Crate training may speed up the potty-training process, create a safe environment for your dog if he's sick or injured, or serve as a home for your four-legged friend while you're away. Regardless of your reasons for caging him, a happy dog who isn't crying and distressed is important for your sanity and his health.
Give your puppy or dog a toy that provides entertainment while he's inside or outside the crate. Make sure the toy is safe and approved for your dog’s size.
Place a security item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, in with your crying pup if he won't destroy it. This is a judgment call on your part because you know your dog best.
Crate your dog sometimes when you're home, not just at night or when you leave. He needs to realize the crate is not a symbol of being alone.
If he starts crying, try talking to him in a calm voice to soothe him. Offer praise and a treat when he does well. However, if the behavior continues, ignore him for a while; otherwise, he'll learn that crying earns him a reward. Even yelling is rewarding bad behavior since, in dog world, negative attention is better than no attention.
Tips
Like any other training, teaching your dog to stay quietly in his crate takes time and patience. Pick a crate that allows your dog to see out so he doesn’t feel trapped. Start slowly and introduce your pup to crate by letting him sleep in it with the door open for short periods of time.
Warnings
Do not allow your dog to become overly stressed when in his crate. Never use the crate for punishment.
Warnings
Do not allow your dog to become overly stressed when in his crate. Never use the crate for punishment.
Tips
Like any other training, teaching your dog to stay quietly in his crate takes time and patience. Pick a crate that allows your dog to see out so he doesn’t feel trapped. Start slowly and introduce your pup to crate by letting him sleep in it with the door open for short periods of time.
Items You Will Need
- Toy
- Blanket or stuffed animal
- Treat
References
Resources
Tips
- Like any other training, teaching your dog to stay quietly in his crate takes time and patience. Pick a crate that allows your dog to see out so he doesn’t feel trapped. Start slowly and introduce your pup to crate by letting him sleep in it with the door open for short periods of time.
Warnings
- Do not allow your dog to become overly stressed when in his crate. Never use the crate for punishment.
Writer Bio
Amanda Maddox began writing professionally in 2007. Her work appears on various websites focusing on topics about medical billing, coding, real estate, insurance, accounting and business. Maddox has her insurance and real estate licenses and holds an Associate of Applied Science in accounting and business administration from Wallace State Community College.