Crate Training Your Dog

The answers to all your questions about crate training your dog...Why is it important? How to do it? How long can you leave your dog in a crate? Which crate is right for my dog?

Why is this Important?

Crate training provides several benefits to both you and your dog. It provides a safe haven for your dog, aids in housetraining, and prevents unwanted behaviors in the home.

1. Safe Haven. Crate training your dog is working to make his crate a positive and comfortable place. The crate becomes a safe haven --a place where your dog can relax, sleep, and feel secure. It will give him a place to go in times of stress or confusion. Also, traveling in a familiar crate makes car and airline travel less frightening. Trips to the vet in a familiar crate help your dog be less stressed about treatment.


2. Housetraining Aid. Dogs have a natural desire to keep their sleeping area clean. He will learn not to relieve himself while inside the crate. The crate also helps your dog learn to "hold it" for longer periods of time. After your dog has spent several hours inside the crate, take him directly to his bathroom spot and praise him when he eliminates.


3. Prevents Unwanted Behaviors. A crate is a safe place to keep your dog when you are unable to supervise him. This will prevent the destructive behaviors that would get him into trouble. It is better to invest in a crate than have to replace a chewed up sofa. Never use the crate for punishment. Remember, you want your dog to associate the crate as a positive place.

How do you Crate Train ?

1. Set up the crate and leave the door open. Make it a warm and inviting place. Provide a soft blanket or padding on the bottom to make it a comfortable place to sleep.
2. Entice your dog by leaving a treat or favorite toy inside.
3. Praise him when he goes inside. Continue giving him treats and praise for as long as he stays inside the crate.
4. When he is comfortable being in the crate for a few minutes, gently close the door. Give him a treat and open the door.
5. Gradually increase the time that the crate door is closed.
6. Begin leaving the room for short periods of time. When you re-enter the room, do so quietly so that you don't excite your dog. Give him a treat and open the door.

Note: Do not open the door if your dog whines or barks. If you let him out, that is rewarding him for being noisy. Only open the door when he is quiet.

How Long to Leave Dog in Crate?

An adult dog can be left in his crate for up to 6 hours during the day and 8 hours at night. For puppies, the maximum crate time in hours is their age in months plus one.

If you have to be away for a longer period of time and your dog is not reliably housetrained, set up a larger confinement area. This area may be a portion of a bathroom or laundry room.

Which is the Best Crate for my Dog?

The crate should be just large enough for your dog to stand up lie down and turn around in. If you have a puppy and an adult size crate, use a partition to reduce the sleeping area. He will be less likely to soil it.

There are so many crates to choose from. They can be made out of metal, plastic, fiberglass, or even cloth. You can even find one to match your décor.

Drs. Foster and Smith Gorilla Tough Classic Fold and Carry Dog Cage Extra-Large Fold and Carry Cage Color: Black	Pet Dens	Deluxe Soft Crate Medium Deluxe Soft Crate (Blue)	Rattan Pet Residence Large Pet Residence Color: Natural

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