
6 Essential Tips For Crate Training
Crate training is an effective way to potty train your dog while also providing a safe and comfortable space for her to retreat to. However, many dog parents find crate training to be a daunting task. In this blog post, I will provide you with some tips to make crate training a successful and positive experience for both you and your dog.
- Choose the Right Crate
The first step to successful crate training is choosing the right crate. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, it should not be too big that your dog can use one end as a bathroom and the other as a sleeping area. Plastic, wire, and mesh crates are all good options.
2. Make the Crate a Good and Calm Place
Your dog needs to associate the crate with good and calm experiences. Start by placing treats and toys inside the crate to encourage your dog to go in. Also, place the crate in a quiet and comfortable area of your home where your dog can feel safe and secure. Use oily stinky treat crumbs and place them or hide them at the end of the crate. That way your dog will gravitate into the crate and will spend sometime inside trying to find them. Also the scent and using their nose will make your dog more relax. Happy and calm.
3. Gradual Introduction
Introduce your dog to the crate gradually. Start by leaving the door open and allowing your dog to explore the crate on their own. Leave Once your dog is comfortable with the crate, start feeding them meals inside the crate with the door open. Gradually increase the time your dog spends inside the crate until they are comfortable being in there for longer periods.
4. Create a Routine
Dogs thrive on routines, so establish a consistent routine for crate training. Take your dog outside to use the bathroom before placing them in the crate, and take them outside again as soon as they are let out of the crate. This will help your dog associate the crate with going outside to use the bathroom.
5. Don’t Create Excitement Around The Crate
Excitement and crate is oil and water. A crate is a place to relax. Don’t get your dog too excited or riled up around the crate. The last thing you want is an excited dog inside a crate. Do not confuse excitement with happiness. You can be happy calm and happy excited. You want your dog to be in the crate happy calm
6. Be Patient
Crate training takes a little bit of time and patience, so be patient with your dog. Some dogs may take longer to adjust to the crate than others, so don’t rush the process. If your dog is having a difficult time, take a step back and go back to the previous step in the training process.
Crate training is a useful tool and a greta skill for your dog to have. It also provides a safe and comfortable space to retreat to. By following these tips, you can make crate training a great experience for both you and your pup.
© Gabriel Riesco, Pawmos Dog Training LLC | All Rights Reserved July 2023