Crate Training a Dog or Puppy While at Work
Crate training is an excellent way to help your new dog or puppy learn how to “hold it” until you get home. It also provides a safe space for your pet to stay while you’re away from home.
Here are some tips and methods for crate training your dog or puppy:
1. Choose the right crate. The crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. If the crate is too big, your dog may use one end as a bathroom. If it’s too small, your dog will feel cramped and uncomfortable.
2. Put the crate in a comfortable spot. Put the crate in a quiet spot in your home where your dog can relax. A good spot might be in your bedroom or in a corner of the living room.
3. Introduce your dog or puppy to the crate gradually. Let them explore the crate and get used to it before you try to crate them. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate and let your dog explore it on his own. You may need to encourage your dog to enter the crate with a treat.
4. Feed your dog in the crate. Once your dog is comfortable with the crate, start feeding him his meals in the crate. This will help your dog associate the crate with positive things.
5. Close the door. Once your dog is eating regularly in the crate, start closing the door while he’s eating. Open the door as soon as he’s done eating.
6. Leave the house. Once your dog is comfortable with the closed door, you can start leaving the house for short periods of time. Start with just a few minutes and work your way up to longer periods of time.
Things to Keep in Mind about Crate Training Your Dog
When you first introduce your pet to the crate, make sure that you do so in a calm and relaxed manner. Put the crate in a room where your pet feels comfortable and safe, such as your bedroom or living room.
Put a soft bed or blanket inside the crate, and put some of your pet’s favorite toys inside as well.
Once your pet is inside the crate, close the door and give your pet some time to adjust to the new environment. You may want to give your pet a treat or toy to keep them occupied.
After a few minutes, open the door and let your pet out. Repeat this process several times a day, gradually increasing the amount of time that your pet spends in the crate.
As soon as your pet is comfortable staying in the crate for 30 minutes or more, you can start leaving them in the crate for longer periods of time, such as when you leave the house or go to bed.
If your pet has an accident in the crate, do not punish them.
Simply clean up the mess and try again. Crate training takes patience and consistency, so do not give up if your pet has a few accidents along the way.
Safety of Crate Training a Puppy
When crate training a puppy, it is important to make sure that the crate is sturdy and escape-proof. Puppies can be very active and may try to escape from the crate, so it is important to make sure that the crate is secure.
It is also important to introduce the crate gradually and to make sure that the puppy has plenty of time to get used to it before leaving him or her alone in it.
What To Consider When Crate Training a Puppy or Dog
– Size of Crate: The crate should be large enough for the puppy or dog to move around comfortably, but not so large that they can relieve themselves in one corner and sleep in another.
– Material of Crate: The crate should be made of sturdy material that will not collapse if the puppy or dog jumps or scratches at it.
– Location of Crate: The crate should be located in a quiet area of the home where the puppy or dog can feel safe and secure.
– Duration of Crate Training: The crate training process should last for a minimum of two weeks. After that, the puppy or dog can be slowly introduced to other areas of the home.
When You Should Re-Consider Crate Training
Crate training is usually recommended for puppies, and it works well for most of them. However, there are some dogs that will never adjust to being confined in a crate, so if your dog is one of them, you may need to re-think crate training.
Your Dog Is Showing Signs Of Anxiety
If your dog is exhibiting signs of anxiety when they are put in a crate, then they are probably not a good candidate for crate training. Dogs that whimper, whine, or bark constantly when they are crated are probably feeling anxious, and they may never adjust to being crated.
Your Dog Is Destructive
If your dog is destructive when they are crated, then crate training is probably not a good option for them. Dogs that chew on their crates or try to escape from their crates are probably not a good fit for crate training.
Your Dog Is Sick
If your dog is sick, then they should not be crated. Dogs that are sick or injured may not be able to hold their bladder or bowels, and they may become agitated and anxious when they are crated.
If you think your dog might experience an emergency while being crate trained, it is worth subscribing to the pet emergency fund. The service gives you a one-time per year opportunity to cover any emergency situations with your pet and also be in touch with the vet online 24/7.
Your Dog Is Too Old
Older dogs may not be good candidates for crate training. Dogs that are older may not be able to hold their bladder or bowels for long periods of time, and they may become agitated and anxious when they are crated.
Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Dogs that have separation anxiety may not be good candidates for crate training. Dogs that are anxious when they are away from their owner may become agitated and anxious when they are crated.
Conclusion
If you have any questions about crate training, please contact your veterinarian. If there is no specific need yet to go directly to the vet, you can always chat with a vet first. Consider using vet chat online, it is a service that provides a chat with a team of professional vets 24/7, wherever you are.
Crate training is an effective way to potty train a dog or puppy, and it can also be used to help keep them safe and out of trouble when away from home.
A crate can provide a safe, cozy place for your dog to stay while you are away, and it can also help to prevent separation anxiety. Here are some tips on how to crate train your dog or puppy.
