Dog Training, Dog Supplies, and Dog Care

I have written below, how we usually suggest to our customers on crate training.  You can read the full detailed article by the American Dog Trainers Network, regarding further details to crate training at http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html

First you want to pick a crate that is suitable in size.  Your pup or dog should be able to turn around and lay down freely, they should not be cramped in any way.

Put the crate in a quite area, where your puppy can access it easily should she want to go in herself.  In the beginning it should be some where near you so you can help encourage her.

Put your puppy's favorite toy to the far end of the crate, opposite the door.  Attach a watering device, such as what is used for rabbits to the side of the crate.  Finally, put down a towel, or dog bed for a soft place for your dog to lay. 

Slowly introduce your puppy to the crate and give him or her a treat when you put them in the crate.  Periodically drop some hidden treats in the crate.  Your dog/puppy will learn that there is often going to be a pleasant surprise in their crate when they enter it.

Some whining and whimpering can be expected, but POSITIVE reinforcement with your voice and/or treats can solve this.  Over a small amount of time a crate is often used as a comfort zone for your dog to call their own.  It helps with their natural need to have a den, and can be a positive place when done correctly.  Under NO circumstances should a crate be used for unreasonable lengths of time nor for punishment or a place of shame!

On a side note:  As most of you know we have several dogs.  Our boys do sleep in a crate at night and periodically their crates will be used more for them when we have females in heat, for obvious reasons.  We also use a crate when we have a pregnant female, and have to leave for an appointment.  We try very hard not to leave our pregnant females, but some times it just can't be avoided, so the crate is a safety measure for her.  Due to limited space, we have built in crates in our entry.  Below are pictures.  The drawer areas off the right, hold our supplies, such as pee pads, doggie towels, and dog clothes.  Their crates look a lot like a nice piece of furniture, and are very functional.  We prefer our dogs to have their freedom, but as mentioned above, they are used for our boys...and our Yorkie sometimes when we have company.  She does NOT like strangers!

All the best;

DivaB

http://www.divab-dogs.com