Article by Ricardo Lumbardo

The Basics and Importance of Crate Training

Crate training is one of the most popular types of dog training. The reason for its popularity is its importance to any dog owner who wants to have a life aside from that of taking care of the puppy or dog. Crate training also has several benefits. It is one way of training your dog, especially a new puppy, to be independent and safe on its own when you need to do things that require your full attention. When you crate train a dog, it will learn to stay confined within a particular area or space where there is no access to anything dangerous that can harm it. It also tames the wild curiosity of puppies that seem to want to go to every possible corner of your house. Crate training is also a very effective way to house train a dog because the dog will learn how to control their physical instincts when it is confined within an area that has to be kept clean.

How to Crate Train Your Puppy or Dog Properly

To crate train your puppy or your dog, first, you have to get a crate. The size of the crate is very important. Get a crate that is big enough so that your dog can stay comfortably inside, but small enough for it to be restricted to being a sleeping or resting area. Before taking a dog to a crate, first, allow the dog to roam around at his favorite place or spot in the house. Taking him outside will also be a good move, so as not to make it feel as if it is being confined. Then, take him to the crate. The puppy should be comfortable, and should be able to stay there without getting into trouble. Giving them something to keep their attention such as a pillow or a safe toy would be best. As you crate train your dog, it will start to feel comfortable being on its own and still behaving. Its natural curiosity will be cultivated. If you get a crate that is small enough to be solely a sleeping area for your dog, it will also learn how to hold back its urine or waste while inside the crate. Once you are ready, you can take the dog out of the crate. After doing so, take the dog somewhere he can roam free again.

The Don’ts in Crate Training

There are certain things to avoid in crate training. First, don’t place food or water inside the crate. You want to keep the crate clean, especially since you want your dog to be comfortable so it will not feel confined or locked in an unclean place where it cannot do anything but sit. Placing food or water inside the crate is like putting in ingredients for mess. Also, don’t leave a puppy or dog too long inside a crate.

A dog will be forced to hold back its urine or waste while inside the crate, which is good, but holding it in for a long time is a no-no. Finally, in crate training, don’t forget to reward your dog for behaving. This will let it know that doing the right things makes a difference.

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