Crate Training is a method that is commonly used to house train dogs. A crate (cage) is normally constructed from plastic or metal and comes in a wide range of sizes to fit all dog breeds. Crate training dogs is considered to have positive results for both the dog and its master.

The reason crate training works so well is that most dogs dont use their sleeping area as a toilet. Given that in most cases the crate will serve as a sleeping area for your dog, the dog learns how to resist going to the toilet until they are out of the crate.

During crate training, one of the fundamental rules is that your puppy/dog needs to stay inside the crate at all times except when they are feeding or when they are let out to play. When you do let your puppy free from the crate you should take it outside immediately so it can relieve itself.

Your dogs crate should be about one and a half times its body length and slightly higher than your dog in its standing position. If your crate is too long it is recommended that you block of one end. Excess space can act as a bathroom for you dog so it shouldnt be permitted. Plastic crates are the most popular these days as they are durable and very easy to clean.

During crate training, the puppies toilet breaks must be at regular times throughout the day so that accidental urination and defecation is avoided. As puppies get older they naturally become better at holding there urges to go to the toilet.

You should try to make the crate a relaxing place for your puppy to be. Putting toys inside the crate and lining it with paper or a blanket will help with this. A good tip is to feed the dog nearby the crate, progressively moving the food closer to the crate until the dog is eating inside the crate. To help build a positive image of the crate you can give the dog rewards for good behaviour inside the crate.

Crates should never be used to enforce punishment and you should avoid locking your dog in the crate when you are not in the house. Dogs should not be left in the crate for too long as they may begin to fear the crate and get anxious.

Crates also serve as useful transporting tools for your dog. All airlines require that dogs are transported in crates.

While crate training dogs and puppies has been proven to be a very effective way of training dogs, it is not universally accepted with some experts claiming that dogs and puppies become too attached to the crate after being locked inside it for a long period of time.

For information on many other aspects of dog training, puppy training, and crate training a link is provide below.

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