Crate Training Your Dog
There is another relatively easy method to house train most dogs that works well with both puppies and adults – with little, hot-wired dogs, big subdued dogs, and every kind in between. It’s called the cage or crate method, which is based very simply on the fact that the average dog does not like to mess near where he eats or sleeps. it’s known that some first-time dog owners who thought this method of house training was cruel initially would actually later thank those who suggested it in the first place. Interestingly in many cases, dogs will come to think of their crates as their den. All dogs need a place of their own to retreat and you will probably find that your dog will consider his cage or crate that place. Wire cages and fiberglass shipping kennels come in varied sizes and can be purchased at your favorite pet emporium. Nylabone makes a Fold-Away Pet Carrier that can be stored and carried around easily. The cage or crate used for house training should be large enough for the dog to stand up, lie down, and stretch out in comfortably, but only that big.
Remember: Naturally, the length of time the young puppy will be able to contain himself must be taken into consideration. Two or three hours in the crate is the maximum in the beginning, except at night when the entire household is quiet and dark. The length of time can be increased as the puppy grows older. If you ignore the dog when he cries to come out and only let him out when he is being quiet, it will usually get a dog to understand that theatrics will not result in liberation.
Begin by feeding your dog in the crate. Keep the door closed and latched while he is eating. When the meal is finished, open the crate and, if possible, carry the dog outdoors to the spot where you want him to eliminate. It is important to go back to the same spot each and every time. First, because the dog will get the message that this is the place for doing his “business” more quickly. Second, it will save you hours of clean-up time when droppings need only be collected for one location rather than from all over the yard.
If you are not able to watch your dog every minute, he should be in his cage or crate with the door securely latched. Each time you put your dog inside the crate, give him a small treat. Throw the treat to the back of the crate, and encourage the dog to walk in on his own. When he does, give him lots of praise and perhaps another piece of treat through the wires of the cage. Do not succumb to your dog’s initial complaints about being in the crate. The puppy must learn to stay in his cage and to do so without complaining. If you respond to the puppy’s vocal demands to be let out, you are sure to reinforce-you guessed it-barking. Your puppy will very quickly learn to “voice” every single complaint he may have. This is not only annoying, but you will never be able to determine if there is really a need to go outside.
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