Crate Train your Dog
- Your dog’s attitude to their crate depends on how you train them to use it. It’s unlikely that they will be nervous about their crate when they see it for the first time. You must take the time to show them that being inside their crate isn’t a punishment,
- it isn’t a scary place, and they can relax and feel safe when they are inside.
When it comes to crate training
it doesn’t matter how old your dog is. The same methods are used whether they are 6 weeks old, 6 months old, or even 6 years old. Remember that your dog is an individual, and not all dogs learn at the same rate.
The first step in crate training your dog is to put the crate in your living room with the door open and let them have a good look at it. They will smell it, and may even walk inside. Get a handful of your dog’s favorite treats, those special ones that are kept just for training sessions. Diced chicken is popular with most dogs.
lure your dog into the crate
Use the treat to lure your dog into the crate, and even if they only put one foot inside at first, give them the reward. That’s a good start. If you’re concerned about a crate taking up a ton of space in your living room, you may want to get a wooden dog crate. These dog crates serve as an end table in your living room and eliminate the need for a bulky crate that takes up extra space.
Spend five minutes on this process, and repeat it several times a day. Make sure you never rush your dog and always finish your training session on a happy note.
When your dog is quite happy to stroll into their crate for the reward, you can then throw a snack into the rear of the crate. It should land far enough back so that they have to walk right inside to get it. This is teaching them that good things happen inside the crate. They will probably come right out of the crate after eating their snack; that’s quite okay.
At this point, start giving him his meals in the crate, again with the door open, and this will also encourage a positive association with it.
It’s time to start closing the door. In the early stages, throw a treat into the crate, and when your dog is inside, shut the door for just a second or two, then open it up and give them another reward. Repeat this process, again and again, so they learn that there’s no need to worry if the door is shut.
increase the duration your dog spends
Over time, slowly increase the duration your dog spends in the crate with the door closed. Give them toys such as a stuffed Kong to keep them amused while they are inside. Because all of their interactions with their crate have been pleasant and have involved a delicious treat, they are unlikely to be bothered by being locked inside.
This is a long slow process, and the time it takes varies from dog to dog. It is very worthwhile taking as long as your dog needs because there are many advantages to having a dog that settles in a crate. Vacations, travel, and even forcing them to rest after an operation are always much easier with a crate.
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