How to Crate Train Your Dog
Kennel training may be the saving grace for new pet owners because puppies are notoriously curious and nippy if you know what I mean. It is very common for pet owners to leave their house in one piece and come home to a war zone. when you need to leave the house to run an errand, don’t stress, a war zone can be avoided with a simple kennel training.
First let’s talk about what not to do
WHAT NOT TO DO
1. Don’t force your pets into the crate
Forcing your pet into the crate will back fire on you. Your pet will associate the crate with unpleasant emotions. If you force the crate on your pet, he/ she will retaliate by attempting to escape.
2. Don’t use the crate as a form of punishment
Allow your pets to have positive associations with the crate. I mean, who wants to go to a place associated with negative emotions right?
4. Don’t leave your pets in the crate for more than 3 hours at a time
A crate should only be used when you step out the door to run errands or when you go to sleep. Dogs don’t really watch TV or have cell phones to keep them entertained, hence, locking up your pet for an extended period of time leaves them with no choice but to sleep. Without adequate exercises, a well-rested pup will manifest its energy by engaging in unwanted hyperactive behaviors.
5. Don’t buy a crate that’s too small
Ideally, a crate should be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. If your pet is still growing, purchase a crate that’ll fit their approximate adult size.
6. Don’t force the training process. Let the process progress
Do the training slowly, forceful training could result in resistance and increased frustration for you.
CRATE TRAINING
1. Open the crate door
Open the crate door and invite your pet in. You may put their favorite toy or blanket into the crate then give the command “Crate.” It’s important to keep the crate environment as positive as possible. You can keep things positive by using a happy voice to invite them in.
2. Put treats into the crate
Lay down treats near the crate. When your pet gets close to the crate, praise them. Repeat the process until you get a successful entrance.
Note: Remember to have patience. Do not push your pet into the crate in a forceful manner. By doing so, it will cause unwanted anxiety.
3. Practice by increasing crate time gradually
Do a gradual process of increasing the duration in the crate. Start with 10 mins then increase it to an hour. Make sure you let your pet go potty before the crate training.
4. Create a good night routine
Every night before bed, Mimi and I will have our “night night” routine. I would leave her a treat in her crate, give her a kiss, and say good night. At first, Mimi would whine to be let out, but after a while, she gets it, and the crate eventually became her own little haven.