Dog Crate Training

Tips on Getting Your Dog to Behave in his Cage

For most pet owners, there will come a time when the dog will have to stay in a dog crate or dog cage. It could be to take him from point A to point B or to keep him safe during short periods of time while the owners are away and can’t look after him. Dog crate training can sometimes seem difficult and it can certainly become a chore if the owner doesn’t take the right approach. However, when dog crate training is done properly, it becomes very manageable for even the most stubborn of dogs. Here are a few tips on how to properly train your dog for dog crate training.

You must first ensure that your crate is the right size for your dog. Several dogs like crates because they get to sleep in a small sheltered space that makes them feel secure. Think of it as babies feeling safe and secure with their blanket or sheet to cover them when they sleep. That being said, a crate can be too small, which is dangerous and possibly painful. The dog should be able to easily walk around the crate and should not have to dip his head while standing in the crate.

If your crate is too small or your dog doesn’t want to be in there, all your efforts in dog crate training will be wasted. Additionally, they won’t feel secure if the crate is too big, so don’t make the opposite mistake. Nowadays, most pet store owners will allow you to bring your dog in the store to choose a crate. The salespeople can also assist in recommending a crate that is properly sized for your dog.

Once you have found the right crate for your dog, the most important thing to remember is to make dog crate training an enjoyable task and not something that becomes traumatizing to your dog. Don’t force your dog inside and lock the door! Your dog will not feel comfortable in the crate. Instead, line the crate with a comfortable bed or blanket and put in some of your dog’s favorite toys. Some trainers also recommend that you put in an object that has your scent such as one of your shirts that hasn’t been washed. You can also spend time with your dog and sit with him while crate training. This may help prevent an association of being in the crate with being alone or abandoned.

You can also wear out your dog during the day when you are dog crate training. Take your dog out for a long walk in the park and play with your dog for as long as possible. By the end of the day, the dog will be exhausted and it will be easier to put him in his crate. The dog will associate the crate with getting a good night’s sleep and it should make dog crate training easier for the following days and nights.

Dog crate training is similar in a way to getting a child to stay in bed. It doesn’t have to be difficult. While there might be some crying and whining at first, approaching dog crate training positively while trying to make it as comfortable as possible for the dog will ensure a smooth transition and successful results.

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Dog Training