1. Crate Training Dogs The Easy Way.
Crate training is a great way to house-train a puppy. For anyone dreaming of
having a well-behaved dog, it's also a great basis for other training and behavior.
It is a simple and effective training method that anyone can use, and really good
for both you and the dog.
Even if you've tried crate training your dog before, and not had great success,
don't worry, that's not your fault, as you might have got incomplete or incorrect
information for some reason. It's a nice straight-forward approach, once you
understand how and why it works.
One good reason for crate training is that dogs love predictability. To know what
is going to happen in any given situation makes him happy and relaxed, and
eager to learn how to do what you want.
A strong crate is the very basis of good puppy training. A wire crate with a lock is
the best kind. Make sure it is large enough for him to stand up and turn around
without hitting his head, but not so large that he can wander around inside.
A crate that is too large will not work for house training. A crate that is just the
right size will be perceived as his den, where puppies never “go potty”. They will
learn to hold it if you don’t make a prison out of it. Never leave a puppy under
eight weeks longer than one hour in his crate. He will soil it after struggling and
suffering as long as he can.
Start with placing a treat inside, and he will go in to get it. Do this several times
without closing the door, let him go in and out freely for an hour or so. Praise him
highly each time he goes in, make it all very pleasant for the dog.
When he is inside and has his attention on his treat, then close the door. Praise
him quietly, “What a good boy, it’s ok, good boy!” In ten or fifteen seconds, but no
longer, let him out without a word, no praise, just a quick pat.
Do this for increasingly longer intervals, but do not give him a chance to get
upset with this training. You can do this at several different times the first day. It
is vital to make sure every training session ends on a happy note.
Once he sees the crate is his own private den, he will go in there on his own,
expecting treats and your attention. When he goes inside, say “Want your
crate?” with a happy face and positive tone of voice, while he is getting his treats.
Start leaving the room while he is in there for two minutes and then gradually
increase this time. When you return, don’t make a fuss, just walk over and open
the crate.

2. In three days he will be fully crate-trained, ready to be left alone for an hour, but
no longer at first (or while he is still young). Gradually leave him for longer times,
slowly and carefully.
You may be wondering why you want a crate for your puppy? The answer is
because they love the feeling of being safe and secure in there. When placed in
a crate, he feels safe because nothing can get to him, nothing can harm him in
there. He will sleep and chew and happily wait for you to return.
When leaving him overnight at the vet, if your dog is not crate trained he will cry
the entire time, feeling lost and abandoned. With crate training, he is sure you
will return as you always do. Of course the vet’s office is strange and will cause
him some anxiety, but nothing like the terror he will feel without experience in
being locked in a crate. The crate will help him feel comfortable because it's his
own personal den.
Note: do not make a prison of his crate. Do not ever use it as punishment. Don't
leave him there for more than two hours, just time for a long nap and some
chewing time. After that he will cry but don't remove him while he is crying,
because that would make him think he has to cry to get out. No matter what,
make sure he is being quiet and good when you open the door so he will learn he
has to be quiet to get out. Don't make a fuss when you are letting him out, just
quietly open the door and take him out to potty.
When he potties, praise him a LOT! Dogs naturally do not go in their den, but
sometimes accidents happen. Do not scold him, just clean it out with a bland
face and no emotion. He will learn the lesson. If possible, try to clean it while he
is outside so he can return to a clean crate.
So that's the great benefits of crate training your puppy!
If you want lots more valuable dog training information, we've got a free video
series with lots more useful dog training advice.
Just go to http://www.welltraineddog.org and we'll take your name and email
on the page you get to (so we can inform you of updates), and you have instant
access to this dog training video series to help you train your dog really
effectively.