Easy, Painless Procedures for Crate Training your Puppy

Puppies need a sense of security and a crate provides that for them.  Knowing what they can and cannot do in the crate, establishes parameters that will serve them in good stead in the future.  While the crate is primarily a means to contain your dog and prevent it from piddling in your home, it also gives them their own place that no one else has.  It is that alone that provides the feeling of security for them.

Before starting the crate training, be sure you are a good, strong one of high quality. There are a number of models to choose from.  A crate made from wire is a safe bet; choose one with a lock on it and is large enough for your puppy to maneuver.  However, do not choose a crate too large for your pup.  This gives your dog too much room to pace around and in turn does not lend itself to a place of sanctuary.  This crate should be just big enough that your puppy can turn around and still be small enough to be intimated as his own little hidey-hole. 

You can bet that your pup will not make toilet in his own “room.”  This is how puppies learn to hold their poop and pee inside the home.  For short periods of time, get your dog acclimated to the crate.  Place a special treat or toy inside and once your dog is in the crate, close the door and quietly praise him for being good.  Leave him for just a short period and work your way up to an hour over time.  Don’t allow the puppy’s whimpering to break down and let him out.  This will just teach him that he can whimper and make noises to get what he wants. 

Eventually, your dog will also come to recognize his crate as a sanctuary and may even seek it out for those times when he needs a quiet moment to himself. If you live in a household with children, sometimes even the most rambunctious puppy needs some quiet time.  If you have been consistent with the crate training, your dog will go to his crate willingly.

Do not do anything to make the puppy think the crate is a punishment.  It is not a jail.  Make sure that your dog is not in the crate for too long of a period of time.  You want to ensure that each session in the crate ends positively.  One way to do that is to not leave him in there for too long.  If your puppy is whimpering when you go to let him out, talk to him before you do it.  If you let him out of the crate while he is crying, he will soon learn to expect that crying is a power to wield.  You have to be strong and speak softly and encouragingly to him. Once he is calmer, then you can take him out of the crate.