Rules Of Crate Training - How To Get Fido To Love His Crate

by Lee Dobbins

Dogs love routine! They seek and require structure and rules. Knowing the rules and having structure leads to a balanced mind, happy disposition, and healthy body. And a balanced dog is an asset to the family. Knowing the rules of crate training can provide the structure for balance for a new puppy, an adult dog from a shelter, or an elderly dog from a rescue organization.

Having a clear picture of the rules of crate training and the positive experience you expect to happen will help you in introducing your dog to his crate. Crate training is important as it will insure your dog is not stressed out when he has to travel and also gives him a “place of his own” inside your home. Just like any other type of training, crate training has some rules that you should follow in order to be successful. Below are the 5 rules of crate training.

1. You should never send your dog to the crate as punishment because he or she will associate the crate with punishment. This is the last thing you want because who wants to go into a place that they associate with getting punished? Instead make it a place of safety and security that your dog will look forward to going into.

2. Gradually introducing your dog to his crate is the best course of action. Don’t push him to go in there too much at first. You might try just putting the crate out and seeing how he reacts. When your dog does go in the crate, be sure to reward him for his good behavior.

3. Do not place your dog into the crate until he or she has gotten an opportunity to go outside and do its business. It’s not fair to expect a dog to “hold it”, especially a puppy who may be physically unable to hold it. Urinating in the crate will reinforce a negative experience.

4. Likewise as soon as you release your dog from the crate he or she should be allowed outside. Doing this can assist with the process of toilet training as it will establish a routine.

5. Never put your dog in the crate if he is stressed, anxious or scared. In fact, going into the crate should be your dogs idea. You want him to feel like it is a safe haven from him to go to, otherwise he won’t want to be in there.

If you follow these 5 rules of crate training, your experience will be more successful as well as more pleasant for both you and your dog!

About the Author:

Lee Dobbins is an avid dog lover who has owned many different types of dogs from a 90 pound Shepherd mix to a pure bred Pomeranian. She shares her years of research and experience in an Ebook and newsletter which you can download for FREE at http://www.dogcareandtrainingtips.com.

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