Crate Training Dogs The Easy Way.

Crate Training Dogs The Easy Way. Crate training is a great way to house-train a puppy. For anyone dreaming of having a well-behaved dog, it's also a great basis for other training and behavior. It is a simple and effective training method that anyone can use, and really good for both you and the dog. Even if you've tried crate training your dog before, and not had great success, don't worry, that's not your fault, as you might have got incomplete or incorrect information for some reason. It's a nice straight-forward approach, once you understand how and why it works. One good reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. To know what is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy and relaxed, and eager to learn how to do what you want. A strong crate is the very basis of good puppy training. A wire crate with a lock is the best kind. Make sure it is large enough for him to stand up and turn around without hitting his head, but not so large that he can wander around inside. A crate that is too large will not work for house training. A crate that is just the right size will be perceived as his den, where puppies never “go potty”. They will learn to hold it if you don’t make a prison out of it. Never leave a puppy under eight weeks longer than one hour in his crate. He will soil it after struggling and suffering as long as he can. Start with placing a treat inside, and he will go in to get it. Do this several times without closing the door, let him go in and out freely for an hour or so. Praise him highly each time he goes in, make it all very pleasant for the dog. When he is inside and has his attention on his treat, then close the door. Praise him quietly, “What a good boy, it’s ok, good boy!” In ten or fifteen seconds, but no longer, let him out without a word, no praise, just a quick pat. Do this for increasingly longer intervals, but do not give him a chance to get upset with this training. You can do this at several different times the first day. It is vital to make sure every training session ends on a happy note. Once he sees the crate is his own private den, he will go in there on his own, expecting treats and your attention. When he goes inside, say “Want your crate?” with a happy face and positive tone of voice, while he is getting his treats. Start leaving the room while he is in there for two minutes and then gradually increase this time. When you return, don’t make a fuss, just walk over and open the crate. In three days he will be fully crate-trained, ready to be left alone for an hour, but no longer at first (or while he is still young). Gradually leave him for longer times, slowly and carefully. You may be wondering why you want a crate for your puppy? The answer is because they love the feeling of being safe and secure in there. When placed in a crate, he feels safe because nothing can get to him, nothing can harm him in there. He will sleep and chew and happily wait for you to return. When leaving him overnight at the vet, if your dog is not crate trained he will cry the entire time, feeling lost and abandoned. With crate training, he is sure you will return as you always do. Of course the vet’s office is strange and will cause him some anxiety, but nothing like the terror he will feel without experience in being locked in a crate. The crate will help him feel comfortable because it's his own personal den. Note: do not make a prison of his crate. Do not ever use it as punishment. Don't leave him there for more than two hours, just time for a long nap and some chewing time. After that he will cry but don't remove him while he is crying, because that would make him think he has to cry to get out. No matter what, make sure he is being quiet and good when you open the door so he will learn he has to be quiet to get out. Don't make a fuss when you are letting him out, just quietly open the door and take him out to potty. When he potties, praise him a LOT! Dogs naturally do not go in their den, but sometimes accidents happen. Do not scold him, just clean it out with a bland face and no emotion. He will learn the lesson. If possible, try to clean it while he is outside so he can return to a clean crate. So that's the great benefits of crate training your puppy! If you want lots more valuable dog training information, we've got a free video series with lots more useful dog training advice. Just go to http://www.welltraineddog.org and we'll take your name and email on the page you get to (so we can inform you of updates), and you have instant access to this dog training video series to help you train your dog really effectively.