How to Crate Train Your Puppy

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How to Crate Train Your Puppy

Imagine this: You have just arrived home with your brand new puppy. It is the sweetest, most adorable puppy you have ever seen. Now it’s time for the reality check. Puppies need tons of care and attention. You must be completely available for your new lovable pup. Your free time is now devoted to your new puppy. Hopefully you’re still with me and haven’t given away your puppy yet. I am going to fill you in on how to properly crate train your puppy.

"A crate is a portable 'kennel' that is just large enough to contain the dog it is intended for, made of either metal or plastic. 'Crating' is the practice of using this kennel for training purposes, usually in housetraining and house proofing a dog." (Moore) Many people feel that it is cruel to crate a puppy. Dogs have a natural denning instinct (Moore). That is why you will see many dogs sleeping under a table or a piece of furniture. The dogs need a safe area to call their own. Puppies learn from their mother that they should not soil their sleeping area. (Bohnenkamp)

The Puppy's Arrival

The puppy must have positive associations regarding the crate. The crate needs to be comfortable for the dog. When the puppy first arrives, have the crate ready with a blanket creating a warm, inviting environment. Don’t ever force the puppy into the crate. This is new to the puppy. He needs to explore this new place. Be sure to leave the crate door open so the dog can come in and out as it pleases. I find that it works well to use a small treat to lure the dog into the crate. When the dog first arrives do this several times so he begins to understand. Also when he is going in the crate I use the command "kennel up"....

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...n a puppy that is used to soiling his crate. (about-dogs)

Conclusion

With time the puppy will begin to enjoy his crate. This is his home. Once he gets adapted to the routine he will think nothing of going into the crate. He will stop whining at night and start pottying on a regulated schedule. When the puppy is tired or just wants to get away he will go to his crate. You have taught him that his crate is a comfortable environment.

Works Cited

About Dogs. (2003). Puppy Dog Potty Training. Retrieved on February 20, 2003, from http://www.about-dogs.com/puppy_potty_training.htm

Bohenkamp, Gwen. (2003). Perfect Paws. Retrieved on February 20, 2003, from http://www.perfectpaws.com/crt.html

Moore, Cindy Tittle. (2003). What Is Crating?. Retrieved on February 20, 2003, from http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/crating.html

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