Crate Training

How to Crate Train a Puppy Successfully

Crate or kennel training your puppy may take time, depending on his temperament, past experiences with a kennel, and age. It's critical to recognize that the crate should always be connected with a pleasant activity, not a punishment. Successfully crate training your puppy requires following a series of small, gradual steps.

1. Introduce your puppy to the crate.
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2. Place a soft towel or blanket in the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time.
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3. Take off the door and allow your puppy explore it at his leisure.
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4. Encourage him to enter it by leaving some small food treats leading to it, just inside the door, and all the way inside.
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5. Feed your puppy his meals in the crate.
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6. Put the food bowl all the way in the back.
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7. When your puppy is eating his meal comfortably in the kennel, you can shut the door.
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8. Open the kennel door after he finishes eating. Leave it closed a few minutes longer after each meal until he's in the crate for about 10 minutes after eating.
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9. Extend the crating periods.
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10. Give him a verbal command to enter the crate, such as Kennel.
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11. After he goes inside, praise him enthusiastically, reward him with a treat, and shut the door.
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12. Remain next to crate quietly for about five minutes, and then go into another room for a few minutes.
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13. Crate your puppy when you leave.
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14. Place your puppy in the crate using the Kennel command, and reward him with a treat with a few safe toys that are limited to the crate.
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15. Crate him for five to 20 minutes before leaving.
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16. Give your puppy praise quietly along with another reward for entering the crate, and then quietly leave.

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.Older dogs should be allowed near the crated puppy to avoid isolation. Keep arrivals low key when you return home to avoid increasing his anxiety over when you will return.
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