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Crate training is one of the best things a dog parent can do. It gives your dog a safe, secure place when you can’t keep an eye on them. It’s handy for potty training, obedience classes, and traveling. Keep reading to learn our top 10 tips for crate training.
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#1 – Start as soon as possible
As soon as your dog gets home, start cage training. The sooner you do it, the easier it will be to set the crate to “the norm.” Both puppies and adult dogs can benefit from cage training.
#2 – Choose the Right Bin Size
For potty support, make sure the crib isn’t too big. If that’s the case, your puppy can defecate in one corner and still sit comfortably on the other side. However, there should also be enough room for your puppy to stand up, turn, and lie down comfortably.
#3 – A positive place
The barrel is said to be a positive place. It should only be associated with good things so that your dog will enjoy being in it. So never use a kennel as a punishment or a “time out” area after your dog misbehaves. Instead, reward them with a treat, chew, or toy while they’re in the crib to create positive associations.
#4 – Leave the Door Open
Take the crate out with a comfy bed or blanket inside. Keep the door open so your puppy always has access to it. This helps establish it as their “hideout”. All of my dogs choose to go to the crate when they nap. This is good because it means they consider it a safe and cozy place.
#5 – Start with short sessions
Don’t just put your puppy in the kennel and expect them to be good for five hours. Start by closing the door and rewarding your dog for being quiet while in the kennel. Then let your dog out before they have a chance to cry. For some puppies, it may be just a second or two. You will have to gradually increase the duration. But remember, avoid leaving your puppy in there longer than their small bladder can handle!
#6 – Work to Solve in Crate
I teach all my dogs to lie in kennels to help them relax and settle down. This is a recommended behavior (meaning you give no hint). Do this by rewarding your dog generously whenever he chooses to lie down.
#7 – Don’t let them out if they cry!
One of the biggest mistakes dog parents make is giving in to those pitiful squeals. We know it’s sad, even heartbreaking, but if you let your dog out when they do, you’re teaching them that to get out, all they have to do is make a fuss. Of course, that’s the opposite of what you want. So even if you know the puppy needs to go to the bathroom, wait until they are quiet, give them 3-5 seconds, and if they are still quiet, let them out.
#8 – Feed the dogs in their kennels
Feeding your puppy in a kennel will create a good bond for your puppy, making kennel training easier. You can leave the door open or closed at first and then let the puppy out when they’re done, as long as they’re quiet. You can use their regular food bowl, or put the food in a toy, such as a KONG, to make the food last longer.
#9 – Order them for short while you are at home
This is another point that is often overlooked. For many dogs, it’s easy to get into the kennel and be quiet when you leave. After all, you are not there. But it’s much harder if you and/or other pets in the house are walking past their kennel. Your dog may wonder, “you’re out, why can’t I?” Avoid this by placing your puppy in their kennel while you are at home. Reward them for being quiet and let them out before they “have had enough”.
#10 – Invest in an Autoloader
A food dispenser will allow you to treat your dog well while in their kennel, even when you are not in the room. Some reward dogs that don’t bark, so they can be rewarded even when you’re not at home!
Consider online training!
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