Crate Training a Dog

Crate training a dog is a technique used for basic dog obedience training. Dog crate training lets your dog have its own space. Do you use dog training treats as a reward when your dog gets the training right?

Crate training can save you time, money, and aggravation and give you a healthier and happier canine buddy. If done right, dog crate training provides your pet with his or her own private room within the house; a safe place for your dog to be. It is also the beginning of basic obedience training for your new puppy.

Crating can help your dog with separation anxiety; with learning how and when to eliminate – you can use it to get your pup on your schedule (instead of you being on your dog's schedule); and with having a space much like a 'den' for canines (a space where your pup can be safe, and where your furniture and possessions can be protected.

Do not over-use or abuse crating your dog; your pet should not be kept locked away all day and night but a crate can be a safe choice when you have to leave home or when you use it to help train your dog, and to provide your dog with his or her own space. Remember that all dogs need social interaction with both humans (their owners and others) AND with other dogs.

Socialization skills must be learned early; don't lock your dog in a cage and expect him to be social. Do encourage and set up puppy 'play dates' in the park with dog owners from your obedience training classes, or with family and friends and their dogs.

Crate training begins with choosing the right crate. You don’t want a crate built for a Great Dane if you have a Chihuahua. The best way to start training your dog is to take your dog out, and let them do their business, and have a good run, then begin the training. There is going to be some noise and fuss about the process, but remember, that in the end, a dog is not only a pack animal, but by nature, a den animal. With a crate, you are creating and giving him a den.

Sidebar: Do start with crate training a dog on the same day that you bring your new puppy or dog home with you. We brought our 9 week old puppy Harley home and started her in the crate the first day. Harley whined and cried to start but within a couple of days she had really adapted to her new home and would enter the crate willingly on her own when she was tired and ready to rest.

You can lure your pup into his new den with treats. A couple of dog training treats at the opening of the crate, gives him the chance to explore the crate with you right there, which makes him feel safe.

Toys in the crate like a 'Kong' that can be filled with peanut butter or cheese can be placed into the crate which encourages the pup to explore the crate, again, with you there, and helps to make the dog feel safe and secure. Make sure that you do this in a room where the dog can be with you.

Simple obedience training is more about good manners in a dog than it is about anything else. Who wants to be around a dog that jumps up on company, pees all over the house, barks at everything or everyone, or runs off every time the door is opened? It’s best to make training interesting and fun for your dog, and you. Dogs are smart and if you challenge them with training, they will live up to your expectations.

Using doggie treats for training purposes are a great idea for reinforcing your training program in the beginning. After a while, transition your dog away from treats and reward with praise and play. Let your dog know what behavior is expected; your pet wants to learn and wants to please you. Love and affection goes a long way with raising a well behaved, well adjusted dog.

Crate training a dog is the beginning of your basic dog obedience training; show your dog that he or she can have their own 'den' and work with your dog to understand your rules and expectations. In many ways, raising a dog is a lot like raising a child; you need to set boundaries and make sure they understand, and are capable of, meeting expectations. Although in many ways, a dog is better behaved and they don’t talk back!

Many dog owners have to deal with managing, and eliminating, fleas from their pets. If your dog brings in fleas from your garden or from walks in the park, you need to take preventive action.

We recommend a herbal flea shampoo repellent for dogs called PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo. It helps to deter fleas, flies and mosquitoes for dogs and will make the crate more comfortable for your dog, and your home more comfortable for you and your family (while making it uncomfortable for fleas!).

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