Crate training puppies simplifies problematic housebreaking and provides dogs with a private place to feel secure. Puppies need guidance and, more importantly, housebreaking to prevent soiling the floor.
Dogs are not born with the instinct to go potty outside and generally find a convenient spot indoors exasperating the new owner. Professional trainers highly recommend using a crate when housebreaking a puppy.
It begins the first moment a puppy enters a new home. Dogs are social animals and prefer running with other members of the family, their pack, causing the decision to crate train difficult. However, dogs eventually view the crate as a place to relax, feel safe and sleep unbothered by the outside world. The crate becomes the sleeping quarters and den, the place dogs want clean.
The first step to crate training puppies is selecting an appropriate sized crate. The crate need only be large enough to allow the puppy to stand and lay down comfortably. A crate that is too large could provide the puppy a small corner to soil leaving the remainder of the floor space clean.
This negates using a crate for housebreaking. In truth, a young puppy will eventually outgrow the crate and needs several sizes up before reaching adulthood. If this is not a viable option, a large crate could be partitioned into a smaller space until the puppy grows. Wire crates serve this purpose.
Training begins as soon as the puppy comes home. crate training puppies includes a gradual introduction to the crate. Toys and treats serve as positive enforcement as the puppy will venture in the crate in search of something interesting.
At first, the crate should be left open allowing a puppy to go in and out at will. Treats and praise provide positive reinforcement as the puppy soon regards the crate as a happy comfortable place. Teaching the puppy to go into the crate can be fun for the puppy.
A treat and simple command teaches the puppy to go to into the crate on command. Meals can be provided in the crate gradually moving the bowl further into the crate. While the puppy is focused on eating, the door can be closed. Increasing the time of closure allows a puppy to gradually adjust to the new den with the door closed.
Some common mistakes of crate training puppies include using the crate for punishment, moving to quickly in training or opening the door when a puppy whines. Puppies and dogs should view the crate as a good place. It is not a place to go for timeout.
Puppies gradually adjust to the crate as a den, their place for privacy. However, young puppies also need attention and frequent trips outside. Over time the puppy will adjust to spending time in the crate. Beware, puppies will test an owner and whine to open the door. Whining should never win because it teaches bad habits.
Crate training puppies is a useful tool for housebreaking a young puppy. It provides a private place where dogs feel safe and comfortable. New dog owners could find housebreaking less frustrating as the young dog quickly learns to potty outside.
Dogs are a joy to have and always a beloved family pet. Following simple guidelines helps prevent frustration associated with housebreaking.
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