How to Make Your Dog Love Its Crate

Having your dog crate trained is a great method for achieving a number of different results including potty training and keeping the destructive puppy out of trouble while you were at work or away from home. After you've finished crate training many dogs actually enjoy their crates and see it as a safe and comfortable place to relax. However, when initially beginning crate training it is often difficult to get your dog like its crate. These tips will help you learn how to make your dog love its crate and greatly simplify the crate training process.

The first factor that may cause your dog to be uncomfortable or unhappy when in its crate is a crate that is too small. Be sure to always provide a crate with adequate room so that your dog may turn around, stand up, stretch out freely and always have room for toys and goodies as well as room to lie down. If you're unsure which size crate to get always get the larger size just to be sure.

The next thing you have to do in crate training your dog is to provide a comfortable crate area so that your dog will actually enjoy crate time after becoming used to it. This means that you should always keep a doggy bed or some comfortable blankets and pillows lining the crate. In addition to this you should provide plenty of opportunities for entertainment while in the crate. A few toys and a tree that can be chewed on for hours such as a raw hide make excellent crate entertainment for any dog. If your dog wears a harness or collar you should also be sure to remove this before putting your dog in his or her crate for maximum comfort.

The other thing you should do is very slowly wean your dog in the crate training. At first make sessions no longer than a half hour to an hour working your way up to night times when the dog would be sleeping already. After your dog is become accustomed to this than you may start crating him or her when you're away during the daytime.

The biggest thing that you should avoid with dog crate training is using the crate as a time out or discipline area. The crate should not be a place for punishment but rather a place that your dog grows accustomed to, feels comfortable in and ultimately even enjoys spending time.