How to Crate Train a Puppy

By Deen Adelakun

Crate train a puppy has many benefits for both you and your pet. It is a good way for housebreaking your new pet be it a young pup or an adult dog. Designating a crate for your puppy gives it a sense of security and you a peace of mind.

There are various crate types you could choose from, such as plastic or wire crates. The plastic ones are a favorite among most dogs while metal or wire-mesh crates could be easily folded, which make them ideal for traveling. Make sure that your puppy crate is large enough to house the puppy when he grows to his maximum size.

While the dog is still small, you could try putting in a small cardboard box in the rear part of the crate so your puppy would fit snugly in the available space.

Crate train a puppy is highly recommended by animal trainers and veterinarians. It instills a sense of discipline to your pets early on so they don't go about wildly, littering your house. Some puppies cozy up to their crates easily but others need a little training or breaking into before they could accept the crate as their home.

A way to acquaint your pet with a dog crate is by offering food treats inside the crates. He will soon keep coming back to the crate for treats. Gradually teach him that the crate is his home by giving gentle but firm commands to "get in." This time, do not offer food treats.

You could also try shutting the crate door for a short period, only letting him out to give food treats. Close the door for longer periods after sometime. It would also help if you spend time away form your pet to help him adjust.

The placement of the puppy or dog crate is also essential in helping your pet adjust to his new home. Puppy crates should be placed in the less busy parts of the house like your bedroom. You have the option to transfer the crate to the living room during mornings.

Visit your dog crate when the puppy is well-behaved. Do not offer comfort whenever he whines or cries as doing so will give him the wrong idea. Try not to make your visits to the crate a very exciting event. Be nonchalant about it - just open the door each time you arrive and walk away quietly. A simple greeting or a pat would suffice.

Another important thing to remember is that you should never use the crate as a form of punishment. You are trying to establish the dog crate as a safe sanctuary and your dog's personal den. You know that you have achieved your goal of crate training a puppy if your pet starts running to the crate on its own in search of rest or some time alone.

Adhere to a regular schedule when feeding your dog. In training him to defecate, it is advisable that you take him out to the same spot everyday to relieve himself. Leave traces of feces or urine so that your pet would know where he should return the next time you take him out to eliminate.

Effectively doing all the above steps is how to crate train a puppy.

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