Owners and puppies perceive crates differently. Owners have a tendency to think of them as representing confinement. Puppies, on the other hand, consider their crate to be their personal living space, much like your home is your living space. When a pup has been acclimated to his space, he’ll return to it in order to rest. Often, he’ll return to it as a way to retreat from the bustle of activity elsewhere in your home.

Unfortunately, owners often throw their puppy’s crate away once their pup has been housetrained. Doing so is counterproductive since it essentially eliminates your dog’s personal living space. This forces him to find another.

You should begin crate training your puppy from the moment he sets foot in your home. Moreover, do so with the expectation that his crate will become his long-term den. Below, we’ll explore some of the common mistakes owners make when crating their pets, and describe the reactions those mistakes often prompt. We’ll also provide some tips for helping your puppy become accustomed to his personal living space.

Mistakes That Sabotage Successful Crating

When a dog is unenthusiastic about his crate, the reasons can usually be traced to the manner in which his owner introduced it to him. For example, an owner may try to force his pet into the pen. This creates an instant connection in the pet’s mind that his pen represents something that is bad.

Another mistake involves the amount of time a puppy is locked within his personal space. If he is confined within it for several hours, and needs to urinate or defecate, he may be forced to do so within his “den.” This is an unpleasant experience for him. Again, it creates a negative association.

It’s also common for owners to use their canine’s crate as a form of negative reinforcement in response to unacceptable behavior. That is, if a dog behaves badly, his owner may confine him in his crate to punish him. As a result, the canine perceives his crate as a “jail cell.”

These mistakes cause aversion in canines toward their crates. This aversion manifests in ways that are easy to identify.

How A Crate-Averse Dog Reacts To Crating

If your puppy loathes his crate, he’ll try to nip your hands when you attempt to place him inside. The level of aggression he shows will vary, depending on his aversion. The more averse he is to being locked inside, the more desperate he’ll be to escape.

Once you successfully confine him within his crate, he will bark to show his displeasure. If he has been locked inside for long periods in the past, your dog may try to claw his way out. He may even try to bite the door in desperation.

If your canine shows clear opposition to his current “den,” the negative association has already been established in his mind. Consequently, you may need to discard his crate and purchase a new one in order to move forward.

Acclimating Your Puppy To His Crate

The first step is to create an environment inside his living space that offers warmth and comfort. Place blankets or bedding material inside so he can lie down and rest comfortably. Throw a blanket over the top to provide an atmosphere similar to a den. Also, place a few of his preferred toys inside to further encourage him to think of his crate as his personal home.

Some puppies will immediately enter their pens and feel comfortable from the beginning. Others will need to be coaxed. If your dog shows hesitation, start feeding him near the entry. Over time, gradually move his food bowl inside his den. Place his favorite dog treats under the bedding and in the back corners. He’ll eventually feel comfortable enough to enter his crate and spend time inside without your needing to prompt him. This is a slow process, but will create a lasting, positive association in his mind.

Crate training your canine takes time and effort, but is worth the investment. The key is to help him become comfortable with his “den” at his own pace.

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Category: Pets
Keywords: pets, puppies, puppy, crating your puppy, crating your dog, crates, dog crates