By Bronwen Shannon

What is a Training Crate?

Training crates are specially designed indoor dog kennels that have a door that can be closed and latched if you need to. This training crate is where your dog will learn go to always feel safe and secure. This special haven will be complete with a bed, familiar toys and maybe even a comfort blanket. Crate training dogs at any age is an important part of dog training. The younger your dog the better. Puppy crate training is your first step towards creating a great dog/owner relationship.

To begin with however, you need to train your puppy or dog to accept and love it. Crate dog training takes patience and commitment on your part.

Crate Training Tips

Type and size: The first step is to choose the type and size of crate that is suitable for your dog. Crates come in all sizes. If you have a puppy, you need to consider how big he will grow and make sure you factor this is. If you condition your puppy to love a smaller crate, when he outgrows it he may not be so happy to go into a new strange one, even if it is a larger one.

Height — allow for your dog to be able to stand, turn around and have room above his head (a couple of inches is enough).

Materials — either a plastic cage or a wire cage is suitable as long as you have plenty of bedding and comfort for your dog. Both types will need a secure door (a wire door is recommended) and a latch that cannot come open if the dog pushes at it. Plastic crates are excellent if you do a lot of traveling.

Position — Most dogs like to be able to see around them and feel part of the family so this is where wire cages are excellent. Your dog can view the goings on of the family yet be restricted if you need to have your own time and space. As well, if you are going out, it is a great way to ensure your puppy doesn’t create havoc or damage throughout your house when you are gone.

Six Safety Tips To Consider When Dog Crate Training:

1. Remove the collar and any leash.This is an important safety issue when you place your dog in the crate. It is very easy for dogs, especially puppies to have their collars snag and they can choke.
2. Choose suitable Toys. Be very wary of toys with stuffing or foam because puppies like to chew and rip things apart – this could then become another choking peril.
3. Bedding – Avoid wicker baskets. Puppies just love to bite into this and chew it apart. The small pieces of wicker could easily become lodged in the throats and cause considerable damage. Choose instead a dog mattress (specially made to withstand any tugging or pulling) or even a dog canvas bed that is raised slightly above the floor of the crate.
4. Timing – When you are busy around the house, cooking or tending children your puppy can create an unwanted distraction. This is the time to give him some crate time – safer for both of you.
5. Never use the crate as punishment. You need you puppy to always associate the crate with positive times. If he needs time out lock him in the laundry.
6. Don’t use the crate if you are going to be gone for more than a few hours. Your puppy will need to go to the toilet and won’t like to soil his bedding area.

How to Crate Train:

Your puppy will respond positively to his crate if you give him treats or toys. Initially place the treat close to the entrance of the crate and as your puppy becomes more familiar with the crate move the treat or toy inside. When he does go into the crate (this can take a few days), be sure to give him an added treat and praise him.

Don’t shut the door on him until you feel he is totally comfortable with the crate and the surroundings. Then shut it only for a short period of time. This becomes longer and longer until he is comfortable and happy to stay there without making a fuss.

Any dog training takes time and patience and the crate dog training is no different. Above all, be patient and you will be rewarded with a happy and content dog.

Hi I’m Bronwen Shannon and I am an avid dog enthusiast and I have been training dogs for over 30 years. Whether you are a new puppy owner or have an older dog, I feel absolutely positive you will find something here of interest. Most of all, I hope we can share a fantastic and exciting mutual interest.