While some dogs don’t mind going into a crate, others may not. If your dog whines, cries, and puts up a fuss that keeps you awake, it’s easy to give in and let him out of the crate and into your bed to sleep. It is really important that your dog or puppy never learns that whining, crying, and barking will get open the crate and earn an invitation to your bed. It may be hard at times but it is really important to be patient and consistent with the message that calm behaviour is the key to being let out. When the dog has been calm for a bit and there has been a few seconds of silence, feel free to open the door.
Be strong and you will make it through the first few nights. A few tips to try and make it a little easier when you are setting up the crate for the puppy can be to add a hot water bottle and a blanket that has your scent on it. This will help the puppy feel more secure and will remind him of sleeping close to his mother and litter mates. Remember, your puppy has just been taken away from his family. Everything he knows has changed and he is most likely frightened and confused.
Time-out
A crate can also be used as an effective tool for unacceptable behavior. As long as you have associated the crate to lots of positive built up, you can use it as an occasional time-out zone. If crate training is done properly, your pup will be conditioned to relax and settle inside the crate. Putting an uncontrollable pup into a crate as a time-out for a few minutes will help to teach him to settle. Unfortunately it becomes so easy for an owner to resort to putting the dog in time-out several times a day that you risk creating a negative association with the crate. I would recommend using the crate as a last resort, and only if you are trying to redirect an appropriate behavior or if ignoring the disagreeable behavior does not work.
From the crate, onward
I have fostered and raised puppies, and really could not imagine doing it without creating a positive association with the crate.
Having a crate-trained dog at home makes it so much easier for travelling or appointments with the vet or groomer. If you train your dog properly with positive reinforcement and patience, the crate becomes a safe place for a dog. You will find that your dog uses the crate on his own when he is tired, and enters willingly and eagerly when asked. All it takes is an investment of time and a few treats to end up with a
This is the 5th part of my 5 part series on crating. I have shared with you some of the ideas that have helped me over the years and I hope that these articles may help you as well. Remember there is no easy answer to what works best for you and your pet. Through trial and error, you will form a strong and loyal relationship with your fur baby.
