Crate training (continued):
Introducing the Crate to Your Puppy:
In order that your puppy associate his/her kennel crate with
comfort, security and enjoyment, please follow these guidelines:
Occasionally throughout the day, drop small pieces of dog
biscuits in the crate. While investigating his new crate, the
pup will discover edible treasures, thereby reinforcing his
positive associations with the crate. You may also feed him in
the crate to create the same effect. If the dog hesitates, it
often works to feed him in front of the crate, then right inside
the doorway and then, finally, in the back of the crate.
In the beginning, praise and pet your pup when he enters. Do not
try to push, pull or force the puppy into the crate. At this
early stage of introduction only inducive methods are suggested.
Overnight exception: You may need to place your pup in his crate
and shut the door upon retiring. (In most cases, the crate
should be placed next to your bed overnight. If this is not
possible, the crate can be placed in the kitchen, bathroom or
living room.) You may also play this enjoyable and educational game with your
pup or dog: without alerting your puppy, drop a small dog
biscuit into the crate. Then call your puppy and say to him,
"Where's the biscuit? It's in your room." Using only a friendly,
encouraging voice, direct your pup toward his crate. When the
puppy discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise. The biscuit
will automatically serve as a primary reward. Your pup should be
free to leave its crate at all times during this game. Later on,
your puppy's toy or ball can be substituted for the treat.
It is advisable first to crate your pup for short periods of
time while you are home with him. In fact, crate training is
best accomplished while you are in the room with your dog.
Getting him used to your absence from the room in which he is
crated is a good first step. This prevents an association being
made with the crate and your leaving him/her alone.
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