it, they don’t feel right about their space.
Outfitting The Crate
A crate needs to be welcoming to a dog. A pad for them to sleep on or fleece blankets can make them a cozy spot. If you want, you can even put an entire dog bed in there if the crate is big enough.
Toys and things to chew should be placed in the crate to get them used to keeping these items in their own area rather than scattered throughout the house. Many dogs take to this ideology very readily because they are somewhat protective of their toys and treats.
Include Your Dog
While the crate gives your dog a space, it is important that the crate be near family activities.
If your dog’s wooden crate is through the dog door that leads to the garage for example, they may feel left out of the household.
Try Not To Move The Crate Around Too Often
Moving a plastic dog crate around too often can result in your dog being somewhat confused, especially during the formative months. They shouldn’t have to look around to find their spot.
Moving a dog away from the family can lead to your dog feeling like they are being punished for no reason. If you do have to move it for some reason, make sure you are not moving it too far from family activities. Lack of attention can lead to trouble with any dog, especially puppies.
