Crate Training Puppies – The Basics – Part 2
Last time we talked about introducing your dog to his crate, and where to put the crate within your home. The next step is;
Getting Your Dog To Go Into The Crate
One way to get your dog to take those steps into his crate is to bribe him! Put his favorite toy or a treat, just inside the crate, don’t put it to far in, just so that he has to put his head into the crate to retrieve it.
I suspect that your dog will poke his head in, grab the toy or treat and then back out again – that’s fine just make sure to give him plenty of praise. You will need to keep this up every day and gradully put the toy or treat further into the crate. It can also be a good idea to put a nice comfy bed in the crate, just in case he wants to try it out for a nap.
Your dog will eventually get used to going into the crate. When you see that he is in, sit right beside the crate and pet your dog while he is in his crate. This way he knows for sure that being in the crate is good. Always make sure the door is kept open at this stage of crate training.
How To Get Your Puppy To Stay In The Crate
Go through the above steps, while you try to get your dog to spend more and more time in the crate. Once he seems comfortable with it, you can close the door but don’t put the latch on. Leave it so that he can nose his way out if he starts to feel uncomfortable.
Your dog will eventually come to love being in his crate, and will often go there to sleep. If you are going to close the door on him, make sure that he has a fresh supply of water, and don’t ever leave him in the crate unattended for hours.
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