Asking for techniques on how to crate train your furry pets? Want to assure that you will succeed in crate training your dog?
One of the common misconceptions among pet owners is that crate training is imprisoning a dog. That is definitely a wrong belief because crate training teaches your dog to be responsible and it calms anxiety. In fact, crate training has many positive feedbacks among pet owners. All you need is to patiently and consistently do the steps needed on how to crate train a dog.
Are there any tools needed in crate training a dog? The answer is yes! Usually to create a positive link with the crate you need the help of dog treats or play games with your furry pet.
But remember, these tools are not enough, it also needs you to be patient because it is not easy to teach. It may take at least six months for you to be successful in crate training your furry pet. Now the big question is, are you willing to do everything to assure that your dog is crate trained?
The Eight Steps On How To Crate Train Your Dog
1. Select the right crate for your dog
Of course, it is very important to choose the right crate for your dog. Choose a crate that fits the size of your dog, make sure it is comfortable and durable. It is highly recommended that you buy a crate that is expandable or can be extended as your dog grows bigger.
2. Create a proper mindset
If your dog has this mindset that his crate is a safe haven, then expect your furry pet to enjoy staying in his or her crate. Never use the crate as a place for punishment. You can always bring them inside the crate when you see your dog tired and want to rest.
3. Determine how your furry pet will be most comfortable
This one is a trial and error thing. You can try putting a dog mattress or bed, towels, or even bed sheets. Observe if your dog likes to have one of those stuff in his crate.
For example, if you place a bed on his crate and he ruins it, then definitely your dog is not comfortable with it. Some dogs prefer the crate mat itself, some prefer to have a bed or towel on it. Again, do the trial and error.
4. Give the dog a treat after they go into the crate
Again, positive reinforcements are needed in crate training. You can give them treats whenever your dog goes inside their crate, or give them a treat-dispenser toy. That way they will have this mentality that it is good to stay inside the crate.
5. Always keep an eye on the time
A time out off to crate is need by your furry pet. Why? Because they needed to play outside the crate, eat their meals, urinate and defecate. Of course, dogs want their crates to be clean because it is their safe haven.
6. Play crate games
Make sure to use the crate for fun games in which they can freely go in and out of their crate. Always find a way to put in their minds that the crate is their happy place.
7. Keep your dog “Naked”
When putting your dog inside the crate, make sure he or she is not wearing any collars, leash, or dog tags. Because this can make them feel that they are imprisoned and the dog tags or leash could strangle in the crate.
8. Be patient
Mindset yourself that crate training will take at least six months so you will not be frustrated if your pup can’t be easily crate trained. Always remember that if you succeeded with crate training, all your efforts will be worth it.
The seven things you need to avoid when crate training your dog
1. Lose your patience
This is a big no-no! If you lost your patience then expect that your dog will never learn crate training. It takes time to teach crate training, so patience is a virtue.
2. Don’t force your dog to use his crate
Your dog’s crate is not an inviting place. He or she may first see it as a suspicious place. Make sure to make the crate a comfortable place to stay so that your dog will voluntarily go inside his or her crate.
3. Not being consistent
Consistency is very important in crate training. In order to create positive results in crate training, you need repetition in doing the daily activities of your dog. You have to follow the daily routine of your dog involving his or her crate.
4. Do not respond to crying
When you are just beginning to do crate training for your dog, never respond to his or her bark or whining. Just make sure that you start crate training for a short period of time and just increase the time as your dog adapts in using his or her crate.
5. Overtime inside the crate
Never forget to keep an eye on the time. To overtime, your dog in the crate train will definitely be stressful for your furry pet. Your dog will not want to defecate or urinate inside the crate, because of course your dog wants to keep his crate clean as possible. Also when your dog is hungry, he or she will definitely want to eat outside his or her crate.
6. Using the crate as a punishment
Using the crate as a punishment will make your dog feel traumatized in using the crate. When you tell them to go inside the crate, your dog will always feel that he did something wrong.
7. Not taking off their collar
Not taking off your dog’s collar when they are inside their crates can lead to leash strangling in the crate. That will definitely make them uncomfortable.
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