Crate training is a valuable skill for new puppies to learn. It helps puppies become familiar with their own space, provides a sense of security, and offers safety when direct supervision isn’t an option, giving guardians peace of mind. By learning how to crate train a puppy correctly, crates can help extensively with training and give dogs a quiet, comfortable place to retreat.
Check out these 5 easy steps on how to crate train a puppy:
Introduce The Crate
- Allow your puppy to explore in and around the crate, becoming familiar with it.
- Keep the door propped open and use treats or toys to encourage them to go around, near, and even inside it.
- Feed them their meals inside the crate. If your puppy is uncomfortable going in, feed them just outside the crate.
Teach Your Dog to Go into the Crate
- Throw a treat into the crate and let your puppy retrieve it.
- As they enter the crate, toss in a second treat for them. Reward your puppy for going into the crate to retrieve the first treat.
- When your pup begins to hover in the crate in anticipation of another treat, you are ready to attach a cue.
Attach A Cue To Their Behavior
- Begin to say “House,” “Go Home,” or “Kennel Up” every time just before your puppy steps inside.
- Begin cueing “House,” “Go Home,” or “Kennel Up” without a treat lure, and reward them after they go into the crate.
- Show excitement and give praise anytime they enter the crate creating a positive association with their action.
Close The Crate Door
- Begin to close the door for short intervals after rewarding your pup as they hover in the crate.
- Slowly add more and more time with the door being closed.
- Sit quietly beside them without engaging, letting them relax.
Move Away From The Crate
- Finally, begin to walk away from your pup in their crate for short intervals of time. Return to them while they are still calm and content.
- Slowly begin to increase the time you are out of their sight.
- If your pup begins to bark, quietly return to them without engaging. Once they are quiet, calmly and nonchalantly open the door for them.
- Next time you practice walking away, do so for a shorter period of time so you can return to your pup before they start barking.
With consistency and time, you can have a successful crate-trained puppy. Teaching a pup how to be comfortable in their space is an important part of any training program.
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