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Small Dog Carriers - Crate Training Dogs Howto

It is likely that you have already learned that using a crate for your dog is not as easy as buying one and placing your dog inside with no problems (especially if it is a big dog). If you haven’t learned this yet, it is likely that you will the very first time you try to use a crate for your dog. If you are looking for a crate training dogs how-to, read on to learn exactly how to make your dog use the crate with little effort on your part.

The first step in this crate training dogs how-to is to convince your dog to get inside. This can be done by placing their favorite toy (or even a new toy) inside at the back of the crate. This should be done during a time when you won’t actually have to leave your dog in the crate for a long period, though. It is a practice run—actually it is the first of many. If a toy doesn’t lure your dog inside, you can place a treat at the back of the crate instead. If you want the most success, it can be a treat that your dog never gets unless it is time to go in the crate. This can make your dog get even a little excited about getting inside the crate. If it doesn’t, it may at least make it less of a hassle.

The next step in this crate training dogs how-to is to practice with your pet. The first time you use the crate should not be an occasion in which you will need to leave him inside for very long. Instead, you should stay nearby, talking to your dog and allowing him to see that you are still there. You should practice this often, leaving your dog inside the crate for longer and longer periods each time. Do not let your dog out of the crate just because he is barking and won’t stop, because this will inevitable teach him that if he barks enough, he will get released.

The next step in this crate training dogs how-to is to prepare your pet for any carrying of the crate that you might do. If your dog’s crate will be used for travel or for outings, you will want to prepare your dog for this, and it takes a little training to accomplish this. Once your dog has become accustomed to being placed in the cage and has reached some sort of comfort level when you leave the room or leave him inside for a long time, then you will need to pick the crate up and carry it around (or roll it around, or whatever you will do when it is actually in use). You can start off by just doing this around the house, and lead up to taking him outside while in the crate. You can also take him with you somewhere simple, so that he gets to experience returning home and being let out. This is especially true if you will be placing your dog inside the crate to take him to the vet for any shots or any other painful procedures. If you place your pet inside the crate for the first time to make this trip, your pet will likely associate that experience with the crate, and you will have a very hard time ever getting him back inside.

The last step of this crate training dogs how-to is to give your dog affection after releasing him from the cage every time. Whether you left him inside for a minute or hours, you should give your dog attention when he gets out, because this will assure your dog that everything is okay, and that you aren’t punishing him or abandoning him.

After following all of the above steps to this crate training dogs how-to, you should be able to slowly and properly train your dog to use a crate with minimal hassle.

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