Crate training is a very polarizing issue, some people believe it’s the best thing for the entire family, including the dog. But others view is as cruel and inhumane, disputing its use as a training tool. There certainly are some inappropriate uses of crate training that can be inhumane, but people can provide a safe and secure environment for their dogs by learning to use crate training correctly and effectively.

Crate training, when done correctly, is not only  humane, but can even be enjoyable for your dog. Crates are not meant to be the place where you put your dog away, out of your hair, when you don’t want it to bother you. The crate is not designed for leaving the dog in alld ay long, and only giving it attention when it is convenient for you. Care should be taken not to use the crate excessively, but only when you are truly unable to watch what your dog is getting into.

With correct use, you will find there are many benefits to crate training. Top of the list, of course, is potty training. You can effectively teach a puppy not to use the house as its bathroom by using crate training judiciously. Dog also may get into trouble by damaging things that are important to their owners, or by ingesting things that can be fatally poisonous to them; proper use of the crate will prevent both of these issues. A crate can also become a familiar, safe, even comforting place for your dog to be.

Dogs naturally like to live in dens. The den makes them feel safe, confident, secure and comfortable. If you effectively create a “den” for your dog with correct, appropriate crate training, it can become used to going there and can even feel happy about being directed there. It also creates a place your dog knows he can go to for safety when he is uncomfortable of scared. Many dogs, in fact, have such a strong sense of their crate as their “safe zone,” that they’ll go to their crate entirely on their own if they feel threatened.

Another bonus is that it teaches your dog boundaries and encourages good behavior. It will promote good behavior along with establishing boundaries, as long as it is never used as a punishment. Crating your dog when you are not home teaches them where they belong anytime you leave the house. Your dog may even become so comfortable with its crate while you’re away from home that it will automatically go there, whether you lock it in or not.

Yet, despite the proven success of proper crate training, the dog owning community remains divided on whether it is a blessing or inhumane. Your guiding points should be: 1) purchase the best quality crate possible, 2) it should be neither too large nor too small, and 3) never overuse the crate inappropriately. However, proper use of the crate will give you a happy, well trained puppy or dog that the entire family will be happy to have around.

Although crate training your dog requires more effort than crate training your pup, it is not as difficult as you might think.  If you crate train right, your dog will feel safe and will be more likely to stay out of mischief when left on his own.

The following are a few ideas that you can use to help crate train your dog.

*Crate Size Is Important

A correctly sized crate for your pup allows him to stand, turn around, and move within the crate. The crate is too small if your dog cannot do these things comfortably.

You can purchase a special type of cushion made to fit in your crate, or you can put whatever he normally lays on in there.

If the bedding is comfortable, it does not matter if it was made especially for this crate.  In addition, it is a great idea to look for the type of bedding that may be simply put in the washing machine.

If it happens that your dog shows fear when he is exposed to the crate, he may have had a bad experience correlated with them at one time or another.  These issues will require more patience with your pet in order to successfully crate train.

Crate Training A Dog

*Introduce Gradually

Familiarize the dog with the crate gradually by first locating it in a part of the house where the dog feels happy and comfortable.  Make sure that you leave the crate’s door open. It is important not to force your dog to go inside, you should let him explore at his own speed.

Another tip is to put some treats or beloved toys near the entrance; this will pique your dog’s interest in the crate. Gradually move the treats or toys further inside the crate.

If your pet goes inside of its own accord, you can have a go at shutting the door (just don’t exit the room; make sure your pet knows you are there).  In the beginning, for a few minutes you should leave it closed.

Leave the door closed a little longer every time.

You can slowly increase the amount of time the dog spends in the crate by closing the door for increasingly longer durations.  Next you will want to go out of the room and then gradually extend your time away from him.

Unless your dog is comfortable with the current step, don’t move on to the next one.

The worst possible thing you can do for your dog is to use the crate as a form of punishment.
  
Your dog will correlate negativity with the crate by doing this. He will fear the crate instead of viewing it as a safe place.

House Training A Dog

Now that your pet has become comfortable with his crate, you should be able to leave him in it for a few hours.

There are those who leave their dog in a crate while they go out and pursue their occupation.  Some people crate dogs overnight.  You really must not, however, participate in both things. 

If your dog is in the crate while you are at work and while you are asleep, then your dog will be in the crate for as long as sixteen hours in a day.  This is not acceptable.

Appropriate crate training is really not a fast or simple process.  Although it make take several weeks or even months, having your dog crate trained is truly worthwhile.  One of the most important things to do in order to properly crate train your dog is to teach him to relate good things with being inside the crate. 

You should help your dog learn that the crate is a safe place for him or her while you are not at home.

Be patient and understanding and things should fall into place.

Dog Training Tips