How to Crate Train a Dog

Some of the most common mistakes people make when they get a new puppy are when learning how to crate train a dog. These mistakes include referring to the crate as a place of punishment and forcing the dog into the crate when they don't want to go in there. Read on to find out the two simple steps showing how to crate train a dog.

1. You shouldn't ever find yourself saying, "Go to your crate, NOW!" The crate is meant to be your dogs home inside of yours. It's exactly as our house is inside of the neighborhood. No one ever sends us home when we do something bad right? We get sent to jail... Should we send our dogs to their crate as if we are putting them in jail? NO! We should follow up with praise and joy when the dog goes into the crate.

2. This is step two in how to crate train a dog. Only put your dog in the crate at bed time and when you're leaving. Give them a load of praise when they are in there. At all other times of the day, leave the door to the crate open that way they can go in there if they feel tired or need a break from socialization. This is especially important when learning how to crate train a dog because it will teach them that being in the crate is a good thing and it will cause them to go in there more willingly.

Now that you have all the information on how to crate train a dog, you should be on your way to having a very happy house pet! They will absolutely LOVE going into their kennel because it is like a little getaway for them.