Being a pet parent takes a whole amount of responsibility especially if you own a new puppy. And if we are, to be honest, some of their behaviors can be quite puzzling.
Like, what is with the look in those eyes? Did he just whimper at me? What does he want now? Truth is, these are nothing but common dog behavior. With a new puppy that is starting to crate train, you know it’s a different game.
When they cry or bark, it is simply their way to get your utmost attention. However, learning to differentiate these behaviors can be helpful for you while crate training your new puppy. Let’s get real here, we want what is best for them and we’ll do everything we can just to make them well taken care of.
While some people would take crate training in a negative light, this article hopes to shed some light on the advantages of doing it. While it has its own share of challenges, crate training helps make the process easier.
Do you want to have a calm, obedient puppy that is ready for training? CLICK HERE to watch this FREE Step-by-Step Video from Doggy Dan’s Puppy Program!
Crate training, in essence, helps the owner in house training, preventing any destructive behavior, providing a much safer transport system for your dog in a car, and etc.
‘So how do we achieve this?’ you might ask. To get you dog parents started, read on the list below to guide you while on a crate train with your puppy:
Create a Safe and Welcoming Crate Space
A new puppy has a lot of adjustments to do in terms of environment and the company he is now surrounded with. It is your sole responsibility as a pet owner to make sure that your new puppy gets a good feel of his new home.
Start off by purchasing a tech-infused blanket (which can be easily bought at pet stores) or by improvising a battery-operated ticking clock. Have your puppy lie against it when he sleeps or just whenever, and the ticking sound will do the trick by making your puppy feel as if it is his own mother’s heartbeat.
Remember, puppies are completely helpless and dependent upon their mother. So creating a secure and comfortable space for them are crucial in the first few years of their development.
Understand His Verbal Cues
It is common knowledge by now that a puppy’s cry or bark are obvious signs of getting your attention but frequent whimpering and crying could be signs that your new puppy definitely needs something.
Feeding time? Always have it on the check because large food intake is a norm for puppies. Dry nose and panting? Your new puppy definitely needs water. Puppies generally drink more than adult dogs, so fill his water bowl and leave it there at all times so he can drink whenever he can.
Does he need a potty break? Take him outside every one to two hours during the day. A new puppy can only hold it for as many hours as he can so attend to his need by making sure he is well-fed and hydrated.
If these are followed correctly, you can then place him back to his crate so as to minimize his crying. Another rule of thumb would be putting your new puppy in his crate once he is tired out. Creating time intervals of putting him there and placing him out are crucial as well.
Conditioning Your Dog for Longer Periods of Time
You should know by now that all dogs are different, and the same applies to your new puppy. They train at different paces so it is important to be flexible in this aspect.
When you crate train, however, it is important that you do it in a repetitive manner. Doing so can send signals to his brain and thus develop a newfound pattern which he can now get accustomed to.
Doing so in longer periods of time also helps, as it only takes several days or weeks. Keep in mind that the crate should be a place that your new puppy is willing to go when needed.
Again, you are the pet owner so have fun experimenting and don’t be afraid to explore different ways to get your puppy get used to something new!
Place Familiar Objects Inside the Crate
We all know scent is important for dogs. When it comes to human scent some odors give dogs a kind of pleasure—specifically if the odor is from their pet owner.
An experiment was made through a study performing fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) on 12 dogs to test their response to biological odors. The experiment dogs were presented with five scents, with one of them as the familiar person.
The results show that an area of their brains associated with positive expectations was most activated by the scent of the familiar person. Your dog pal can not only display a familiar-smelling ability towards humans and have a positive presumption about them, but also that these humans’ scents stay in a dog’s mind.
So if you are having a hard time with the whole crate training, consider placing a piece of your own clothing or any kind of familiar object inside for him to play with.
Take Advantage of the ‘Occupational Chewing’ Method
There are countless benefits to using chew toys for dogs and you can incorporate them to your new puppy’s crate training as well. Find one that is a suitable and durable size for your puppy’s small mouth. This kind of toy is the most likely to keep your new puppy engaged in a pastime called ‘occupational chewing’.
Aside from the fact that it spares you from all the hassle, this also confirms that doing it inside the crate helps your new puppy associate the crate with pleasure—an association fundamental to successful crate training. Now that’s something well note-taking for!
The list could go on and on, but these are basic things you can start with your new puppy. Enjoy crate training!
Do you want to have a calm, obedient puppy that is ready for training? CLICK HERE to watch this FREE Step-by-Step Video from Doggy Dan’s Puppy Program!
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