Games 4 Dogs
How do you teach your puppy to love their crate?
Things to remember:
Introduce your puppy to their crate on the first day they arrive. Place the crate in a quiet, safe area, and central area encourage your puppy to explore it on their own. You can toss treats or a favourite toy into the crate to encourage them to enter on their own. Your
Make the crate a positive and comfortable space. Have the crate in a central area and keep the door open during the day. Provide plenty of praise and treats whenever your puppy enters their crate. This will help to reinforce the positive association they are making with the crate. Place a soft bed or blanket in the crate, and make sure the temperature is comfortable. You can also place a favourite toy or chew in the crate, play some calming music, and cover the crate with a blanket to make it a more appealing place to be.
If your puppy or rescue has been fed, had a drink, been exercised, eliminated and had some obedience training their basic needs have been met and they must learn how to self soothe and calm down in their crate. From day one your puppy must learn that their crate is their bedroom and its their special place to relax and sleep on their own. Never remove a crying or whining puppy from their crate! Your puppy make take up to an hour to stop crying but eventually they will learn that their crate is awesome and they get to be with you later in the day!
Hand feeding your puppy a portion of each meal in their crate. You may also place their food bowl near the back of the crate so that they have to go inside to eat. As they become comfortable eating in the crate, you can gradually move the food bowl.
Be patient. It may take time for your puppy to love their crate. Don't force them into the crate or use it as punishment. Use it everyday for fun activities and look for opportunities to lengthen the time they enjoy remaining in that space.
