How to Crate Train a Dog Correctly

Training your dog at home takes time and effort. But the rewards you’ll get when you see your well-trained happy dog are priceless. Everyone feels safe around a well-trained dog, especially when there are children around. Remember, the object of training a dog is to limit injuries to the dog and those around it, especially when the dog becomes a playmate for little kids. How to crate train a dog can be frustrating if you lose your objective.

The first thing you want to do is assess your needs. List the things you want your dog to do. Do you want a guard dog? Or is it a playmate for the kids you want? Or perhaps, a companion dog is what you need. Match your needs with the breed you’ll eventually get. A guard dog is trained to be fierce, so there’s little chance that he’ll be happy to just sit around the house and play with kids. It is important that you get the right breed of dog with the proper temperament.

Many pet owners are starting to learn how to crate train a dog as the start of the dog’s home training. In years past, a crate was used as a way to transport the dog. But not anymore. Many pet owners have realized that a crate can be used for discipline, to modify behavior,to keep the dog out of the way when visitors are in the house, to ease separation anxiety and also, to calm the dog when he needs to go places.

The right kind of crate and its size will depend on breed and size of dog. Most crates are front loading (with one or two doors) which is perfect for big dogs while some are top loading, which are suitable for toy breeds of dogs. Front loading crates are best when discipline, separation anxiety and behavior modification are part of the training. Once you have your crate, training can begin. Again, choose a crate that is safe and comfortable for your dog.

Transporting a dog for travel can be stress free if your dog is familiar with his crate and knows that he is not being abandoned. Separation anxiety is high in dogs that have been a part of the household and who are used to having many people around. The first thing you want your dog to do is be familiar with the crate. Leave the crate where your dog usually stays. Let him do the “getting to know you” by allowing him to go near the crate, licking it, playing with it. Once your dog has been reassured that no harm will come to him, it is easy to start letting him inside.

Easy Ways to Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy

Open the crate’s door. Allow him to go in and out. The first few tries will probably be for just a few seconds, and then he’ll go out again. This is okay. If it’s separation anxiety you want him to get trained on, let him go inside, then close the door and leave the room. Contary to what most people think, the confined space can actually give your dog a sense of comfort and safety. Being that he got used to seeing the crate already, he knows that no harm will come to him. Come back to the room after a few minutes. Increase the amount of time you are away while your dog is inside the crate. Give your dog enough time to adapt to his confined surroundings. After a few days, you’ll notice that your dog is no longer jittery when he’s in the crate even when you’re away.

How to crate train a dog for behavior modification will be different from training for separation anxiety and transport. With this kind of training, you want your dog to know that certain behaviors will merit being in the crate for a period of time. Again, make sure that the dog will not injure himself with the kind of crate you are using. For this kind of crate training, choose a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand and turn around. There should also be enough room for a bowl of water. However, do not get a crate that’s so big that your dog can play!

If your dog misbehaves, lead him to the crate. Close the door and bolt it. In a firm voice, let him know to “Stay” until you come back. Leave the room for a few minutes. Let him calm himself down. After a few minutes, lead him out and reward him with a toy. Be consistent. Do not give your dog mix signals. Let him know that bad behavior means a few minutes spent inside the crate. There are many other resources on how to crate train a dog. But the best gauge of how effective you are is by looking at your dog and knowing that he slowly gets it. Patience and understanding should not be in short supply. In the end, you will be rewarded with a well behaved and happy dog!