The Ins and Outs of Puppy Crate Training

Puppy crate training can be an invaluable tool. Not only does puppy crate training help you to have an aspect of control for your training, but it can satisfy the dog's need for a den. Puppy crate training can help with housebreaking, separation anxiety, destructive behavior, puppy safety, and as a mode of transportation. Do puppy crate training properly and your dog will use it for resting in, even as an adult.

Introducing The Crate: The first step of puppy crate training involves introducing your puppy to the crate. If you have purchased a vari-kennel type of crate, like the ones used for airline travel, start by taking the crate apart. Allow puppy to go in and out several times until he or she is comfortable with the crate and the reattach the top. For puppy crate training with a wire mesh crate, tie the door open. Place a piece of cardboard or a towel under the plastic floor plan to keep it from rattling. Again, allow the dog to go in and out several times before starting puppy crate training.

What Should Go In The Crate?: For puppy crate training, the crate should be a fun place to be. That means furnishing it with a few items. Some difficult-to-destruct toys can help keep your dog entertained. Make sure to discard toys if they become worn or broken and do not use toys that are small enough to be swallowed.

If you will be gone more than a few hours, make sure that you puppy has access to water. A water dish may be messy, so a water bottle hung from the side can help keep the crate dry. You should also make the crate comfortable for the puppy.

A blanket or towel can be used to make the crate softer, however it should be removed if puppy urinates in the crate or chews the towel.

Where The Crate Should Go?: While it may be annoying the first few days, due to the barking and whining, placing the crate in a room where puppy can see and hear you will make puppy crate training much easier. Dogs are pack animals, and they are happiest when they are with their pack.

Introduction Tips: There are some things that can make puppy crate training easier. These include:

1. Hiding or dropping treats into the crate periodically for puppy to find.

2. Praising puppy for entering the crate.

3. Use treats to encourage puppy to enter the crate - make it a game.

4. Crate when you are home. If the puppy's first experience with puppy crate training involves you leaving him home alone, he could associate the crate with you leaving and develop separation anxiety.

Sometimes A Crate Is Inappropriate: While doing puppy crate training, there are some times when a crate should not be used. Do not do puppy crate training if:

- The puppy is younger than 3 months

- The puppy has diarrhea

- The puppy is vomiting

- You need to leave the puppy alone for more than a few hours

- The puppy has not eliminated (with the exception of house training)

- It is hot outside

- The puppy has been confined for excessive periods in the past and needs additional socialization and exercise.

Remember, puppy crate training is designed to make life easier and more comfortable for both you and your puppy.

Article Source: http://www.contentspool.com

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