How to Crate Train a Dog

Click here to learn how to crate train a dog and stop your dog from barking, whining and being destructive while you're away.

Note: This is page 2 on how to crate train a dog. For page 1, go to: How to Crate Train a Puppy.

Do you want to know how to crate train a dog? You are not alone. Each year, an incredible number of dog owners across the nation learn how to keep their dogs inside a crate or separate room whenever they leave their home so they are able to lessen anxiety, destructive behavior as well as barking. It's also a really useful tool when attempting to house break a new puppy and can help to make your life much easier if your dog insists on sleeping in your bed or on the sofa.

The Value of a Crate to a Dog

Regardless of whether you are learning the way to crate train a dog or simply figuring out if it's safe for your dog, you must understand that the majority of dogs really like their crates. In the wild, dogs will look for a small, secure place to dig into that will keep them warm and safe. A crate does that beautifully, providing them with a secure place that is theirs alone. Dogs that have wide open spaces frequently have difficulty distinguishing their “home” from it, and can become anxious attempting to control and patrol the entire area.

How to Crate Train a Dog

If at all possible, you are going to crate train your dog as a puppy. A full grown dog that has never experienced a crate will have a more difficult time adapting to the small space and may grow anxious. A pup may also be somewhat upset but adjusts much faster, and if the puppy never gets the option to sleep with you in your bed, he will likely not have anything to be upset about.

It is advisable to put the crate in the family room where lots of people will be. Through the night, you should put the crate in your bedroom to give them a safe presence close by. Gradually, after a month or so, you should be able to leave them in one place, but for the time being, be near to keep them relaxed and safe.

When you place your puppy in the crate, make certain he has a clean, comfortable place to sleep, a source of water, along with a toy to play with. The crate should only be large enough for him to sleep in. If he is able to walk around in it, he might make a mess in it. So long as the dog is capable of turning around in the crate, it is comfortable for them, and not cruel.

When learning how to crate train a dog, be sure you do not take the dog out of the crate when he gets upset. This will just teach the puppy that if he creates a fuss, you will give him attention. Make sure you only take the puppy out of the crate when he has been quiet for a minimum of five minutes. After that, greet him with a great deal of attention and even a treat to reinforce that he did it properly.

In the beginning, try to leave your puppy in the crate for brief intervals – an hour or two at a time. As he grows older, increase that time to match a complete night of sleep or a day at work.

If you learn to crate train a dog correctly, you will be able to make sure your dog never gets too noisy, destructive, or anxious whenever you leave. A puppy adapts faster too, which is far less stressful for everybody in the home.