Crate Training

By Ed Erickson - Autumn Breeze Kennel

When you have arrived at home with your new pup it is best to use the crate for its sleeping, traveling, and safe haven. This crate should be a happy place to be in, and the pup should go into the crate happily. Treats work well to motivate the puppy to move into the crate. Have the pup in front of the crate show it a treat and throw it into the crate while guiding the pup into the crate and saying kennel (or the command you choose to use).

Close the door and praise the pup. When letting the pup out give a release command such as break when it comes out. As the pup gets older you can push the obedience by using the door to stop the pup from coming out before the release command is given by opening the door slowly and if the pup starts to come out shut the door on its nose soon it will learn that it is no fun to have a waffle nose. With time the young pup will wait with the door open until the release command is given.

If you have a young pup that keeps messing in its crate and the crate is much larger than the dog, go to a smaller crate and that should help the problem. The crate also can be used for a time out when you are house breaking the pup for proper manners. When traveling if the pup gets sick in the crate you may need to take the pup on short rides and gradually extend the travel time. Making sure that no food or water has been given for a extended period of time before traveling, also make sure the pup has had enough time to relieve its self.

Tip provided by:

Ed Erickson
Autumn Breeze Kennel
Autumn Breeze Kennel Website
Profile Page