Jul 10, Advantages of Crate Training; Crate Training Benefits

When it comes to puppy training, the advantages of crate training are numerous.

Puppy and dog crate training offers advantages to both you and your dog. Crates offer comfort to some dogs who don't know how to handle open spaces like rooms, and are still being housetrained. Crating your puppy helps to curb unwanted behaviors, and offers a safe place for sleeping and confinement.

You'll find that crate training your dog offer benefits that will last long after your puppy grows into adulthood.

A dog crate is a very useful tool, while you're housetraining your puppy. One of the secrets to housetraining is that puppies don't want to soil their sleeping and living area, and will gradually learn to "hold it", until they eliminate outside.

As you teach your puppy to do his "business" outdoors, by using a schedule of consistent feeding and elimination times, you'll reinforce his housetraining habits. Puppies spend small amounts of time in their crate which gradually increases as they get older.

When you're not able to supervise your puppy closely for a while, a crate makes a good babysitter. There's no need to keep him isolated, so you can keep him nearby in the same room. It's also helpful if he's still getting into mischief and needs a "time out", and when you have to leave him unattended for short periods of time.

A crate offers your puppy a soft, comfortable, and cozy enclosure that is his den. He can take a nap and get away from his human family for a while. With a soft blanket or padding, his favorite toy, and a special treat, you'll be creating a comfortable hideaway, that's his own special place.

For those times when you have a houseful of guests, and your dog needs to be in his own quiet place, a crate provides your dog a sense of comfort and security. It's also a safe location if you're having workers in your house and need to secure your puppy, one of the advantages of crate training that will bring peace of mind to you. If your dog tends to become anxious when you go out, his crate will offer a secure place where he'll feel less stressful. The small size and comforting surroundings won't allow him to pace, and run around looking for you. It can also help to curb destructive habits such as shredding paper, or picking through trash, or chewing inappropriate objects. We know, we've been through this with Maggie. Confining her helped to reduce the pacing, panting, whining, and panic she'd experience. A crate is a great place to teach appropriate behavior-another one of the advantages of crate training. If your dog tends to chew items such as furniture legs, shoes, and other objects, you'll want to give him a chew toy in his crate. He'll be able to satisfy his need to chew in his controlled environment. Want another puppy crate training tip? Because a crate becomes a familiar home to your dog, it's great for traveling. It's a great stress reducer, especially if your dog becomes upset when he goes to the vet, the groomers, or travels for any length of time. Dogs tend to become familiar with travel routes, often recognize streets, and landmarks. In their crate, they'll be less able to see their route, be more relaxed, and ensure a safer trip for everyone in the car.

By adding treats, a toy, and praising your puppy, you are working to create a pleasant retreat for your dog. He'll come to associate it as a positive environment, one that he'll seek out long after his housetraining is finished.

View the original article here