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uHOW TO
There are many reasons why you might want to
use a crate for your dog. It can be great for both
dogs and owners and prove very handy with
a number of uses including;
u Aiding in toilet training
u For confining a dog in the house keeping
them safe
u When travelling (in car or plane)
u Allowing the dog to have their own space
u Separating them from other pets or people
u For confining when injured or sick
Dogs will often need to be trained to use,
like and understand their crate, particularly if
they have never been in one before. Teaching
them to be happy and feel safe in the crate is
important and can take some time. Here are
some tips to keep in mind when crate training
your dog;
1. Introduce the crate slowly. Don't bring a
new puppy or dog home and lock them in a
crate right away as this might scare them and
make them feel trapped.
2. Put the crate in a place that they would
frequent on their own, this will encourage
them to investigate the crate.
3. Make it safe, comfortable and cozy with
bedding, toys and treats to encourage them
to enter.
4. Use commands like "crate" or "bed"
when encouraging and teaching them to go in.
5. Start by feeding them in the crate. Leave
it open to start with and once they seem
comfortable you can close the door.
6. Once they are settled being locked in for
feed time start leaving them in there for a short
period afterwards, 10-15mins, and then gradually
increase the time.
7. Start by staying around the crate, in the same
room and then move to another room so they are
on their own.
8. Vary the time that they spend in the crate
before coming out so that they don't get used to
a set time frame.
9. If they are whining let them whine for a little
while and see if they settle on their own. You can
then open after a short while, as you don't want
them thinking whining means the door will open.
10. Once they are ok increase the time by half an
hour while you're not there, and work up to having
them sleep overnight in the crate.
11. Some dogs will need toilet breaks overnight,
especially puppies, so have them close enough
that you can hear them whine for the toilet.
Some dogs will take longer than others to
be comfortable using the crate so be patient
but persistent.
