Talk with your Animals

The basics of crate training a dog will require patience, the correct size crate for your dog’s build, a few toys and a lot of praise. Crate training a dog may be done for many reasons with one being safety for the animal while it is left alone. Keep in mind that a crate shouldn’t be used as a punishment – it should be a secure place where your dog should feel safe.

Try to stay as patient as possible when you begin crate training your dog. Some dogs absolutely love being able to get into their crate. Others, however, have problems with the enclosed feeling, finding it difficult to consider the area as a den. It may take a few weeks to manage the basics of crate training but with persistence it should turn out quite well.

Don’t be afraid to take crate training slowly at first while you and your dog get used to it. Do not place the dog in the crate and slam the door shut. Crate training sessions should always appear to be a fun learning experience for the dog.

Start out by placing the crate in an area where you spend the most time. Be sure to cushion the bottom of the crate with soft blankets or even an old soft robe that has your scent on it.

Try patting the inside of the crate while you talk to the dog to get it to first enter the crate. If your dog appears reluctant, you might consider putting some of your food or a small treat inside. Don’t close the dog in right away if it does go into the crate. Let it leave if it wants to, and make sure to praise it while it’s inside. If necessary, you might need to even create a small trail of treats leading into the crate, placing each one a little closer to the entrance then a little further into the box.

In addition to dog food selection, Taylor Martinerin writes about selecting an outdoor dog bed or a waterproof dog bed.