Dog Crate Training

Crate training for dogs and puppies

Dog Crate training is a successful way of house breaking any puppy or dog. Crate training is efficient and effective as it uses the natural instinct of the dog to achieve the desired result of a clean house and a well trained dog.

The notion behind puppy crate training is that a dog strives to avoid soiling the area where it eats and sleeps. By putting the dog in the crate, this instinct is enhanced. The dog will come to see the crate as its den, and it will try to steer clear of soiling its den.

The key to effective crate training for a puppy or an older dog, as with other forms of dog training, is to set up a good routine. This routine will improve the ability of the dog to do its business in the right place, and avoid soiling in the wrong place. It is essential to shower the dog with praise each and every time it eliminates in the established toilet area, and not to convey frustration or anger when the dog makes a blunder.

It is vital to confine the dog or puppy to a small part of the house, generally one puppy proofed room, when you are not at home. The room should contain a soft bed, fresh water and some favorite toys to stop the dog from becoming bored and irritated.

Dog crate training is dissimilar from confining the dog to one room, however. With crate training, the puppy or dog is confined to a crate when unsupervised. The idea is that the dog will think of this crate as its home, and not want to soil its home.

When crate training, it is imperative to take out the dog from the crate as soon as possible after returning home, and to take the dog promptly to the earlier established toilet area. When the dog does its business in this toilet area, be sure to offer lots of praise and treats. It is vital that the dog learn to associate proper toilet procedures with good things like treats and toys.

It is critical to never leave the dog in its crate for long periods of time, as this will confuse the dog and force it to soil its sleeping area. The crate is simply a tool, and it should not be abused by leaving the dog in it for extended periods of time. If the dog is left in the crate for too long, it could set back the training plan by weeks if not months.

Confinement to the crate should only be done when you are at home. Except at night, the dog should be given the opportunity to relieve itself every 45 minutes or so. Each time the dog is taken out; it should be put on a leash and at once taken outside. Once outside the house, the dog should be given three to five minutes to do its business. If the dog does not eliminate in this time period, it should be without delay returned to the crate.
 
If the dog does its business during the set time period, it should be rewarded with praise, food, play, affection and either an extended walk or a period of play inside or outside the home.

It is necessary to keep a daily diary of when the dog does its business each day. If the dog is on a regular feeding schedule, the toilet schedule should be consistent as well. Having a good idea of when the dog needs to eliminate each day will be a big help during the house training process. After the dog has used his established toilet area, you will be able to give the dog free run of the house to play and enjoy himself.

Dealing with accidents during crate training
It is extremely vital to not punish the puppy or dog when it makes a mistake or has an accident during the crate training practice. If there has been an accident, simply clean it up. Accidents during house training mean that you have provided the dog with unsupervised access to the house too quickly. The dog should not be allowed unsupervised access to the home until you can trust her bowel and bladder habits. If mistakes do occur, it is necessary to go back to crate training.