Crate Training: Sizing and Comfortability

 Crate training is a great way to housebreak your dog, keep them safe and secure when you're not home, and provide them with a comfortable and private place to relax. Here are some tips on how to crate train your dog:

1. Choose the right crate. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be so big that your dog can use one end as a bathroom and the other end as a bedroom.

(Proper crate sizing: Freyja, a medium size dog at 58 lbs, in a large crate - plenty of room to lay down and ears are not folded when sitting)

1. Introduce the crate to your dog in a positive way. Let your dog sniff the crate and explore it on their own. Put some of their favorite toys or treats inside the crate to make it more appealing.
2. Start by feeding your dog in the crate. This will help your dog associate the crate with good things.
3. Once your dog is comfortable eating in the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time. Start with just a few seconds and gradually increase the amount of time.
4. If your dog starts to whine or bark, don't open the door right away. Wait until they're quiet before letting them out.
5. Be patient and consistent with crate training. It may take some time for your dog to get used to being in the crate, but with patience and consistency, they will eventually learn to love it.

Here are some additional tips for crate training your dog:

• Make sure the crate is in a quiet, and comfortable spot in your home. For example, a quiet spare bedroom, the living room, or even your own bedroom - but be careful not to induce a situation where separation anxiety (will be covered in another blog) could be formed if using your bedroom.
• Don't use the crate as a punishment!
• Never leave your dog in the crate for too long.
• If you're going to be gone for an extended period of time, consider hiring a pet sitter or boarding your dog - if you are in the Springfield, MO area, I can provide both sitting and boarding. 😊

With patience and consistency, you can crate train your dog and create a safe and secure space for them to relax and feel at home.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws