Crates can be beneficial for puppies in many ways. From potty training to general bad behavior prevention, a crate trained dog can be much easier to keep out of trouble. For the crate to be effective, it is best to introduce it in a positive way. Here are some tips and tricks to help baby Fido love his crate for his entire life.
Play the Crate Game
The first step to crate training is always to introduce the dog to the crate and get them comfortable with it. No dog should be closed into a crate when they despise being there. When Fido first sees the crate they should be allowed to explore it however they wish for a little while with all the doors open. Once they have explored it alone you can encourage them to go in using treats. Some dogs will hop right in while others will be more hesitant. This process is different for every pup but should not be rushed. The door should not start to close until Fido is happy to bound in and out. Don’t skimp on the treats here!
Feed Him in His Crate
This is an easy way to help baby Fido to love his crate. For every meal Fido goes to his crate. If Fido is already comfortable with his crate you can close the door, but otherwise leave it open. This makes consistent positive crate experiences for Fido. The crate means food. AWESOME!
Don’t Crate and Run too Soon
When the pup is first learning about the crate it is ideal to not leave them in the crate for too long. In an ideal world pup would get crated for short periods of time while you are home for a few days then for short periods of time with you out of the house and slowly lengthen the time that they are home alone in the crate. In the mean time, a play pen can be used to keep them secure without inadvertently making negative associations with the crate.
Naps Happen in the Crate
This is also a wonderful way to help Fido to learn that the crate is a safe place and that going into the crate does not always mean you are leaving the house. Whenever you notice Fido is getting sleepy then encourage him to move into their crate with treats.
Crates Produce Good Things
You want this stuffed kong? Go into your crate! Oh you are not paying attention, well now there are treats in there for you to find later! Good things should just appear in the crate with no warning sometimes. You can either toss it in when the pup isn’t paying attention or show it to them and encourage them to go into their crate to receive it and close the door for them to enjoy. When they are done they can come out. Any time you are telling Fido to go to his crate toss in a handful of treats. JACKPOT! The crate is a magical happy place!
Quiet is the Only Way Out
Being quiet should be the only way that Fido is released from his crate. Crying should be ignored until they quiet down except during potty training. You don’t want Fido to learn that if they cry loud or long enough when you are making dinner you will let them out. You can encourage this quiet behavior by letting them out before they can cry when they are given a treat toy or meal. When Fido is first being introduced to the crate it is a good idea to keep crate time short so they don’t start crying. If crying starts just ignore it until they stop then praise and let them out.
Crates are a beautiful thing if introduced properly. All the puppies that I know have a developed a life long love and attachment to their crates when they were introduced to them young. Crates are very versatile training tools that every pappy parent should consider investing in. Remember to keep training pawsitive!
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