One of the most effective ways that you can train your dog is by using crate training. This is where you teach your dog that his crate is a safe, trusted location. One where you can happily put him while you are training him or away from him.

Uses for Crate Training

Crate training is based on the idea that dogs in the wild have a den. Similarly, your dog’s crate is a quiet, safe place for him to relax and feel sheltered.

Crate training is important because spending time in a crate may come into play later in his life, and you want him to be able to do so comfortably.

Crates as a Comfortable, Secure Place to Retreat

In the future, your dog may need to be boarded at a facility. Possibly at the vet or a boarding facility when you’re on vacation. More importantly, crate training will make them more comfortable during their stay. When guests come over you may want to put your pup in a crate do reduce their stress. By crate training your dog early, you can teach him that being in a crate is a welcome place. One that is a safe escape during a stressful event – and one that he does not have to dread.

Crate Training for Potty Training

You can also use crate training for potty training, since dogs don’t like to go to the bathroom where they sleep. Dogs will learn to hold it while they’re in the crate — only relieving themselves when they’re out, which helps them learn that they should only associate going to the bathroom with being outside.

Tips for Crate Training

If you want your crate training to work effectively, make sure you don’t use the dog’s crate as a place for punishment. You only want him to have positive associations with the space. Also, at first, don’t leave your dog in the crate for long periods of time. Instead, try short time frames, and always let the dog out when he is relaxed — never stressed (this will ensure that your dog doesn’t associate acting stressed with you opening the crate door).