First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. You could walk away from him or watch him as he calms down inside. If he shows any signs of protest, you should not let him outside. Be patient and let him calm down and then you can let him out. Do this exercise for a couple of days until he has learned to enter the crate and leave it on his own.
Many people protest against crate training a dog because, according to them, it is similar to solitary confinement. However, with the benefits mentioned below and other benefits not listed in this article, may help you to conclude that crate training could benefit both owner and his dog.
People who take the right approach to crate training puppies will help their dog or puppy realize it to be a safe place for them to rest and not something to fear.
This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. Dens are what dogs naturally seek for in a home. Your dog will respond well to your patience and use of correct techniques when training them to use the crate.
Benefits of Using a Crate
a) For occasions when the dog cannot run around freely, placing them in a crate will be a good choice for controlling their movements.
b) Dogs will begin to feel secure inside the crate and appreciate the safety zone it provides when they are in an unfamiliar place.
c) They would have a place for solace when they wanted to rest or when feeling under stressed where no one could bother them.
d) Some dogs may have some behavior problems that can be helped with proper crate training.
e) Puppies respond well to crate training as a way to teach them potty training skills and what not to chew on or to not bite people.
f) This could also be good for dogs with separation anxiety.
g) Another advantage is that it keeps the dog safe whenever you bring him outside the home.
h) Dogs feel safe and secure inside their own familiar crate.
i) Crates could enhance training by giving the dog a better sense of direction for routine activities.
Size of the Crate
The crate should be large enough to accommodate the dog on all fours, to let him lie down comfortably and to give him enough space to turn around without hitting the walls. However, if you also intend to use the crate for travel, the crate should be larger than the regular above mentioned size.
However, when a crate is used for just training purposes, they do not need to be so large that the dog can move around in it and maybe do something undesirable inside it.
Introducing Your Dog to Their Crate
Once you feel your dog is ready for the crate, that is the best time to introduce them to it. After buying the right crate, you could place it somewhere in the house where it would catch the dog’s attention. The first week you should remove the door and just let him explore it at his leisure.
If he does not show any sign of interest, try leaving some of his favorite treats inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This will condition his mind that the crate is for him and he can safely go inside it without fearing any harm.
