Are you getting a new dog? Have you thought about all the training you are going to need to stay on top to have the behavior that will be acceptable in your home from a dog? Training a new dog, especially a puppy, is going to require a lot of your time and patience. However, it is all worth every second for the bond that is formed between you and your pet. One way to effectively train a dog or pup is with dog crate training.

The most effective crate training will be with a young pup. Many older dogs might have had a bad experience with a former owner concerning a crate. If you do adopt an adult dog that refuses crating, you should consult with a vet about the gentle ways to reintroduce it to him. Pups, however, need to be started in all parts of their training as soon as possible, especially when it comes to crating.

Keep up with the amount of time you leave your pup or adult dog in a crate, puppies should never spend longer than a couple of hours at a time inside it. Older dogs crate time may vary, but never leave them for longer than they would spend taking a nap. Being locked up too long inside a crate will create anxiety issues about you and being inside the crate. If you are using a crate to house train, make sure to take him out as soon as he wakes up.This is true for adults and puppies.

If you are using a crate to house train an adult dog, the same thing applies to them as it does with puppies. The only difference is adults will have fewer trips outdoors than do puppies. Make sure your dog associates his crate with pleasure and resting time. This will help him in realizing the crate is truly his own place, his secure den.

While training an adult dog or a puppy to be house broken, you should always remember to never use the crate as punishment for accidents. If you scold your dog and place him inside the crate, he will begin to associate the crate with negative feelings. If he does have an accident, gently scold him and take him outside right then.

Making sure your dog associates his crate with good times like sleeping and eating can be done by feeding him inside it or next to it. Many trainers suggest introducing a crate with the positive reinforcement of food and treats. Dogs, even puppies, also have the instinctive want to potty away from their place of rest and eating. This will help even more with house training.

If you would like to ensure a dog accepts his crate, you can do so by putting his bowl of food into the crate. When he goes in the crate to eat, gently close the door behind him. Do this every time you feed him. After the food is eaten, let him stay inside a crate for a few minutes, then open the door. Let him come out only when he feels like it. The more you do this, the more it will occur to him the crate is his secure place.

Most dogs, especially puppies, have a chewing fetish. This would be alright if they would only chew up their toys, but for some reason, dogs seem to be attracted to those items you treasure. One reason for this is the love they have for you and your things have your scent on them. Dog crate training works well in containing your pet long enough for you to go do the grocery shopping or to a doctors appointment. However, if you are going to be gone too long, find alternative ways to keep your dog from chewing things up. Pet sitters are great for times like these.

Polly Browder is a professional dog trainer and groomer. For more information about dog crate training visit PetsPavilion.com.

categories: training,dogs,pets

1 Comment

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  By Wood Dog Gate, November 19, 2010 @ 5:51 pm

  Training your dog is not that easy. You will need plenty of perseverance and patience.

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