Many undesirable behaviors can be eliminated by providing your dog with a safe and comfortable crate and training him to use it regularly. Crates are indoor kennels that provide containment for your dog while giving him the security of having his own den as he would in the wild. Containing your dog in a crate keeps your dog from chewing on inappropriate items, getting into chemicals or other dangerous items and has the added benefit of keeping him from messing on the floor. While it is best to start crate training when your dog is a puppy any dog can be successfully crate trained. The key to successful crate training is gradual introduction to the crate and a continued positive relationship with his crate.

Your dog’s first experience with the crate should always be a voluntary and positive experience. You might be thinking to yourself that your dog would never voluntarily go into a crate. In some instances you would be correct, but there are other ways to get your dog to explore his crate without you forcing him inside. Simply bring the crate home and set it up in your living room. Secure the door in an open position and place yummy treats inside it. Then sit back on the couch, grab the remote and relax. Your dog will naturally go inside and explore. By placing the crate in the living room and leaving it you are allowing your dog to get used to the crate while hanging out with you at the same time. This keeps your dog from feeling punished by isolating him in the back room away from his pack (you).

After your dog has had the opportunity to explore and get used to his crate on his terms you may begin confining him for brief periods of time. During this stage it is best to keep the crate in a common area of the house and remain in the room with your dog during initial confinement. Try placing soft bedding in the crate along with a few treats or toys. Wait for your dog to enter on his own accord and get settled before you come and close the door. If your dog does not lie down then wait until he does. Next you should close the door for a brief period of time. Try to watch a movie or read a book and sit with your dog.

At this point your dog should be getting used to being confined to his crate and you can begin leaving him alone inside for brief periods of time. Try telling him to go to his crate by pointing to it and using a one word command such as “crate”, “kennel” or “inside”. If your dog does not go inside on his own, be patient and place treats inside until he does. After he does you should start getting him used to being alone in his crate by running short errands and then returning home and releasing your dog from his crate. Avoid making emotional displays upon leaving and returning. If you are calm your dog will be calm and if you are excited your dog will become excited. If your dog does well with being confined for short periods of time then you might just be ready to crate while you do to work.

The first time you leave your dog in his crate you should leave him with a special treat. Try spreading peanut butter inside a rubber toy like a kong. Your dog will be so excited trying to lick the peanut butter out of the kong that he won’t even notice that you left the house. If possible during the first few days sneak away on your lunch break and take your dog out for a potty break and short play session. Adult dogs will be able to hold it during a regular work day; however, puppies are not able to. Be mindful of that when forming your expectations concerning potty accidents in the crate. At this point you are safe to move your dog’s crate out of your living room if you wish. Try to keep the crate in a spare bedroom, but do not move it into the basement or garage. Dogs want to be around their people and completely isolating their crates can feel like a punishment to your dog. Keep all of these tips in mind and your dog will be crate trained in no time.

This article was submitted by the authors at pet-super-store a site featuring shock collars, pet doors, and dog kennels.