Dachshunds are cute dogs so many dog owners choose this breed without realizing that they need to spend numerous hours training it. One of the most important training a Dachshund should have is crate training because this dog breed is very active that dog owners can lose sleep if their dog cannot stay in a crate.
The beginning stage of crate training is very hard on both the dog owner and dog because it is a new environment so dogs relentlessly bark, cry, and howl on the first few month of training. However, dog owners should remain patient with their dogs because after the first few months, the dog would eventually get used to the crate and both parties would have a good night rest.
The reason why crate training is important for the Dachshund breed is because this breed tends to be stubborn, difficult to housebreak, and they are anxious if they are separated from their owners. Expect that the crate training for Dachshund would not be easy because they would surely bark, howl, and cry the entire night during the first few months of training.
A good sign that the crate training is successful when the dog starts to enjoy the crate and they stop crying at night because they are already used to the crate.
Put the crate in your bedroom
The crate training is difficult because dog owners are trying to set boundaries on their dogs, but Dachshund is a breed that suffers anxiety whenever they are far away from their owners. A good way to compromise with your pet during the crate training is placing the crate in the bedroom so they could still sense your presence.
Before placing the dog in the crate for training, spend some time with them and play with them because these breed loves the affection of their owners.
Put bed, blankets, toys, rawhide, and something that smells like you in the crate
In choosing a crate for the training, make sure that the dog has enough space to move and play around because they need to feel comfortable around the crate. Aside from the size of the crate, dog owners should also plan ahead on the things they would put inside the crate because Dachshund hate being away from their owners.
It is highly advisable to put things that smell like you in the crate because they would feel more comfortable inside it and dogs would feel like you are there with them.
Use a ticking clock or white noise
Since the crate training is a stressful situation for dogs, calming them down can be a challenge but tickling clock or white noise can improve the situation. Dogs are very sensitive to sound so try to create a calm environment for them so that they could feel comfortable inside the crate.
There are many available phone applications that offers white noises and sampling place it above the crate to create a more calming and comfortable ambiance.
Drape a blanket over the crate
Draping a blanket over the crate is helpful because it signifies bedtime for dogs, so they do not cry, bark, or howl all night long. However, as you drape a blanket over the crate, make sure that you do not cover the front part so that the dog could breathe, and they can see you inside the crate. Dogs are usually den animals who feel safe in a confined dark area because darker places signifies bed time for them.
Take the dog out an hour before bet and do not serve them additional food or water
Feed the dog earlier than possible before the start of the crate training and take them out before placing them in crate to release their energy. It is important to feed them earlier than usual because it would be harder for them to feel comfortable in the crate if they constantly need to relieve themselves.
Stay away from playing with the dog before crate training because dogs can easily mistaken bedtime for playtime which would make the entire training harder.
Have a quiet time before bed
Instead of playing with the dog before bedtime, dog owners should play with their pet hours before bedtime so they could burn their stored energy. Before bedtime, it is better to have some quiet time with your dog by watching television with them, cuddling, and other calm activity to send them a signal that it is almost bedtime.
Playing with the dog hours before the quiet time is important because the dog will not enjoy the quiet time if they still have a lot of energy in their system.
Limit the number of times you take him out throughout the nigh and make it quick
Again, the first few months of crate training is difficult because dogs would cry, how, and bark all throughout the night. Limit the times you take the dog out of the crate because they would start to associate barking and howling as a move to get them out of the crate. Tough love works on these dogs so limit the time you take them out and after their done with their business, put them back immediately in the crate.
If things get bad, sleep on the floor next to the crate
If the dog is having a hard time adjusting to the crate, make them feel safe by sleeping next to the crate. Sleeping next to them is a sign that you are not going anywhere, and the dog would start to feel a sense of comfort inside the crate. Assure your dog that the crate is okay, and you are not going anywhere.
Never cave and let the dog sleep with you
The common reason why crate training becomes unsuccessful is because pet owners cave in and they allow their dogs to sleep with them. Even if the first few months of crate training is challenging, it would be rewarding in the end. Push yourself and the dog to get through the first months and the dog would start to feel comfortable inside the crate.
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