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Providing your dog/puppy with an indoor kennel crate can satisfy many dogs’ needs for a den-like enclosure. It can be an effective housebreaking tool (because dogs have a natural reluctance to soil their sleeping place), it can also reduce separation anxiety, prevent destructive behavior (chewing, etc.), keep them away from potentially dangerous items (poisons, elec. wires, etc.), and it can be moved from room to room if necessary.
Most who are introduced to crates when young, often prefer their crate to rest or just hang-out. Therefore a crate, or any other area of confinement, should NEVER be used for purpose of punishment.
Toys and treats can be placed in the crate for your dog’s enjoyment. Placing treats at the far end, away from the door is a good way to get them used to going in the crate themselves. Always remove items that your dog/puppy is chewing up or leaving remnants which can be swallowed and cause problems.
Use a towel or blanket to make it comfortable for your puppy/dog. Occasionally, if you are home when they are confined to the crate, drop small treats or pieces of food in the crate to show them it is a “good” place...treats fall from everywhere when they are in there! This reinforces good/positive experiences for the puppy/dog while in his “den.”
Feeding his meal in a crate can also help this become a more positive experience.
Every time you remove a puppy/dog from his den/crate make sure you let him go right outside to relieve himself. If it is a puppy, always try to pick the puppy up and take them outside BEFORE they have a chance to relieve themselves on your floor or in the crate.
Remember to ALWAYS praise and reward the puppy for even trying to get in the crate and especially when he enters it. Try not to force anything. Try luring them with treats and toys to get them to enter on their own. You can always start by having your pup in the crate for short periods of time, and progressing to longer periods of time.
When a dog/puppy is in a crate, always remember to remove their collars. Do not leave them alone with collar/chains on their necks. They could get it caught on something and become scared and try to pull themselves loose which could cause serious injury, possibly leading to death.
Remember…ALWAYS MAKE HIS NEW HOME POSITIVE, never correct while in the crate and never use it for punishment. If you keep it positive, your pup/dog will become a well adjusted companion that you can enjoy being around.
The training tips provided are for general information only. You should always address any specific and/or serious behavior/training issues with your veterinarian, training professional, or qualified animal behavior counselor or consultant for individual customized guidance and counseling.
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