Crate Training Puppies

So you want to learn how to crate train puppies?

Well you’re not alone. Each and every year, millions of puppy owners all over the world learn how to keep their new puppy in a crate or separate room when they leave the house so they can reduce anxiety, destructive behaviour and barking problems.

Crate training is also an extremely effective tool when trying to housebreak a new puppy.

The Value Of A Crate To A Puppy

Now a lot of people think that crate training puppies is cruel and unnatural, in fact quite the opposite is the case.

You have to think back to when dogs were wild animals, which they still are underneath. In the wild a dog will find a small, safe place and may well dig a burrow to keep itself warm and hidden.

When crate training puppies, you are in fact quite simply giving your new puppy exactly what he or she wants, their own little piece of the world, where they can curl up and be warm and safe. What’s more it’s their own space and as a territorial animal your dog will appreciate this.

How To Start To Crate Train Your Puppy

It probably goes without saying that starting as young as possible is the best way. Older dogs or adolescent dogs can have a harder time with crate training, if that’s your situation then this article on crate training dogs may well help you more.

You should make sure that your puppy is comfortable, has a source of water and a toy or two to play with.

You must make sure that the crate you buy will be big enough for your pup as they grow to adulthood, no point in spending the money twice after all. But don’t go buying a crate that’s too big, if your dog can walk around in it, it’s too big. It should be the right size for him to turn round in and to use a sleeping place but not a playing place.

Initially put the crate in the room you all use most, where your puppy can see you. This will prevent any anxiety issues and will stop your pup feeling as though he or she has been punished in some way.

Start slowly with putting your pup in the crate for a few minutes at a time, probably only 15 – 20 minutes the first time. This is going to be new for your pup and he or she may well be a little upset. Whatever you do, do not give in and take them out if they cry. All this will do is “reward” the pup for making a fuss and that’s not what we want.

You should ignore him and when he’s been quiet for 5 minutes then take him out and make a huge fuss of him with plenty of praise, if they have a favourite toy then give that now as well, you can also give him a treat.

You’re now making him associate the crate with good things, not bad.

Over time you should increase the amount of time in the crate until you reach the maximum that you would leave your dog. So a nights worth or equal to a day at work.

At night you should put your pup in the crate, but put the crate in your bedroom. This will help to make your pup feel safe as you’re nearby, this helps again to stop the feeling of being abandoned or punished.

Again you are teaching him that you have your place to sleep and now he has his own place.

If you learn how to crate train your puppy effectively, you’ll be able to ensure your dog never gets too loud, destructive, or anxious when you leave them.

A puppy learns quicker too, which is much less stressful for everyone in the house.