Crate training is an invaluable tool that all dog owner’s should use. Not only does it keep your dog safe while you are not home, it provides them with much needed down time, structure, and the ability to be calm in a small space (can come in handy if your dog ever needs veterinary care and needs to stay overnight, or be kenneled while you go on vacation). puppy crate training
How to start:
Make sure you have the right sized crate. The dog should have enough room to get up and turn around, that is it. uppy crate training
Choose your bedding wisely. If your dog is destructive, do not leave any bedding in the crate.
Start with short intervals in the crate while you are home. Put your dog’s leash on, guide them to the crate and say “in your crate”. Use the leash to help guide him in. Once in give him a reward, and shut the door. Wait 1 minute, open the door but do not let him charge out. If he tries to run out close the door quickly. Repeat until you can open the door without him trying charge out. Once you can open the door and he remains in the crate, wait for him to look at you and you can say “OK” to release him.
Start feeding your dog in his crate to make more positive associations to the crate. Same rule above applies though when letting him out.
Start to increase the amount of time in his crate while you are home.
If your dog whines or barks while in the crate you need to correct it. Try to correct it in the very early stages before he works himself up. You can correct it verbally with a sharp “eh eh”, visit the dollar store and get a spray bottle and correct with a squirt of water, pick up a Pet Corrector from the pet store (can of air that makes a loud “shhht” noise to interrupt unwanted behaviour), or tap the top of the crate with your hand.
Follow these protocols for a week and start to leave him in the crate while you leave the house. When you put him in do not say anything other than “in your crate”. Do not feel bad, or sorry that you are leaving him. He can sense your emotions and this makes things worse for dogs who have some separation anxiety. puppy crate training
When you return do not speak to the dog, follow the protocol for letting him out of his crate. Do not give him any attention for 10 minutes after you get home (no touch, not talk, no eye contact). Only once he is completely calm can you give him attention. puppy crate training
By following these steps you should successfully be able to crate train your dog!
If you need help with crate training your puppy contact us today! 905-869-1170 or info@caninesinbalance.ca
Happy Training!
Katherine