How to Teach Your Dog to Stay in A Crate

dogcrate

Teaching and training your dog can be a tiring and overwhelming experience. It requires patience, skill, and understanding. If you are using or thinking about a dog crate, then you can ease the process by doing a few simple things. Many dogs find that being contained in a crate unbearable. Many dogs just don’t like it. Sometimes though the only way to get a dog from A to B is in a crate. Read below to find out how you can teach your dog to stay in a crate.

Why and How

Dog crates come in handy in several situations. Many hotels allow pets but only in crates. They are great for teaching your dog how to house train. They provide protection when you are traveling and it may just provide a quiet place for your dog to be if you have children or guests who are afraid of dogs. Then again, teaching them is the hard part.

If you have a puppy rather than a grown dog, then you have an advantage, if not it can be difficult. The first impression always counts, and you don’t want to give your dog an unpleasant experience as this will have the opposite effect you are looking for. Also, make sure that you don’t leave your dog alone for long periods of time in the crate when you are introducing the crate and the dog to one another. There are many factors which will help your dog get used to the crate and eventually love it.

Pick the Right Crate

Purchasing the right crate is vital. You need to choose a crate that is big enough for your dog and allows them to stand, stretch out, lie down and turn around in. You can find some great dog crates on Amazon. Make it enticing with a plush bed, toys and anything familiar like a bed sheet or something which smells like you.

Starting to Teach Your Dog

You need to have patience and to start slowly with small steps. Start the process at home where your dog is familiar with his or her surroundings. Keep the crate open and put it in a place where they like to rest or already sleep. Now and then throw a treat inside. When your dog follows suit, throw another treat and praise them. Also, try to feed your dog while in the crate without closing the door. This sends out a simple message – good things happen to dogs who are in their crates. Once your dog gets used to the idea, then start closing the door for a few seconds at a time.

Stay Calm and Have Patience

As a dog owner, it can be frustrating when they don’t do as they are told. It takes time and some dogs transition easier than others. Don’t shout and don’t get angry because this will make them hate the crate. Show them praise and love when they enter and make sure you have plenty of treats on hand. The key is to stay calm and have patience, and within time your dog will get used to the crate.

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