A note from SJ Francis: Aah! Puppies. You have to love them, but house training them or other dogs not used to it can be a handful. Here is an easy and effective way to train them. Remember to Adopt. don't shop. Always make adoption your first option. I always do.

Originally from Pet Coach...

How to Crate Train Your Puppy or Older Dog

Crate training is a delicate process and it works differently with every dog. Understandably, not every dog is immediately thrilled at the idea of being contained in a small, enclosed space. But thanks to your dog’s natural den instincts and with the right training, your dog’s crate can become his safe space away from the chaos of a family home—not to mention the benefits of knowing your dog is in a comfortable place where he can’t chew on the furniture or electrical cords while you’re away.

Whether you’re training a puppy or a dog, here are 7 steps to follow when crate training your canine pal.

Introduce your dog to the crate

The first step to crate training your dog is introducing them to the crate. This should be a casual introduction in which the crate is placed in a communal space where you and your dog already spend a lot of time together. Place a blanket or towel that smells like you or your dog inside and leave the door open. Leave food, treats, and your dog’s favorite toys near the door and inside the crate so that your dog knows that they are welcome to explore the crate.

Feed your dog meals in or near the crate

Once your dog has been introduced to the crate, and has maybe even gone inside on his own terms, start placing meals inside the crate so that being in and around the crate begins to feel like a part of your dog’s normal routine. During this time, the crate should still be located in a communal area of your home. Eating meals in or near the crate will help your dog build a positive association with it.

Once your dog is clearly comfortable eating inside of the crate, go ahead and close the door while they eat. Leave them in the crate with their food progressively longer each time they eat, but not so long that they feel the need to whine.

Practice using treats and crate commands

Now that your dog is comfortable eating and being inside of the crate, it’s time to start teaching them commands associated with the crate and rewarding them for obeying. For example, use the word kennel and point inside of the crate. Once your dog enters, praise them verbally and with a treat. Do this repeatedly until your dog has learned the command.

Practice crate time when you’re around

Next, have your dog practice being in the crate for longer periods of time while you’re around. Once your dog is in the crate, sit next to it quietly while you do something else. Leave the room for 5 or 10 minutes at a time and then return to repeat. This will condition your dog to feel comfortable spending longer amounts of time inside of the crate, and will reassure them that you will always come back. Once your dog is comfortable with this, it may be a good time to place the crate where you want to keep it in your home.

Crate your dog at night

If you plan to crate your dog at night, this is the step in the training process when it is appropriate to start doing so. Keep the crate close to your bed at first, and if you plan to have your dog crated outside of the room you can slowly move it farther away each night as they get comfortable with the new sleeping arrangement.

Put your dog in the crate when you leave

Finally, once your dog is comfortable being in the crate while you’re around or overnight, it’s fine to start putting them in the crate when you leave—though it’s best to do this for short periods of time at first. An important piece of this step is avoiding a long and overstimulating goodbye. This will only make your dog anxious about the fact that you’re leaving. Give them a treat as usual, leave their favorite toy with them, and walk away like it’s no big deal.

Continue to foster a safe crate space

Last but not least, never give your dog any reason to associate a negative experience with the crate. For this reason, never use the crate as punishment when your dog is misbehaving. If your dog is misbehaving or needs to be separated, put them in a room alone and shut the door for a few minutes. The crate should never cease to feel like a safe and comfortable space for your furry friend.

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0r   www.savearescue.org

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Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
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    S.J. Francis

    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  

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