Crate Training a Puppy
Crate training a puppy is a MUST for all dog owners and should be started a few months after your puppy enters your home. Crate training is sometimes also called house training and the two types of training can be associated with one another. Crate training a puppy will ensure that he loses the tendency to pee and poop around the house. It also makes your dog feel secure and comfortable when you are away.
When crate training a puppy, the underlying idea is to confine your puppy in his own area without disturbing him emotionally and make him feel a sense of ownership for his own space.
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It is important that you do not force your puppy to be in his crate as this will affect him emotionally. Added to it is the advantage that your pup will be safe while you are away. Once crate trained, a puppy will mature into a dog that is happy to be in his own crate.
Ideally while crate training a puppy, your goal is to have him feeling comfortable in his den even when you are home. This way you will be able to entertain your visitors without him coming in the way. Initially you will need to make him accept the crate. This can be done by making it comfortable with a rug, bowl of water and a towel. His toys and chewable objects can also be placed there. Choose a crate that is stable and provides enough space for your pup; even when he is fully grown. Make sure it does not have metal edges that may pose a safety issue.
Make his crating periods enjoyable so that he does not feel a sense of restriction. Be patient and tolerant, often while crate training a puppy your four legged friend would not want to be confined. There would be a lot of squeals and resentment. Feed him in the crate. Keep track of his eliminating timings so that he does not soil his area. Take him out at these times. You will find that once he soils his den, he would not be comfortable there. Dogs are clean animals and will not stay in dirty conditions if avoidable. Do not punish and scold him if he does not respond to crate training easily. This will set back your training.
At times it may not be such a good idea to use a crate. While doing puppy crate training, there are some times when a crate should not be used. Crate training a puppy should not be done on dogs under 4 months of age. Also, avoid crate training if your pup is suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting. It is important that you give your pup enough exercise and time outdoors. This way when he is home he would have burnt out excess energy and will spend time in his crate more easily.
Make sure you put him in the crate about 15 to 20 minutes before you leave, and to have him also in the crate when you are home. This will keep him from thinking that by going into the crate you are leaving him, which can cause anxiety.
You can also position his crate in or just outside your bedroom at night so that he feels more secure. There are various resources available on crate training a puppy and you should research the best available information. I recommend “The Secrets to Dog Training”.