Crate Training a Puppy

Crate Training a Puppy

I’m not really a gambler, but I like going to the track just to watch these magnificent animals - and we all need to have a little fun once in a while.

Anyway, crate training and going to the track have something in common and I wanted to share it with you.

What’s the difference between going to the track or going to the dentist? You can answer this question with one word:

DESIRE:-

Not too many people have a strong desire to go to the dentists office but nobody has to hold you back when someone suggests going to the track, or the movies, or an amusement park - you get the picture.

So what does all of this have to do with crate training?

The secret to crate training is all about building your dog’s desire for going into the crate.

Most puppies look into the crate and hit the brakes, they resist going to that scary place where they will be separated from everyone and everything.

So we sometimes make the mistake of using force and shove the puppy into the crate. Which will only teach the puppy to hate going into the crate. This can all be easily changed by building the puppies desire to go in.

Here are some step by step instructions to do this:

Step 1: Have a friend hold your dog’s collar.

Step 2: Right in front of your dog’s nose start stuffing a Kong toy with peanut butter, cheese, treats, whatever your dog really likes. The trick is to do this close enough to your dog so she gets excited.

Step 3: When you dog is real excited and wants the Kong toy, toss it into the crate and close the crate door but don’t latch it shut.

Step 4: Your dog should be pulling and trying to get away from your friend, instruct your friend to let go of the collar.

Step 5: Your dog should run to the crate to get the Kong but the door should be shut with Kong on the inside. Your dog will paw at the door and trying
to get the Kong.

Step 6: Don’t let your dog get the Kong right away. This is where we are building desire. Your dog now wants to get in the crate.

Step 7: Let your dog go in the crate and get the Kong, but don’t close him in there. Repeat this process over a few days until your dog gets more comfortable going in there.

There you have it, it is all about building desire. Hope this helps you out and don’t forget to pass it along to anyone you know that needs help crate training.