How to Introduce a Puppy to a Crate

A crate (also called a kennel) is the best way to ensure your pet is safe when you are asleep or away from home. Dogs are den animals and most acclimate quickly to a small sleeping area. A proper introduction is all it takes to provide a safe haven for a pet.

Purchase a Secure Dog Kennel

Purchase a dog kennel large enough to secure the dog for several hours comfortably. If a kennel is too large for a young puppy the pet will not feel secure. Make sure the kennel is large enough for the puppy to turn around comfortably and stand up completely. Larger dog kennels should have a dividing wall to block off the extra space.

Hard plastic kennels are fine for a puppy to sleep in and stay for shorter periods. For longer stays, choose an open air crate. They provide more light and airflow for the pet. Don't go cheap on the kennel. A one time investment of about $50 for a small one is worth it for the peace of mind you and your pet will have knowing it is secure.

Where Do I Put the Dog Crate?

Place the kennel in an area you want it to remain permanently. Choose an area of the house that is quiet but not isolated. Small dogs appreciate having a place to relax with the rest of the family and not be in danger of being stepped on.

Avoid putting the kennel in an isolated area in fear of barking. Doing a proper introduction will stop most barking and unhappiness in the crate. When a pet gets bored they bark or whine, the pet may be spending too much time in the kennel.

Introduce Puppy to Crate

Put the pet in the crate to ride home. All pets should be in a secure carrier while in a car. Use a hard carrier for transporting pets, and secure it with seat belts. You may want to use a different crate for sleeping, especially if the pet does not like to travel.

At home, grab some treats and squeak toys and sit down near the kennel. Show the puppy a tiny piece of treat and give let them eat it. Toss a piece into the crate near the front. Continue to toss tiny pieces farther back in the crate and praise the dog for coming in and out of the kennel.

Place a few toys in the kennel. Let the puppy come and go in and out to show it is safe. Leave the door open for several hours before attempting to close the dog inside. Small puppies may choose to curl up inside to sleep, that's a great sign.

Close the kennel door and stay next to it for a few minutes after the dog is comfortable entering. Do not console the dog if it barks. Don't leave the room if the puppy gets upset immediately, stand your ground. After a few minutes open the kennel and act like nothing happened. Leave the crate door open and try again later. The less stress the puppy feels from you the less stress it will associate with a crate.

Be Consistent While Crate Training

Choose a command word for the crate and say it every time the dog enters. Trainers use "kennel" or "kennel up"; choose a word and have everyone in the home use it when the dog enters the crate. Consistency is key to all dog training.

For more training tips and tricks and general dog information, check out my blog here.Teach a puppy to enjoy a cratePuppies are safer in a kennel or crate when owners are not homeSmall dogs appreciated having a safe crate to relax inhttp://www.dogsruleiowa.blogspot.com