Guide to Crate Training Your Puppy

Crate training is an essential part of training a puppy for several reasons. It will help your puppy sleep through the night, speed up house-training time and will prepare your pet for traveling in a car or airplane. In this article, we will discuss how to crate train a puppy using non-stressful methods that will help your pet associate the crate in a positive way.

First and foremost, one of the most important things to remember when crate training a puppy is to never use the crate as a place of punishment. Do not banish your puppy to the crate when he or she has misbehaved, as this will send a message that the crate is a "bad" place. Instead, use the following positive steps for introducing your puppy to the crate.

Introduce the crate - Before you place your puppy in the crate for the first time, place the crate in the area and allow your pet to become familiar with it. Let him sniff it and explore around the crate so he can become comfortable with it.

Start slow - When you first begin crate training a puppy, place him or her inside for just a few minutes. Open the door and let him come out on his own. Praise your pet and allow him to be free for a few moments. The next time you place him back in the crate, extend the time for a few more minutes. Continue this until your pet is comfortable being left in the crate for an extended period of time. Note - If you are using the crate for night-sleeping only, you will still want to follow these steps during the day to make nighttime less stressful for both you and the puppy.

Be consistent - Remember, you are the boss. When you instruct your puppy to enter the crate, be firm and insist that he obeys. If he resists, gently coax him into the crate and follow through with making him stay. If your puppy whines and cries, do not let him out of the crate. If your pet whines excessively, place a towel over the crate so he cannot see out. This will help calm your pet down and make crate training much easier.

Make it a happy place - You want your puppy to associate the crate with being a good thing. Once you're sure your puppy will not use the bathroom inside the crate, line it with a soft blanket or towel. Place a few chew toys inside the crate to encourage him inside. Again, never use the crate as a place of punishment.

Offer a reward - Each time your puppy enters the crate, reward him with a small treat. Soon, your puppy will willingly enter the crate on his own as he begins to associate the crate with a tasty reward.

Of course, you want your pet to be comfortable, so when you are shopping for a crate consider the size your pet will be as an adult dog. Crates are sold according to your pet's weight, so buy one that will coincide with the approximate weight your dog will be in at least one year.

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Personal knowledge and experience