Are you getting a new dog? Have you thought about all the training you are going to need to stay on top to have the behavior that will be acceptable in your home from a dog? Training a new dog, especially a puppy, is going to require a lot of your time and patience. However, it is all worth every second for the bond that is formed between you and your pet. One way to effectively train a dog or pup is with dog crate training.
Introducing a crate to your new dog is going to be one of those times you will need to as gentle and loving as possible. If you have adopted an adult dog, keep in mind entering a crate may be something new to him. He might even have had a terrible experience with and another owner. If he seems over anxious about entering it, no matter what you try, talk to your vet about other methods. Puppies, however, need to crate trained right away.
Keep up with the amount of time you leave your pup or adult dog in a crate, puppies should never spend longer than a couple of hours at a time inside it. Older dogs crate time may vary, but never leave them for longer than they would spend taking a nap. Being locked up too long inside a crate will create anxiety issues about you and being inside the crate. If you are using a crate to house train, make sure to take him out as soon as he wakes up.This is true for adults and puppies.
Adult dogs will have fewer outside trips to the bathroom than puppies. This is because puppies have not gained control of their bladders like an adult dog. Think of a puppy like a baby wearing does. It is exactly the same kind of thing. Crate training will be easier if you feed a well balanced diet at the same time every day. Feed only dry rations and never give table scraps.
While training an adult dog or a puppy to be house broken, you should always remember to never use the crate as punishment for accidents. If you scold your dog and place him inside the crate, he will begin to associate the crate with negative feelings. If he does have an accident, gently scold him and take him outside right then.
Getting a dog to realize that his crate is his own personal space can be a challenge. This can be an easy challenge when you use food and treats to help you. Always feed your dog near to his crate. Put treats inside it as well. Keep this up at all time until the dog will enter the crate on his own.
Emphasizing to your dog that his crate is his den can be done with his feed bowl. Each time you put him in it, put his food bowl in as well. Start with placing it at the front and each time, move it back a bit until finally it is going all the way at the back. Close the door every time and let him remain inside the crate for about ten minutes after finishing his meal. Let him out then to go outside. This will slowly show him his crate is his place and it is not bad.
Most dogs, especially puppies, have a chewing fetish. This would be alright if they would only chew up their toys, but for some reason, dogs seem to be attracted to those items you treasure. One reason for this is the love they have for you and your things have your scent on them. Dog crate training works well in containing your pet long enough for you to go do the grocery shopping or to a doctors appointment. However, if you are going to be gone too long, find alternative ways to keep your dog from chewing things up. Pet sitters are great for times like these.