Canine Management - Crate Training Tips

A crate has so many uses, every dog should have one and more importantly be trained to accept one even if you don't plan on continuing to use it, your dog may need to be put in one during their lifetime. Do them a favor and get them used to one positively first before you need to use one.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, your dog is safely contained and protected from becoming a one tonne projectile. It also ensures that your dog does not escape the vehicle accident or injure the paramedics that try save you guys.

Hotels prefer dogs that are trained, and if you have to leave your dog at a kennel or friends house while you go away, their portable house makes your dog feel secure.

Puppies and new dogs should always be contained by a crate and/or an ex-pen when they are not strictly supervised. House training is made simple and quick when you start them off right with a crate. Crates help with house training, prevent destruction of your favorite possessions and give your dog a place to go relax, and get away from the crazy kids.

Take the door off and let your dog explore it on their own. You don't want to scare your dog is the door swings around unexpectedly.
Feed them in it, give them treats in it, and keep their toys in it so the crate becomes a great place to be.
Use the door once they are familiar and comfortable with their crate.
Be sure you fully exercised them and they don't have to go to the bathroom before you put them in the crate.
Place a favorite blanket in the crate with their smell on it so they know the crate is theirs.
Once you have met your dogs biological needs and it's time to go in the crate, don't give into the whining, or they will learn how to manipulate you.
Train them to enter the crate as a command, and when to exit on command,
Do not allow them to push the door open when you turn the latch.
An exercise pen joined with your crate is also a indispensable tool for training or keeping dogs confined after surgery.
If your puppy is ready for a nap, take them to their crate to sleep.
Give them something to chew on and they will most likely stay right in the crate, then fall asleep with their chew toy.
Close the door if they are happily chewing or napping.
When your puppy wakes up, run or carry them right outside for a pee and loads of praise! Now that they are relieved, you can let them play up to 1/2 hr in the house. After a bit of time, be ready for another bathroom break.
Get a second crate to save you from moving it from your bedroom, to the living room, to your car.

Dogs can become highly stressed, chew/mutilate themselves, gnaw on the crate until they are free, and break teeth in the process. Please take the time to train your dog positively to the crate.

Some breeds seem harder to train than others. Some of these dogs love crates, but hate to be "trapped" when the door closes. Make sure your dog loves their crate before leaving them unsupervised locked up. Start by leaving them in the crate, but only go spend some time in the next room or doing things around the house. To your dog, the crate should not be the place where they get stuck when you go away. Your dog can soon learn to resent the crate if it's used this way.

Crate

Anyway you look at it, if you have a dog, you should train them to a crate for their own safety and well being, because one day they may need to be kenneled, shipped or cared for at the veterinarian. If you have any problems or questions about how to crate train, give me a call and I will be happy to help you.