Crate Training Your Dog Step-by-Step

The objective of crate training your dog is to teach him/her to go into its crate for safety, obedience and behavior control.
Your dog will love the crate with proper training as the crate will act as a den for your dog where it can feel secure and comfortable, the same way dogs like going under tables, sofas, or beds.
Crate training has also been proven that it is a very convenient and effective way to housebreak a dog at the same time as dogs generally do not like to soil on the areas where they rest.
This training can also come in handy when you are traveling with your pet as the crate can be utilized to transport your dog around safely.
Overall, crate training is an effective training method and is often used by many dog lovers, owners and trainers alike.
Choosing A Crate
Selecting a crate depends on whether you have a puppy or an adult dog.
If you are choosing for a puppy, it is recommended from an economical point of view to get an adjustable crate that can accommodate him/her later as it grows to become an adult dog.
Other things to take note are to make sure that it is comfortable and provides ample space for your dog to stand and move around. However, the crate cannot be too big that it can use one corner to "eliminate".
Crate Preparations
Before proceeding with crate training your dog, you should try to make the crate as comfortable as possible for your dog. Place a crate pad and a bowl of water in it.
Secure and fasten the crate's door open so it won't hit and frighten him/her accidentally.
Next, place the crate in an area where you or the family members are around most often so that your dog can interact with frequently and not somewhere isolated.
Introducing Your Dog To The Crate
Begin by playing with your dog near the crate. Encourage your dog into the crate by placing its favorite snack or toy in the crate. When your dog enters the crate, react positively by rewarding and praising him/her. This will help your dog associate positively feelings towards the crate.
Repeat the process as many times as possible for the next few days till he/she is accustom and uses the crate without any prompting from you.
Key To Crate Training Your Dog Successful
To crate train your dog successfully, always associate the crate with all things positive. Never send your dog back to its crate as a form of punishment for any misbehavior. A dog's attitude to its crate must always be positive.
Benefits Of Crate Training Your Dog
• The crate offers your dog a sense of security, privacy and comfort.
• When your dog is successfully crate trained, you can be quite sure that your dog won't destroy items from your house, cause any accidents or develop bad habits while you are out.
• House training your dog will be so much easier and faster by using the crate to motivate your dog to wait until being taken outside, since all dogs naturally avoid soiling their own crate.
• Traveling with your dog will also be much easier, safer and less fuss without him/her interfering you while you are driving.
Potential Problems To Avoid When Crate Training
• Do not put your dog in the crate for long periods of time. If use incorrectly, your dog might become anxious and fearful. Crate your dog no longer than five hours at a time. You will also have to combine crate training with long walks, play and other physical activities.
• Do not place the crate in an isolated room during the night. Your dog might whine, if he/she feels alone, scared or ignored. Move the crate into your bedroom where your dog can see you. You will also be able to hear your dog if he/she needs to go out.
While crate training your dog will take patience, dedication and time to make sure that your dog completely understands the meaning and usage of the crate, it will also conditions your dog to have the proper manners and behaviors that you desire. ( by Lee Tuan James )