Dog's Help

The crate is your dog’s castle and it is important that he should know that. But your dog may not react positively to the crate at all times. The crate may make him feel restricted. To make sure that your dog learns to enjoy in his crate it is important that you impart him crate training.

Begin by acquainting your dog with the crate. For this process start spending time with your dog near the crate. Now throw in a piece of his favorite food inside the crate, but make sure that the treat lies just near the mouth. Let your dog step in and take a bite. Make sure you don’t force him to stay inside longer and he can come out as and when he wants to.

Now show your dog a treat. Move the treat as if you are about to toss the treat inside the crate. Once the dog looks inside the crate, say ‘yes’ and toss the treat inside and let your dog have it. Let him come back out of the crate at his own sweet will.

Continue to repeat this process till the time your dog understands that he shall get his treats only inside the crate. When your dog approaches the crate, he may do so in different manners. At times your dog may just take two steps toward the crate and stop; at times he may put his foot inside the crate and turn around. Wait before he completely approaches the crate and then toss the treat inside.

Now when your dog has learnt to go inside the crate, it is time to instruct him by pure command. Assist your training by verbal cues like ‘go inside, ‘get in your box’, ‘load up’ and the like. But make sure you give the command only when you are about to toss the treat inside.

Make the dog spend some time inside the crate. Tell him to stand there or make him sit down. This will allow him to get palsy with the crate environment. Once he has finished with his treat, give him anther treat and let him stay longer. This will be of great help when you are not around and you expect your dog to be in the crate for long.

Now begin closing the door slightly. Initially close the door only for a few seconds. Dogs who are not so friendly with crates may take a little longer to be accustomed with this step.

Just complement these steps with a little patience and you shall train your dog to enjoy in his crate for long.