Dog Training

Are you getting a new dog? Have you thought about all the training you are going to need to stay on top to have the behavior that will be acceptable in your home from a dog? Training a new dog, especially a puppy, is going to require a lot of your time and patience. However, it is all worth every second for the bond that is formed between you and your pet. One way to effectively train a dog or pup is with dog crate training.

Introducing a crate to your new dog is going to be one of those times you will need to as gentle and loving as possible. If you have adopted an adult dog, keep in mind entering a crate may be something new to him. He might even have had a terrible experience with and another owner. If he seems over anxious about entering it, no matter what you try, talk to your vet about other methods. Puppies, however, need to crate trained right away.

You should never leave your pup in a crate for longer than a few hours at a time. This is plenty of time to use the crate for naps and to help you in housebreaking him. One tip is to make sure meal times are always at the same time. Be sure to take your puppy outside to potty as soon as he wakes up. Never feed table scraps and choose a quality dry dog rations for the best and easiest results in housebreaking. Crate training is a great tool for using in potty training when you are diligent and pay close attention to the time.

Adult dogs will have fewer outside trips to the bathroom than puppies. This is because puppies have not gained control of their bladders like an adult dog. Think of a puppy like a baby wearing does. It is exactly the same kind of thing. Crate training will be easier if you feed a well balanced diet at the same time every day. Feed only dry rations and never give table scraps.

Crate training is going to mean you being as patient as you can be with your dog. If he makes a mistake and soils the floor, never put him in a crate while fussing at him for making a mistake. This will immediately destroy all the positive things you have taught him about the crate. He will assume it is the place of punishment. If a dog makes a potty error, that is the time to take him out, right at that moment.

Making sure your dog associates his crate with good times like sleeping and eating can be done by feeding him inside it or next to it. Many trainers suggest introducing a crate with the positive reinforcement of food and treats. Dogs, even puppies, also have the instinctive want to potty away from their place of rest and eating. This will help even more with house training.

You can use the food in his bowl to get him used to a crate as well. Place it inside the crate and each time you feed him. Move it back a little until you are playing it all the way in the back. Close the door behind him each time and let him remain in it for a few minutes after the meal and then let him out. This will help in showing him it is his place.

Dog crate training is a great way to also lessen the incidents of chewed up valuable items in your house. If you must run errands or leave your home for a few hours, placing a dog in a crate is acceptable to keep him from chewing up things to satisfy separation anxiety over you not being there. If your dog shows signs of severe anxiety and violently tries to escape the crate, an animal behavioral professional may be the best medicine. If you are going to be gone longer than a few hours from your home, find other means of containing a dog. Hiring a pet sitter would be a good idea.

Polly Browder is a professional dog trainer and groomer. For more information about dog crate training visit PetsPavilion.com.