Dog crates can be utilized for a variety of purposes, the most popular use for a dog crate is within the home but they are often used for transporting dogs by car or in a dog show environment.
The imperative rule to remember when dog crate training is under no circumstances whatsoever allow your dog to view the crate as punishment, they should never feel that they have been banished to their dog crate. Dogs need the crate to feel welcoming, to be a place of safety, their own little haven.
Dog crate training is generally easier with a puppy as they have no bad experiences to recall when you are enticing them into the crate. Adult dogs can be trickier, especially rescue dogs as you may not possess a lot of knowledge pertaining to the dog's history. For all you are aware the dog may have been traumatised during its past by being forced into a crate, or confined to a restricted area & abandoned.
Without intending to you could be asking your dog to relive a nightmare, this is where the magic word in dog training comes in "patience". You have to be respectful of your dog at all times & be tuned into their way of thinking. You will become accustomed to the signs they display when they are becoming agitated, sad, happy or playful - be sure to watch your dog closely.
When dog crate training, either a puppy or an adult dog, the method is very similar. Initially just simply place the dog crate on the floor, preferably in the location that it is to remain. Pop a lovely, cosy dog cushion inside & an item of your clothing. All dogs love to snuggle up with something soft with their owner's scent on. Along with these items also place one of the dog's favourite toys inside the dog crate. Then leave the door open & walk away.
Allow your dog the opportunity to explore the dog crate on its own with no pressure from anybody, pay no attention to the dog crate yourself, pretend it is not even there. This way your dog is not sensing any negative thoughts from you regarding the dog crate; it is so insignificant to you that you have not even noticed it.
Leave the dog crate like this for several days. Eventually your dog will give into its curiosity & feel compelled to investigate, when he/she does praise them & offer them a small reward. The first time your dog feels safe enough to enter the dog crate is an important step forward in the dog crate training regime.Therefore you really need to encourage the dog through praise & attempt to persuade them to possibly sit inside the dog crate, even just for a second. If they complete this task then really accentuate your pleasure with them.
By leaving your dog to its own devices it does not feel forced & will view the dog crate as simply a place to sleep. Dogs are fastidious creatures by nature & so will very rarely relieve themselves in their sleeping area.
If you wish to have the door closed eventually, perhaps overnight if you are potty training a puppy, then incorporate this into your dog crate training gradually by pushing the door further & further shut a bit at a time.
Do not alarm your dog to the fact that you are shutting the door just casually push it closed a tiny bit further each evening. When you have achieved actually closing the door always ensure you are present for the first several times as your dog may awaken & go into a panic if it cannot exit the dog crate.
Above all else, always be mindful of the golden rule never make the dog crate a place of punishment for your dog. The process of dog crate training need not be stressful for you or your dog, the calmer the approach that you adopt the better for both you & your canine friend.
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