Crate training (continued):
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.
Accidents In The Crate: If your puppy messes in his crate while you are out, do not
punish him upon your return. Simply wash out the crate using a
pet odor neutralizer Do not use ammonia-based products, as their
odor resembles urine and may draw your dog back to urinate in
the same spot again.
When Not To Use A Crate:
Do not crate your puppy or dog if:
- s/he is too young to have sufficient bladder or sphincter
control.
- s/he has diarrhea. Diarrhea can be caused by: worms, illness,
intestinal upsets such as colitis, too much and/or the wrong
kinds of food, quick changes in the dogs diet, or stress, fear
or anxiety.
- s/he is vomiting.
- you must leave him/her crated for too long.
- s/he has not eliminated shortly before being placed inside the
crate.
- the temperature is excessively high.
- s/he has not had sufficient exercise, companionship and
socialization.
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