Crate training may sound like an intimidating process for new pet parents, however, it can be very simple if done correctly. By introducing crate training gradually into your four-legged friend's routine, you will soon begin to witness an array of health and behavioural benefits for your pup and yourself.
Crate training is an effective way to train your dog and help them adjust to its new home. Crate training has the added benefit of providing a safe place for your pet to go when they’re feeling overwhelmed, so it can be a great solution for both housebreaking and helping your dog feel secure in their new environment.
Here are some steps you should take when crate-training your dog:
Choose The Right Crate For Your Pet
The first step in crate training your pet is choosing the right crate. You’ll want something that is big enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that it encourages them to make a mess.
Create A Familiar Environment
Try to make their crate as familiar as possible by using blankets or towels that smell like home on the bottom of the crate–this will help create a sense of security while they adjust to a new environment. If your pet seems anxious at night, you could use a ticking clock inside the cage which mimics the sound of a heartbeat–this can have a calming effect on pets who may be feeling lonely or scared in their new home.
Leave Snacks In The Crate
If you plan on using the crate primarily as a housebreaking tool during toilet training then give your pup regular access to snacks while in the confinement area – this will ensure that he associates it with positives rather than negative experiences (like being punished). Having regular snacks available within his confinement area also helps keep him busy during times when you can't monitor him directly – such as when you're at work!
Introduce Your Dog Slowly To The Crate
When introducing your pet to the crate, take things slowly – start by leaving the door open and putting some of their favourite toys or snacks inside. Let them enter the crate willingly without pressure or reward them with treats when they enter. Give them plenty of praise each time they go into their crate voluntarily and NEVER push them inside if they seem apprehensive. While praising them, you can also give verbal commands like “go to bed” so that your dog will know what behaviour you expect from them in their new space.
Use Positive Reinforcement
When you crate train your dog, use positive reinforcement like verbal praise or treating them after they enter the crate. This teaches them that the crate is a place for rewards and provides positive reinforcement as long as they’re inside the crate. Using positive reinforcement also helps build trust between you and your pup while teaching them to associate their new living space with being rewarded instead of punished.
Encourage Napping in Crate During the Day
Crate training doesn't always have to involve overnight sleep - sometimes just encouraging naps during daytime hours can help steel a pup from anxiety associated with nighttime crating as well! To do this try placing treats around their bedding while they settle down.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key with any kind of dog training technique—especially when it comes to crate training. It takes several weeks for any puppy to adjust over time, but if done correctly should work well enough for stable behaviour within one week’s time frame (with older animals this number may increase). Make sure anytime you have interaction that commands given are followed consistently every single time—try not to lead yourself astray by getting tired or being anxious about performance either way; puppies will only improve if given proper guidance by following through with set expectations.
Set Up A Reward System For Successful Training
Reward-based methods are much more effective than punishment-based ones and should be used whenever possible with animals. Reward-based methods involve offering positive reinforcement for desired behaviours with treats or praise – this tells your pet what behaviours are desirable and encourages repetition of those behaviours over time. As soon as the puppy enters his cage on command, offer him positive reinforcement (like verbal praise) and maybe even offer him an extra treat once he's settled down in his bedding!