Pets Guide

Crate Training Puppies – 5 Tips To Crate Training Success

For some reason, a lot of people think crate training puppies is cruel. That’s simply not true! When done right, crate training is a great way to raise a happy, confident and well-behaved dog.

Crate training has so many benefits to your and your new dog. It defines your dog’s place in his new home – giving him a stronger feeling of security. He has his own special place or den. And it also helps you establish what is and isn’t proper behavior inside your home.

Here are five tips for effectively crate training a new puppy:

1. Never use the crate to punish your dog.

If he misbehaves, you should calmly lead him to the crate. Then sit and talk to him for a few minutes so he knows you aren’t angry or mad at him. The crate should always be a happy place to be. A place he can rest and relax, instead of a place for punishment.

2. Make your puppy’s crate comfortable and homey.

The crate should be a safe, relaxing place for your puppy. Don’t put food and water inside. Instead, give him his favorite blanket to sleep on and a safe chew toy. Reward him whenever he goes inside with his favorite treat.

3. Don’t ask your puppy to stay in his crate all day.

Dogs are social. They are pack animals and want to be with the rest of their pack. This means you. Never force your puppy to spend all day locked in his crate.

4. Consistency is the key.

If you are using your crate to train your new puppy, consistency is vital. You can stop him from jumping on people by redirecting him – crating him each time he jumps on someone.

Don’t forget – this isn’t a punishment. Let family and guests visit your puppy while he’s in his crate. Have them say hi and talk to him for a minute.

5. Use a schedule when crate training your puppy.

Your new puppy is much like a child. He needs rest. These faithful companions are light sleepers – always on guard, ready to protect you if necessary. Giving your dog some ‘nap time’ in his kennel will let him rest in a safe place.

Crate training is a simple and effective way to train your puppy. It gives him his own special place in the home – and helps define you as pack leader. This is vital in any dog training program.

Done right, crate training puppies is a loving and compassionate way to train your new dog. It lets you build a strong relationship with your dog without the usual drama associated with dog ownership.