*Always take your time when training your dog. Only go as fast as your dog is comfortable with.
DON’TS
DO NOT leave your dog in his home all day. Keep a regular schedule to allow your dog to relieve their selves every few hours. Puppies can hold their bladder around 4 hours and older dogs 6-8 hours.
DO NOT force your dog inside their crate or use it as a tool for punishment. Crates are intended to be your pet’s secure home and do not need to be associated with punishment.
DO NOT put your pet inside the crate if they have diarrhea or is vomiting. This can cause bacteria or worms to grow inside the crate.
DO’S
• Let your dog get comfortable with his crate as slowly as he needs to. Forcing them inside the crate will not accomplish anything. Overly praise him with your voice, toys or treats.
• Make sure your crate is large enough to accommodate your dogs size. If you have a puppy it would be wise to invest in a crate that will grow with your dog. (Here is my article on these types of crates)
• Make the crate into a comfortable, relaxing area for your dog by adding their favorite toys and a comfortable bed. If the only place for them to have a soft bed or get to their favorite toys is the crate then they will be more willing to use it at their leisure.
• Give your pet enough time to get use to the new crate. At first your dog might be very nervous about entering the enclosed area but over time they will improve with PATIENCE.
So that was the dos and don’t of crate training dogs. Make sure you keep those dos and don’ts in mind at all times when training your pet. Now here are a few basic steps to start your crate training. These will make crate training your dog as easy as pie!
Here is a great guide to selecting a metal crate:
http://peticulous.com/
Step #1) Open the crate door and secure it so it will not move. Bring your dog as close to the crate as he is comfortable with. Praise him and give him treats every time he gets closer to the crate or even acts curious about it. (make sure you do not praise him or give him treats if he backs away)
Step #2) After your dog has became accustomed to being around the crate drop treats right at the crate opening. After your dog has eaten a few treats place more a little farther inside the crate until you get your dog to go all the way in. (do not shut your dog inside the crate as soon as he is in, this will only frighten him)
Read Steps #3 through #7 Here:
http://peticulous.com/
