How to Deal with Common Problems in Crate Training Your Dog

Are you having a hard time teaching your pup to stay in the crate? Crate training can be one of the most difficult aspects of training your dog, but luckily there are some tips and tricks you can use to make the process easier.

And because crate training your dog might go in one of two ways, we’ve compiled some easy dog crate training guidelines to help you succeed.

Read on to learn how to deal with common problems in crate training your dog…

Reasons to Use a Dog Crate

A dog’s instinctive behavior is to seek refuge in a den or other small, enclosed space. A dog crate is a great solution for satisfying your pet’s innate need for a den-like space. Instead of using it as a place of punishment, this should be your animal’s safe haven.

If they are afraid of their cage, you won’t be able to utilize it for training. If you follow these guidelines for crate training your dog, you won’t make some of the most common blunders that might derail your housebreaking efforts.

One of the most efficient methods of house training your dog is to utilize a dog crate, as dogs have a natural aversion to defecating in their sleeping quarters. Further, it will aid in keeping your home and dog safe when you can’t be there.

It’s common knowledge that dogs that are left alone in the house may get into a lot of mischief thanks to the abundance of interesting objects that people prefer to leave lying around.

No dog owner wants his pet wreaking havoc on their possessions, but few consider the dangers that may be posed to their dog as a result of this dishonesty. Daily, many dogs are harmed when they swallow poisonous plants or chew on live wires.

Easy Methods to Begin Crate-Training Your Dog:

Crate training should begin as soon as possible after bringing home a new puppy, as this will help the dog adjust to his new environment and reduce any distress it may have about being separated from its mother. Although it may take more time and care, adult dogs may still be trained.

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Dogs require regular toilet breaks until they are at least four months  old, so it’s best to wait until then to start utilizing a crate. Even so, it’s important to let them time out of the cage for walks and play on a regular basis.

As a first step, you should make your dog’s crate more inviting. Wire dog crates come in a variety of sizes and are the most prevalent type of dog cage.

Ensure that the door may be left open and insert a pad or towel between the crate’s detachable tray and the floor.

Until your dog has adjusted to its new home, you shouldn’t lock the door behind it. The crate’s padding will lessen the effect of any shaking, which may otherwise startle your dog. Towels or paper are practical material alternatives for cushions.

Dogs can be coaxed into their crates with the assistance of toys and food, but take care that they are not choking hazards. If you plan on leaving your dog in its cage for more than an hour, make sure you provide it access to fresh water.

The standard dog water bowl is too top heavy for them, so you’ll need to find something else, like a hamster water dispenser, that can be hung from the side of the cage.

You may also provide your dog with bedding in their kennel, but keep an eye on how they use any towels or blankets. Bedding should be removed immediately if it is damaged, soiled, or pushed aside.

When introducing your dog to its crate for the first time, place it near where you spend most of your time together. Putting a few odd dog treats inside the cage can pique your dog’s interest in exploring it. Do not force them into their container until they are comfortable there.

You could even create a game out of it by concealing goodies and toys inside their kennel while you’re feeding them. At this stage, your pet should be allowed to come and go as they choose, but you may encourage exploration by offering treats or hiding treats.

Once they have settled into their new home and are comfortable being there, you can try to confine them to their cage while you are still around.

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When they seem to be settling in well within the crate, you may start leaving the room for short periods of time to help them adjust to being alone.

Advice on Crate-Training Your Dog

Remember that this is your dog’s new home, and it’s crucial for them to feel secure in the crate as they undergo crate training. No one visiting your home should touch your dog or his cage.

This is a separate, private space, and it should be treated with the same deference as someone’s bedroom. You will have already accomplished a great deal in the war against your dog’s crate if you can take on this mentality.

Never kennel your dog for too long or too often; overnight stays are an exception. The maximum length of time a dog should be confined in a crate is six hours.

If you’re starting crate training with a puppy less than four or five months old, you should restrict their confinement time to no more than an hour or two at first.

Your dog needs frequent exercise, and a stroll before being crated is very important. Before putting them in their crate for a long time, make sure they’ve gone potty.

For obvious reasons, you should never crate your puppy when they are ill or right after they have taken a large amount of food or drink.

Your pup may have certain unfavorable outcomes as a result of this. You should be careful not to penalize your dog if it has an accident. Don’t use ammonia-based products to clean up the mess.

If you have implemented our crate training advice, your dog will be comfortable and happy in his crate. Your sanity, along with your furnishings, rugs, and favorite pair of shoes, will remain unharmed.

There are many different sizes of dog crates on the market, and choosing the right one is essential for successful crate training. If you get the improper size crate, your dog may feel comfortable eliminating there and sleeping through the night.

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This can have a devastating impact on your training and you may be stuck fighting this issue indefinitely. You should check how large your dog will get as it matures by measuring and weighing him or her.

The ideal crates for dogs include adjustable dividers so you can have a crate that will last as long as your dog does. These panels allow you to modify the crate’s inside as your dog develops, giving it more or less space as needed.

Once you have an idea of how large your dog will eventually get, you can use a dog crate size guide to choose the perfect cage for him or her.

The BIGGEST Mistake People Make With Crate Training A Puppy

Conclusion

Crate training your dog can be a great way to provide them with the structure and security that they need. However, it is important to keep in mind that every dog will react differently to crate training, so it’s important to remain patient and consistent while also providing plenty of positive reinforcement.

By following these tips and understanding how to deal with common problems you may encounter during crate training, you’ll be able to ensure that your pup has a safe and comfortable space of their own in no time!

You may also like to read this articles >> Why Dog Crates Shouldn’t Be Used As A Punishment