How to Crate Train a Dog

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Select a crate. Crates come in plastic or metal. You don't want your crate to be too big. It should provide just enough room for your dog to turn around.
Step 2:
Place the crate in an area where you spend a lot of time, such as a family room. Direct your dog into the crate, but don't force him. If you do, he will become afraid of the crate. Praise him for staying in the crate, then shut the door.
Step 3:
Stay in a place where your dog can see you. If she starts whining, don't come to her. She needs to get used to being in the crate, and letting her out only encourages more whining. When she stops whining for 5 or 10 minutes, praise her.
Step 4:
Take your dog out of the crate after a certain time, and take him outside. Do this several times throughout the day. This will show him that he shouldn't eliminate in the crate, but rather wait for you to take him outside.
Step 5:
Keep your dog in the crate whenever you are not in a room or have to leave the house. The crate keeps the dog confined, and it will teach her about respecting space.
Step 6:
Praise your dog whenever he goes into the crate voluntarily. After awhile, the dog will spend time in the crate on his own. This will become his personal space.

Tips & Warnings

Crate training is not a foolproof way to potty train your dog. You still have to teach him that going outside is the right thing to do. That comes with praise when he does eliminate outside and punishment when he goes inside.
Always praise your dog when he does something right. Praise will ensure that he keeps doing it.
Make sure the crate is only big enough for the dog to turn around and lie down. Any bigger and he will use one part to sleep and the other part to eliminate.
Don't put any sort of blanket or towel in the crate until the dog gets used to it. After the dog starts to treat the space as her own, you can add blankets and toys.

Resources

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