Having a well-behaved dog is a dream of almost all dog owners. It is only natural to wish that your dog will not tear things apart and will not make a mess of your home. For those who want a well-behaved dog, they should seriously consider crate training. Mind you, however, it is not an easy process. But here are a few tips for successful crate training with your dog.
Choose the right crate
You need to choose a crate that is durable. When it comes to crates, as in other things in life, you get what you pay for. So pay a little extra for a high-quality crate that will last. You need to make sure that it is safe and comfortable for your dog. After all, he will be the one who is going to use it. If your dog is still a puppy, then make sure that the crate will still be able to accommodate him when he grows up. So buy a crate that will fit the future size of your puppy and not his current size. If the crate is too big for his current size, then use a dog crate divider. Also, you need to consider your dog’s sleeping preference. If he likes to sleep in the dark, then better get him an enclosed crate. If not, then you can get him a wired crate.
Encourage your dog to like the crate
You can’t expect your dog to like a crate instantly. But with your help, you can help him change his mindset. He needs to be able to associate the crate with relaxation. So you need to avoid putting him inside the crate while he is still wide awake and active. If you do so, then he will only want to get out of the crate and continue playing. Better to put him in the crate when he is calm and relaxed.
Make crate comfy for your dog
You need to keep in mind that when it comes to comfort preference, dogs are not the same. Most people think that all dogs prefer a soft surface to sleep on. But you will e surprised to find out that most dogs actually prefer to sleep on hard and firm surfaces. So it may not be necessary to place a pillow or cushion inside your dog crate. The crate mat may be enough. If you observe that your dog is having a hard time sleeping inside the crate, then that’s the time that you can place a pillow or bed inside.
Reward your dog
If your dog goes inside the crate then you can encourage this positive behavior by giving it a reward. Give it a treat or a chew toy every time he goes inside the crate. This will also help him to associate the crate with relaxation and positive things. You need to avoid associating the crate with punishment. If this happens, you will have a hard time convincing your dog to stay inside the crate.