7
Things You Can Do To Make Your Dog Love His Crate
by Marni
Fowler, CPDT
I would never imagine not using a crate or indoor
kennel to raise a puppy. It facilitates housetraining and is a
great management tool for puppy chewing.
An indoor kennel can be easily compared to a
baby's crib or playpen. No one would ever think of leaving a young
child unsupervised even for a minute. A young puppy needs the
same constant supervision. No puppy in the world knows the difference
between an old piece of wood and an antique, or grass and carpet.
The indoor kennel can be successfully used with
older dogs who were never introduced to one when they were young.
It's always a good idea to get professional help to determine
if a kennel would be of help in solving unacceptable behavior.
1. Feed him his dinner in there.
- At first, leave the door open. After he is willingly going
in to eat his dinner, you can start closing the door for short
periods while he eats.
2. Whenever you give him a special treat or toy,
make him get in his crate first to get it.
3. Whenever you do confine him to his crate, give
him something special that he only gets when he is in it.
- Stuffed Kongs or bully sticks work great.
4. Don't let him out, yell at him, or give him any attention when
he fusses to get out of his crate.
- Wait until he is quiet, even if it's just for 3 seconds
(unless you suspect he has to go potty).
- Verbally praise him for being quiet and calmly let him out.
- Don't make a big deal when you let him out.
5. Keep his crate in your bedroom at night, and,
during the day, in areas of the house where there is a lot of
activity.
6. Never force him in it angrily.
- Teach him to go in on his own
7. Make sure that you aren't only putting him in when you are
getting ready to leave or go to bed.
- He will soon figure that out and start to run away when
it comes to those times.
- Be unpredictable.
