Millions of dog owners struggle with the issue of anxiety, barking and destructive behavior in their pets. This is especially true of dogs who are left alone even if it’s just while the owner is in another part of the home. Learning to keep your dog in a crate is a great way to solve these problems. Crate training is also an excellent tool if your dog won’t sleep anywhere but the couch or in your bed, or for housebreaking a brand new puppy.
 
 
What’s  So Great About A Crate?

When you first take your puppy or dog home, it is essential that he has somewhere safe and secure to go and rest, and is not constantly fussed over – children are often fascinated by sleeping dogs. Dog Crates are the perfect place!

Most dogs really love their crates. There’s something about a good dog crate that makes your best friend feel safe and secure. The reason for this is instinct. Dogs are members of the wolf family, and both wolves and wild dogs live in dens, which provide protection and a great deal of physical comfort.

In nature, the den would have a low ceiling and narrow walls. Thus, in the absence of a crate, you may notice your dog will try to curl up under a table, chair, or some other enclosed space. He has an instinctive tendency to seek out some type of den for shelter. Without the security of a small enclosed space many dogs will become anxious trying to find their “den” in your home. Trying to patrol a wide open space can leave them feeling insecure.

Choosing the Right Crate

Give him the right dog crate and your dog will have a place to call his own. You should buy a crate that’s 1.5 times your dog’s length, and he should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around. If your dog isn’t finished growing, buy a crate large enough to accommodate the size you expect him to reach. Then, place a partition in the crate at 1 1/2 times his length, and adjust it as he grows. Use something he can’t destroy or chew pieces out of, like a strong piece of plywood.

Placing a crate pad inside will make things more cozy. Wire crates are the most popular among owners, trainers, vets, and breeders. They provide maximum visibility and good ventilation. They’re also collapsible which makes cleaning, storage and transportation easy. Midwest is the most popular brand due to it’s excellent quality, value and time tested performance.

Basic Rules for Crate Training

A dog crate is the perfect place for a dog to go when he needs a safe, secure place to rest and get away from it all. If you put his crate in the kitchen, he has the advantage of being in what’s usually the most heavily trafficked area of the house, with a floor that’s easy to clean in case of “accidents”. From here, he can get accustomed to all of the sights and sounds and especially smells (a dog’s most acute sense) around his new family from a safe vantage point. Make the crate feel like home by placing a comfy blanket or pillow inside. There are also commercial crate pads, covers and bedding available.

Just set up the crate, then put in his bed, and couple of chews and cover the floor with newspapers – this will be sufficient. Add a few safe toys and she’s set to go.

Introduce your dog to his crate gradually, and take him outside often enough that accidents won’t happen in the dog crate. Keep the crate and pan clean and sanitary, and make sure it’s in a place that gives him enough quiet so he can relax. If your kitchen is never quiet, consider placing a second crate in a less busy part of the house.

Never use a crate to punish or shout at your dog, it must be a place of security that he enjoys to going. Spend time playing with him inside, if there is room. Initially let him find his own way in before closing the door.

Length Of Time A Dog Should Be In The Crate

It is recommended during the puppy training process, that the puppy should be in the crate a maximum of 1 hour per month of age. Once he is trained, do not leave the puppy in the crate more than 4 hours. For dog training, an adult dog (1 year of age) should be in the crate no longer than 8 hours at one time.

Crate Training for Puppies

Puppies need constant supervision during the first few months. A puppy can injure himself  if he is uncomfortable in a crate and left unsupervised. So make the crate comfortable. Place a soft old blanket or pillow inside. Place a few of his favorite, safe toys in the crate as well.

Allow puppies to get used to a crate gradually. To begin, you made need to place a treat inside, because you want her to go in on her own. The treat also rewards her for the right behavior. Each time she goes in, wait until she settles in and then close the door for a minute or two and observe. If she cries, wait for her to stop before letting her out.

At first, try to leave your puppy in the crate for short periods, gradually working up to an hour or two at a time. As he grows older, increase that time to match a full night of sleep or a day at work. If a puppy whines to get out of her crate, don’t pay her too much attention for a few minutes after you let her out. If you do, she’ll associate leaving the crate with getting attention. Remember that puppies need constant supervision during the first few months. A puppy can hurt herself if he’s uncomfortable being in a crate and is left unsupervised.

Crate Training for Older Dogs

This is really no different from introducing a puppy to a dog crate, it’s just that the adult may take a bit longer to learn. Be patient, and don’t leave your dog unsupervised.  Just like the puppy, if the dog is uncomfortable in a crate he may injure himself. If you learn how to crate train a dog properly, you’ll be able to ensure your dog never gets too loud, destructive, or anxious when you leave. A puppy adapts quicker, which is much less stressful for everyone in the house. But in spite of the old adage, it’s never too late too teach an old dog new tricks. Even your mature dog can benefit from crate training.