Crate Training 101

Patience is Key: Introduce your dog slowly and gradually to their new crate. It is very important that they become comfortable with their new crate, so rushing them into a crate will often backfire. If a negative association is created early with the crate it will be much more difficult to effectively crate train your dog. It is best to begin by getting a tasty treat for your dog and slowly lure the dog into the crate and give him the treat once he has ventured inside. Allow the dog the freely leave. continue to do this a few times a day and keep each exercise less than 5 minutes in duration.

Once your dog has a positive association with the crate, toss the treat in the back of the crate and allow your dog to go in on their own. Once your dog is doing this, state a command for him to go into the crate at the time he enters the crate. This command will help him understand the command's meaning later on.

Next, begin feeding your dog in the crate with the door open. Continue feeding all meals in the crate consistently. After your dog has eaten a few meals in the crate with the door open, begin closing the door during mealtime. Once your dog can comfortably eat his meals in his create with the door closed it is time to start leaving him in the crate for longer periods of time.

Gradually increase the amount of time your dogs stays in the crate and let him out before he gets too distressed. Ensure your dog always has plenty of water and a favorite playtoy with him. Remember to use your command when it's time for your dog to hop in the crate. This will create structure. It is also important to be as consistent as possible with a schedule for crating. Consistency is key to ensuring your dog crate becomes a normal part of their life.

Always Remember: Make sure your dog is allowed some toilet time before spending time in the crate. Secondly, ensure you spend plenty of time with your dog and he gets plenty of exercise throughout the day. A tired dog will be much happier to spend time in his own den.