Crate training a puppy is very useful for pet owners as it is both a great way to transport your pet, a good bed for your dog, and it’s also a splendid method to use for house breaking a dog! This guide on crate training a puppy will show you exactly how to train your dog to love being in crates!

The Benefits of Crate Training

The many benefits of crate training puppies include the fact that it can reduce your dogs anxiety of being separated from others, it can be used as a tool to avoid their destructive behaviors and habits, and it is a good way to keep them away from household items which can be dangerous to them.

In addition to this, crate training a puppy is always easy to travel with in cars and makes for a smooth plane ride that they won’t be traumatized by.

Preparing Your Crate

The best way to successful train your dog to enjoy the crate is to introduce a crate to them throughout their life on a consistent basis. This way they won’t be afraid of a crate or associate it with negative things. They’ll know what it is and how it’s not a bad thing.

To prepare the crates for your puppy to use, it is best to take off the top of the box as well as the door. If the top can’t be screwed off, just remove the door. This will make it less “evil” looking for your dog.

Be sure to provide the extra added amenities to the crate as well. This includes a bedding for the floor such as towels, blankets, etc. In addition, it is advisable to put water into the crate as well if your puppy is going to be spending multiple hours in there. If they’ll only be in there for less than two hours, they should be fine.

Only Use When you’re Home At First

One essential thing you must do when crate training a puppy is only use the crate when you are home with your pup. Place the crate next to where you’ll be. This will encourage your dog to explore in the place and not feel as if he or she will be isolated by going in.

A good way for how to train a dog to go into the crates is to place doggie treats or toys inside of it. His will encourage them to want to explore inside of it. When they do go inside, be sure to praise them. This will get them to associate “good things” with going in.

Crate Training Don’ts

There are a few things you must NOT do when trying to crate train your puppy. Doing these will make a very unpleasant experience for your dog and often times makes them hate being in the crate.

Hot Weather Days

Never place your dog into a crate when the weather is really hot. Being in such a confined area in hot weather is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous for specific types of dogs!

Avoid Excess Water Before Usage and Be Sure They’ve Eliminated

If your pet has drank a lot of water do not place them into a crate. Wait till they have eliminated. Dogs hate peeing in the same place where they are hanging out around. Also, be sure that your pet has eliminated before placing them in there.

Don’t Crate Train Young Puppies

Puppies that are very young should not be crate training. Because of their weak bladder control, they will often pee in the crate. This is very unpleasant for them. In addition, puppies do not like being left alone.

Don’t Use Certain Collars

Certain types of collars are easy to get stuck in the wires of the crate. This can lead to choking and other uncomfortable experiences for your pet. Be sure that you either take off the collar or use a good collar that won’t get stuck.

Don’t Use if Your Pet Is Ill

Never place your dog in a crate if they are sick or have worms.

Punishment

Do not ever use crate training as a punishment means. As appealing as it sounds having your dog locked up, it can make them permanently hate the crate, and maybe even you.