Crate training is a great way to housebreak your dog
Crate training is a way to housebreak your dog, and to provide it with a safe, comfortable place to sleep. The crate must be large enough to accommodate your dog, and placement of the crate can vary based on your dog's reaction to the training.
Chosing a Crate
Purchase a crate that is large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in. If you have a large-breed puppy, purchase a crate to accommodate the full-grown breed and use dividers to make the space intimate until the dog is big enough to be in the full crate on its own. Too much room in the crate will allow the puppy to defecate in one corner and sleep in the other, which is contrary to housebreaking your pet.
General Training
Make the crate a safe, happy place for your puppy. If you intend to use the crate for potty training and for sleeping overnight, never use the crate as a form of punishment. Place a soft blanket or dog bed inside the crate as well as a few of your pup's favorite toys.
In the beginning, leave the crate door open and allow your dog to investigate the area on its own. Eventually you can begin closing the crate door and leaving your dog in it for short spurts of time.
Nighttime Training
Nighttime training not only provides you with the knowledge of knowing that your pup is safe, but it also helps with housebreaking and keeps your dog from getting into trouble (chewing furniture, chasing cats, etc.) while you sleep.
When you begin overnight training, start with the crate in your bedroom so the puppy feels comfortable. Take your dog outside to go potty before you put it in the crate for the night.
When you go to bed, have the puppy go into the crate and praise it for sitting inside the cage. Gently close the door and walk away.
Whining
Most dogs will whine after being left in a crate, especially the first few times. Try to ignore the whining and the dog will eventually stop if it is just testing you. If you think it may need to go outside, use a phrase it associates with going outside and see if the dog gets excited. If it does, take it outside; if not, leave it in the crate. Whining is common, especially among puppies, but proper training includes letting the pup get used to the crate, even when it complains.
Anxiety
Some dogs with separation anxiety do not do well in crates. Using the crate in order to prevent destruction of your home when you are gone will not solve your dog's anxiety issues. Talk to your veterinarian before attempting this technique with your anxious dog.
Crate Overload
While leaving the dog in the crate overnight while you sleep is fine, leaving the pup in the crate all day while you're at work is not. Too much time in a crate can cause a dog to become restless or depressed.
Owners should train their dogs to be left home alone in a room or with free reign of the house so that crate training is not stressful for the puppy.
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