How do I crate train my dog?

Answer 1

I suggest getting a Kong. We put a small washable rug (like the kind you buy for your bathroom) on the crate pan to make it more comfortable. You can also use old blankets or towels. When it is time for the dog to go into the crate load the Kong (you can use small or medium dog bones, peanut butter what ever treat you'd like) use your command word (we just say "Crate") toss the Kong in and shut the door and leave the area. The kong will keep them busy for a while so the don't notice you leaving. We also leave a radio on at a low volume or a TV for noise. When you get home be calm and matter of fact when you greet and release. I recommend you take them outside right away...they usually have to go if you have left them in the crate for a while. NEVER use the crate as punishment and NEVER let any children play in the crate. It should be treated like their "bedroom" and kept clean and neat and their own personal space.

We have always crate trained our dogs I feel more secure knowing exactly where they are when I am not home and they would be easy to rescue in the event of an emergency. Some people feel that "cageing" dogs is cruel, but my dogs love their crates and feel at home in them. They are crated when they eat and when we are not home. I did have a dog that we crated at bedtime and when we were not at home, that worked really well too. Good luck!

Answer 2

Crate training is a great way to help your dog feel comfortable and secure while you are away and will protect your house from damage caused by anxious pups. When you are gone dogs can either sleep or get in trouble. If you limit their options by providing a site where all they can do is sleep, you will save your house and protect your pet from harm. Here are some ideas to help your dog make the adjustment to their crate: Get a crate of adequate size (large enough to allow your dog to stand and move comfortably) to accommodate your dog. Place a towel in the bottom of the crate to keep him warm. Give your dog appropriate toys (chew toys, kong, etc) to play with in the crate. Always feed your dog in his crate. At first, just get him used to going in the crate without closing the door or leaving him. Start by leaving him alone in the crate with the door closed for a few minutes and gradually build up to leaving him for several hours at a time. Don't make a big deal of coming home. Don't rush to let your dog out of the crate or he will look forward to the event too much. Let him out of the crate only after he has been quiet and calm for a few minutes

Answer 3

First, you need to make it a "fun" place to be. Never a punishment place. I started by leaving the door open, saying "kennel up" to my pup with a treat, once in, praising her, giving her the treat and closing the door for a few minutes, while I was still in front of the crate. You have to be persistent. Then start doing the same thing, but leaving the house for 5 minutes at a time, coming back, giving your dog praise and love. Build up your time away, and remember the "kennel up" with the treat each time you do it. Make sure there is a towel or blanket in the crate, and if you do water, (which I would not), do a water bottle, like they use in kennels, not a bowl. Leave the crate door OPEN when you are home with your dog. You may find that eventually, he/she will go to his/her crate to rest, remember, it has to be a happy place for the dog, never punishment.

Answer 4

Read this article on crate training http://www.dogsvets.net/Articles/crate_training.htm

Answer 5

Take him to school.