How to Crate Train Your Puppy

Crate training is used by many breeders to train their puppies and it is considered to be in the puppy’s best interest and also to be the most effective method of training.  When you first introduce your puppy to the crate she may not want to enter it as she may be a little unsure of it but if you be consistent your puppy will soon love her crate and be more than happy to use it.

To encourage your puppy to enter the crate at the beginning, place some of her favourite toys in the crate and perhaps a blanket that she sleeps on.  When she does enter the crate you should walk away for a moment and give her a few moments alone to familiar herself with the crate.  Then walk back toward her and praise her for entering the crate.  You can give her a dog treat to reward her and if having a toy in the crate doesn’t encourage her to go in then you can encourage her in with some food.

When your puppy has had the initial introduction to the crate then take a break away from the crate and then come back later and do it again.  Next time your puppy enters the crate, lengthen the time that she stays in the crate and give her lots of praise once again.

Give her a food reward at the end of her time in the crate once again and soon she will be quite happy to spend time in the crate if she knows she will receive a reward at the end.  Once she is use to being in the crate you can start to cut back on the food rewards and soon she will be happy to use the crate without a reward.

By using crate training you can toilet train your puppy quite quickly.  Dogs do not like to urinate where they sleep so because she is confined to her sleeping area she will whine and wake you to get out to go to the toilet.

You will probably find that your puppy will grow to love her crate and will go there on her own accord for a nap or some time out.  While your puppy is in the crate she should still have access to some food and water, particularly if she will be in there for a long period of time.

If your puppy has been confined to the crate for a long period then make sure to let her out to go to the toilet as soon as you come home.

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