Crate Training

The following article was composed by Ellen Morris.

Crate Training is not too difficult, but it helps to have a few hints. The crate is a prime tool in house training your pup because feral instincts teach a dog that soiling the crate is dangerous, as it would give predators the location of the den. So, as soon as they have the musculature, pups will do their best to avoid soiling their den.

You should do your best to keep the crate clean, with a product like Nature's Miracle or other enzymatic cleaner, as it removes any hint that the crate has been used as a toilet. Don't put newspaper in the crate for several reasons. The newsprint will come off on the dog's pads and coat, and then get tracked through the house. It is also slippery and can make "swimmers." You also do not want to teach your dog that the daily paper, which invariably ends up on the floor, is a toilet.

You should do your best to keep the crate clean, with a product like Nature's Miracle or other enzymatic cleaner, as these removes all hint of excrement smell, even to sensitive puppy noses.

Most important of all, is that you should never, never, never, ever, under any circumstances, put your dog in the crate as a punishment. You should regard the crate as your dog's room and it should be a positive experience and your dog will do the same.

Here is how to get your pet happily crate trained:

Store your dog's favorite toys in the crate with the door wide open. Whenever you give a treat, toss it into the back of the crate so they get used to going in and out of it. Feed inside there, for a while, and after they get used to going in and out, start closing the door of the crate while they feed.

The first couple of times, as soon as your dog is done with their treat, open the door and get the dog out before it has time to yell. Just remember to gradually extend the time your dog is enclosed in there. Don't take the dog out until they settle down because you don't want to encourage the behavior that "If I scream, they will come and get me". Keep the crate in a very populated area so that the pup will not feel excluded. The location should preferably within sight of the television.

Gradually extend the amount of time the pup spends in the crate and you will find that soon your dog will go in there readily. Many dogs just BOOK for the crate when told to go into their house for a treat! Give it a whirl.

The crate should be like your dog's own room. Don't get paranoid about enclosing the dog in the crate. It is a secure and comfortable feeling for them, if you do it right, and will encourage housebreaking as well as keep the dog out of trouble and out of harm's way! Then the dog will not acquire the habit of eating wires, shoes, it will not even have the chance to learn counter surfing. AND, since it will not have the chance to learn bad habits, you will, hopefully, never have to use the rolled up newspaper. If you feel you must, though:

1. Roll the newspaper up tightly.
2. Hold it securely in one hand.
3. Hit yourself repeatedly in the head while repeating the mantra:

"I forgot to watch my dog. I forgot to watch my dog.
I forgot to watch my dog. I forgot to watch my dog."

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