One of the most popular methods used to train dogs is known as Crate Training. A crate is a plastic of wire box that comes in a wide range of sizes. Crate training has benefits for both the dog and the owner.

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.

The crate should be big enough for your dog to move around in but not so big that there is excess space (the puppy may use the excess space to pee). A good crate size is about 1.5 times the length of your dog and about 6-7 inches taller than your dog. If your crate is too long for your particular dog you can modify it by simply blocking of one end of the crate. Plastic crates are the easiest to clean and also the lightest so we recommend these over other construction methods.

You should take your puppy to the toilet fairly regularly during the crate training period. As your puppy grows you can reduce the number of times it is let out of the crate each day as it will get used to holding its urges to go to the toilet.

The crate should not be associated with anything negative ” it needs to be a place your puppy wants to be. You can do this by feeding your puppy close to the crate and eventually inside the crate. Also make your puppies crate more homely by padding it with newspaper and putting a couple of your pups favourite toys inside. Rewards for good behaviour can be given inside the crate to further reinforce that its a nice place to be.

Never use your dogs crate as a place of punishment or a prison. Dogs shouldnt be locked in crates for long periods of time as this can make them take a disliking to the crate. Dont leave your dog in its crate when you are not at home.

Crates can be very convenient for transporting your dog or puppy. Crates are useful when travelling in the car with your dog and are required for all air travel.

Crate training does work well but its not for everyone. Some people frown on crate training as they believe dogs can become too emotionally attached to the crate due to spending so many hours inside it.

Use the link listed below for more information on dog and puppy training as well as additional information about crate training.

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