Crate training puppy is not like getting him ready to go to prison. The crate can be =a place of relaxation and safety for puppy. Crate training, like housebreaking, can be a rewarding experience if you are willing to put in the time.
The first thing to do is decide on a crate. The crate or carrier should be big enough for puppy to turn around and lay down. If the crate is too large, use a piece of cardboard as a divider. As puppy grows, you can move the divider to one side as you need to.
He may be weary of the crate at first. Let him sniff it and wonder around it until he is comfortable. Putting one or two of his favorite chew toys or his favorite blanket in the crate may entice him to try it out.
Don’t scare your puppy. If he starts to enter the crate, don’t help him out by pushing him in. This only gives puppy reasons not to trust you.
Once he is in the crate, use a command that puppy will associate with being in the crate. Repeat the command every time he enters the crate. Praise your puppy for his accomplishment.
The next hurdle to tackle is closing the door. Puppy must get used to being locked in the crate. Choose another day to practice this step. With puppy watching, close the door. Puppy will only be closed in for a minute or two. Open the door and let puppy come and go if he wishes. When he reenters the crate, repeat the command and give praise. Then, close the door again for a bit longer this time. Try to get up to half an hour.
Puppy may whine while he is in the crate. Don’t get alarmed. If you open the door and let him out, he will think that whining will work to get him out of his crate. Instead, simply tell him to be quiet. If he is still whining, try the command again until he hushes up.
You are not being cruel to puppy, but teaching him. Puppies are cute and will wrap you around their little finger. This may seem harmless enough, but an unruly adult dog is not cute. He could be big trouble.
Using the crate as a babysitter is not wise. No more than six hours in the crate is advised. Puppy could develop abandonment or fear issues if constantly left alone.
Crate training will also allow puppy to travel outside your home with no trouble. He will be comfortable in the crate so riding in cars or going to unfamiliar places for the first time will be less traumatic.
