Crate training your new puppy

Crates can be a valuable tool for pet owners. They are a safe place for your dog or puppy to stay when he cannot be watched. By crating your pup when you cannot watch him you will be able to prevent potty accidents and destructive chewing while your dog or puppy learns what he can and cannot chew on and where he should go potty. If properly introduced, your pet will view his crate as a safe place and will be happy to spend time there.

** Do not push your dog to accept the crate before he is ready. This process may take some time and your dog is the one who decides when to move on to the next step.

Step 1. Put the crate in a room where your family spends lots of time. Make it comfortable with a blanket or dog bed. Bring your dog to the crate and praise and reward any interest in the crate. Once your pet is comfortable being near the crate move on to step 2.

Step 2. Show your dog that you have a yummy treat (canned chicken, steak, hotdogs). Tell him "Go to bed" or "Kennel" and then place the treat inside the crate so that your dog has to stick his head inside the crate to get the treat. (Important - Do not force your dog to go inside the crate.) Practice this several times until your pup is comfortable sticking his head inside the crate to get the treat. Next, place the treat a little farther inside the crate so that he has to place his head and shoulders inside to eat the treat. Practice this several times until your pup is comfortable placing his head and shoulders inside the crate to get the treat. Now place the treat far enough inside the crate that your dog has to have half of his body inside the crate to eat the treat. Once your pup is comfortable with this step, place the treat in the back of the crate so that your pup has to go all the way inside to get the treat. If at any time you pup refuses to get the treat, just go back to a step where your pup was comfortable, practice a bit and then try to move forward again.. Once your pet is comfortable going all the way inside the crate to get the treat, move on to step 3.

Step 3. Begin placing treats in the back of the crate for your dog to find throughout the day. Also, begin feeding his meals in the crate. Once your pet is comfortable going all the way inside his crate to eat his meals, move on the step 4.

Step 4. You are now ready to close the door with your dog inside. Arm yourself with the most delicious goodies you can find - canned chicken, cheese, hot dog, roast beef... Tell your dog "Go to bed" or "Kennel" and then toss the treat inside. When your dog goes inside, close the door. You will only have the door closed for a few seconds. The entire time the door is closed you will be feeding him the treats through the bars and praising him for being such a wonderful dog. Open the door and ignore your dog for about 30 seconds. Repeat over and over again gradually increasing the length of time your dog is shut inside the crate. Make sure treats and praise happen when the door is shut and life gets really boring when he is let out. When your dog is very comfortable with this, go on to step 5.

Step 5. Purchase a Kong or Twist N Treat. These are interactive toys that are designed to be stuffed with yummy treats or even your dog's regular meal. Your dog will have to "work" at getting the food out of the toy. You can find these toys at most Petsmart or Petco stores. Ebay is another good place to purchase them - usually at a better price too. Stuff the Kong or Twist N Treat with something your dog loves. Smearing the inside walls of the Kong or Twist N Treat with baby food, cream cheese or peanut butter before you stuff it will make this "busy" toy last longer. Get yourself a good book to read or DVD to watch. At this point, you will remain in the same room as the crate. Show your dog the "busy" toy, ask him to "Go to bed" or "Kennel" and then toss the toy inside. Once your dog is inside the crate, close the door and settle in to watch your movie or read your book. By this time, most dogs will enjoy their busy toy and some quiet relaxation in the crate. Feel free to praise him or slip him treats for being quiet inside his crate while you watch your movie.

If your dog isn't "most dogs", he may become upset and start to whine, cry or bark. Important - Unless your dog is injuring himself, do not react to the whining, crying or barking! Don't look at him, talk to him, scold him or approach the crate. It will be difficult, but do not let your dog out while he is acting up and do not reprimand him while he is acting up (even negative attention is still attention). Wait until your dog has been quiet for about 30 seconds and then let him out. Ignore him for a few minutes after he comes out of the crate. Remember being quiet inside crate = treats and attention. Outside crate = really boring. Try again later and keep the duration shorter so that he is able to be successful. You will have to gradually lengthen the time he is inside his crate with the door closed.


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