Crate Train
a Small Dog
Small dogs can be a challenge to train. Many owners don't train small dogs because they assume they are little and will not get into trouble. A crate is a valuable tool for dogs of all sizes, and little dogs are no exception. Crate training ca be done in just a few short sessions, and will benefit you and your dog for many years to come.
Instructions
Crate Train a Small Dog
1. Set your dog's kennel in a calm, quiet area. It is essential that your dog's crate be placed away from the commotion of your home to avoid frightening your dog during training.
2. Add your dog's bed or a favorite pad to her kennel. The basic theory of kennel training is making the kennel a safe place for your dog to retreat yo, so the more comfortable your dog is the better. This is especially important to little dogs, since they are so small and often easily disturbed.
3. Place a few of your dog's favorite treats inside the crate, and give him the crate command while kneeling next to the crate. You can use whatever word you choose, as long as you use it consistently when asking your dog to get in his kennel. Your dog will find the treats upon entering the kennel, instantly making it an interesting place.
4. Step away from the crate and close the door. Do not latch it, but gently push it shut so that the dog cannot run out. Praise him for remaining calm and give an extra treat to reinforce the good behavior.
5. Open the door and call the dog to you. Pet the dog and speak to her in a happy, upbeat voice so that she knows sitting calmly in the kennel means a reward.
6. Repeat this process throughout the day, increasing the length of time your dog spends in the kennel. Offer fewer and fewer rewards as long as your dog stays quiet in the crate so that he does not rely on having treats to be pacified.
7. Spend time out the room once your dog stays calm in the crate by herself. Crating is a good way to keep your small dog from injury when being left alone, so the longer she is able to be kenneled by herself, the more comfortable you can be when you're away from home.
8. Work in short, frequent sessions to avoid burnout. Many small dogs have very short attention spans, so four or five training sessions a day will help your dog learn that his crate is a comfortable, safe place that he wants to spend time in.
Related posts
Crate training bichon frise dogs is typically the best method of potty trainingCrate training is perhaps the most successful method of potty training a dog. This popular method involves keeping yo...
Proper crate training can effectively housebreak any dog.According to the American Dog Trainer's Network, a dog has a "natural reluctance to soil its sleeping place," and many believe th...
To properly crate train a new dog, consider how the crate functions for the dog, and use the crate as a tool to teach the dog about its new environment, your home. Canines in the wild sleep in den...
Make the crate a happy place for your dog.Crate training gives a dog a safe place if it needs some down time and is also useful while you are housebreaking your pet. When visitors arrive, a crate...
Put a toy in the crate so that the dog is occupied while confined.Separation anxiety is linked to canine instinct. Dogs in the wild need to be part of a pack to improve their chances of survival....
