Training your dog to live in and love their
dog crate can be a little intimidating at first. Here are some proven dog crate training techniques.
At this point, your dog probably is a little unhappy that there is this strange new contraption in his house. However, it is natural instinct for dogs to seek a secure and consistent spot to rest. So take your time and be patient in this training; it will really pay off.
During this training, keep in mind that you never want your dog to associate the
dog crate with isolation or loneliness. Never use it as a punishment tool or for any other negative reason.
Never close the door without latching it. You do not want your dog learning he can push the dog crate door open. When you do latch it he may hurt himself or destroy the dog crate trying to get out.
During all of these exercises, as your dog walks into the dog crate say some-thing like crate or in. He will start to associate that word with going in and you will be able to use it in the future.
Also, make sure you never open the door while the dog is trying/asking to get out of the
dog crate. The dog will see this as a reward. And if he was scratching or whining etc., you will have just rewarded him for that! Doing this, you will quickly train him to scratch/whine to come out. And if youre not around to let him out, that could again lead to a hurt pup, destroyed crate, or angry neighbors. So wait for the dog to quiet down (maybe instruct him to sit, etc.), then let him out of the
dog crate and praise him. Now you will have rewarded him for being quiet and patient!
When training dogs, keep in mind that they dont always see the big picture like humans do. They simply associate their most recent action to being happier (aka a reward) or not.
Make sure you always let the dog use the outdoors before locking him in his dog crate. Again, you never want him to associate his den with being uncomfortable. And you never want to force him to potty in his
dog den.
All dogs are different. Some of these exercises may work great for one dog but terribly for another. So always listen to what your dog has to say.
After your dog is crate trained & potty trained, graduate him to his long-lasting, comfortable
wood dog crate which is even more like a Den!
