Some key things to keep in mind on how to crate train a dog are that this can and should be a
slow cautious process.Do not rush it or your pup may not take well to his crate.The crate training needs to be
done in slow steady steps.Alittle each day will be far faster and more productive than trying to force the
issue.
A dogs crate should be associated in his mind with pleasant and happy feelings.You need to
reinforce his natural instinct to make his crate his den.
When you first bring the crate home,try to locate it in an out of the way preferably quiet
location.Bring your dog or pup to the crate and allow him to inspect it.Try to tie the door open so that it doesn't
accidentally close on him and scare him.Remember he needs to feel comfortable with the crate as though it is his
den.
At first he may not like it because it will smell different.Sit down next to the crate and spend time with
him.Talk soothingly and calmly in a pleasant tone of voice.Don't by any means try to force the issue and just stuff
him inside.This will backfire in a big way.Don't get upset if he refuses to come close to the crate.To his sense of
smell it just may not be right and may take more time until he is comfortable.
In the first stages of introduction to his training crate you might
want to try enticing him closer to the crate with his favorite treats.Just take it slow,a little more each
day,several times a day.He may take to his den right away or it may take more time.Just be patient.
Once he is comfortable with entering his dog crate,you might try feeding him from his food dish inside the
crate.You could try putting the dish all the way back in the crate to see if he will go in to eat,but you may find
it necessary to simply start closer to the front and work your way in.You need to associate, in his mind when
you crate train a dog, the crate
with happy ,safe and comfortable feelings.
As he gets more used to being in his "den",try shutting the crate door.If your dog shows any sign of fear or
apprehension,quickly open the door.You don't want to add to your problems by making him scared right off the
bat.The next time you feed him,try shutting it again.Keep doing so until he is comfortable with being inside.It
will happen,be patient.
Once your dog gets comfortable with eating in his crate with the door shut and has finished eating,try leaving
him inside.Associating his food with a soothing tone of voice from you giving him praise should reinforce in his
mind that his dog crate is a good thing and something that pleases you.
If he starts to whine right away,you may have left him in the crate a little too long at first.You may have to
try increasing the amount of time that he is inside slowly.Regardless if you take him out as soon as he starts to
whine you will be sending him the message that whining will cause you to do what he wants.Let him stop whining
first before you take him out of his dog crate.
With time and patience your dog will get comfortable eating and staying confined in his crate.At this point you
can try leaving him inside for short periods of time while you are at home.
Begin by calling him over to his crate with his favorite treat.Point to the crate with his
treat and give him a command to enter.Try saying something like,kennel,crate or even den.Whatever works for
you,just be consistent with whatever command you use so that he understands what is desired by you.
When he does what you ask by entering his dog crate heap on the praise and give him his treat.Close the door and
try sitting quietly by the crate for about five to ten minutes.After that time get up and go into another room for
a little while maybe another five to ten minutes.Then come back and let him out.
Continue this process with goal of trying to lengthen the amount of time that you are away from his sight.It may
help to give him his favorite toy to occupy his time.Toys that hold a treat inside and which he has to work at
getting the treat out like a "Kong Stuff a
Ball" might be best.
Keep working with your pup until he can stay calmly inside his crate for a about a half hour or
so with out seeing you.At this point you should be able to leave him in his crate while you're gone for short time
periods.Be prepared as this may take several days or even weeks of crate training,but done properly your reward will be a well behaved pup.
No dog no matter how well trained should ever be left in a crate for more than eight hours.That is cruel and
unusual punishment and will break down all the good work of crate training you
have strived so hard for.If you know that you are going to be away from home for extended times then you are
going to have to arrange for someone to let your dog out.Think of it this way,you wouldn't want to be in a cell
more than eight hours would you?
If you will consistently be away from home for extended times you may need to reexamine why you wanted a dog in
the first place.It is not fair to the dog to be ignored.
Taking the time and making the effort to learn how to crate train a dog is
well worth it.He is happier knowing that he is pleasing you and has his safe little den.You end up with a well
behaved pup that you can be proud of and enjoy for years.
Amazon sells a book by Shirlee Kalstone titled How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7
Days.While I have not read it and can't comment on whether or not it is good,91 people that did buy it gave
reviews.Over half of those reveiws were 5 star out of 5.You might want to check it out.