Crate Training PDF Print E-mail
Articles
This process cannot be forced and must be done slowly and in the puppy’s own time.  Dogs are den animals by nature and like to have a bed that resembles this.  The main point to keep in mind during this training is to give the new puppy time. You must not place your puppy inside the crate and close the door straight away expecting him to accept this as he will not, as his wailing cries will testify!!  All this will achieve is to make your puppy anxious of you and the crate.  Some pups will take to the crate quite quickly while others may take a little longer. 

Remember we are making this a place for him to relax and feel secure so do make sure that any children within the household understand this.  The children should be advised that when the puppy is in his bed it is because he wants to rest and be left alone.   So please make sure that children are kept away from the dogs crate at all times when he is in there, as the pup must learn that this is his place of sanctuary and when in there will be disturbed. 

Think about where you will want the crate to be within the house.  Many people have it in the kitchen area but this is not always suitable, so find a place that is not the main thorough way for everyone to walk past and that it is away from drafts and radiators.  Find suitable bedding to put inside and make it cosy with a 2-3 layers for comfort.  Watch where you put the water bowl as young pups will find this a source of fun and you will end up with lots of wet bedding to clean!

Now you have decided where to place your crate really think about having time to spend with the puppy whilst he is learning to use it.   

1.   Make sure you have the right size cage for your puppy and a bed that fits inside nicely.

2.   Pop a cover over the top of the crate enough to cover the top, back and both sides.  This creates a den effect for your puppy.

3.   Place the crate in an area where you will be spending time with your pup to begin with i.e. the kitchen, or lounge.

4.   Place a few treats inside the pup’s bed and wait for them to go in on their own accord.  Keep doing this every couple of hours to encourage the puppy into the crate; you could even hide a couple for him to find making it a little adventure also.

5.   When they do go in make a little fuss and tell them they are a good boy/girl and let them eat the treats.

6.  Allow this happen for a couple of days or more (you may find during this period that your pup will go inside voluntary and even sleep).  If this does happen leave them in the crate and then praise them calmly.

7.   After a couple of days or more when you think your pup is comfy (some are ready after 24 hrs) just pop the door shut for approx 1 minute.  If their reaction is good then open the door and praise them.  If they react by crying just turn you back for a couple of seconds until the crying stops and when it does open the crate door and treat them giving them a low profile fuss at the same time.

8.   Carry on doing this in a calm and gentle manner remembering to praise and treat your puppy for using his crate.

If you are using the crate with a new puppy, you can start (if you wish) with the crate in the bedroom.  Once the pup hears your breathing and moving around they will become more confident that they are not being left totally on their own.  You can then gradually move the crate out of the bedroom (if this is your wish).  NEVER force your puppy into the crate and never use the crate as a form of punishment.  The crate must become a place of sanctuary for your and somewhere you can place them in an emergency.  The pup must feel safe in the crate with the knowledge that he will be let out at the appropriate time.

This program could also be followed in the same way for adult dogs.  Care would need to be taken though if introducing to a rescue dog or any dog with an unknown background. 

Jan Hyams.
CANINE CODES
< Prev   Next >
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 February 2010 16:01
 
www.jackrussellchat.co.uk