Crate training a puppy is a good first step to introduce overall training. If done right, most dogs find kenneling to be a soothing experience and a safe place from the hustle and bustle. Also, crate training your dog gives them a safe place to stay when you can’t be watching them, like when you’re running errands or sleeping.
Here are our top 11 tips for crate training a puppy. As will all kinds of dog training, positive reinforcement will be the best, most effective way to train your puppy.
Make the crate a happy place. Always stay positive and encouraging when crate training. Never use the crate as a place of punishment. You want your dog to have only positive associations with the crate.
Place the crate where your family spends the most time. Dogs are social and will be comforted by the familiar surroundings and smells. Also, your dog will be spending the most time where you are, so it’s more likely they’re be curious about the crate.
Keep the crate open during the day, so puppy knows they can go in and out. Use a puppy’s natural curiosity to boost training success. When you’re around, place enticing toys in the crate for puppy to find.
To first familiarize your puppy with the crate, sit and play next to it for awhile. Your puppy will learn the crate is part of the landscape and nothing to be worried about.
Use treats to entice your puppy to enter the crate. Encourage your puppy to voluntarily enter the crate to get the treat. You may have to start with placing the treat at the opening first, then further back as they get comfortable.
You can also give treats to your puppy when you close the door. For instance, a Kong with peanut butter in it may distract the puppy from being nervous when the door is first shut.
Choose a command and keep repeating it. Dogs will learn commands fairly quickly, especially if there are treats involved. As you crate train, tell your dog the same phrase, like “Go to kennel” or “In your crate.” Pretty soon, they’ll learn what that means. Move further away from the crate as you give the command to reinforce that the command can be given anywhere.
Don’t open the crate door if your puppy is barking. You can make a startling noise like clapping to get them to quiet for a moment, then open the door. Eventually, they will make the association that silence equals an open door.
Keep your dog safe. If your dog is prone to shredding bedding, keep the crate floor bare. Dogs don’t mind laying on hard surfaces. Toys are fine when your puppy is supervised, but probably should be removed if you are leaving the area. Also, remove your dog’s collar, as it can get caught in the crate structure.
Be patient! Some puppies take to the crate immediately, while others take some convincing. Even if it takes a few months to reliably crate train your dog, it’s worth the effort for years of “Good dog!” behavior.
Finally… if your puppy is having accidents in their crate. You ultimately want a crate size that is right for your full-grown dog. But if the crate is too big for the puppy, they might consider one corner suitable for a bathroom. You can get a crate divider to make the crate the right size for your puppy during these housetraining momths. Also, make sure you’re allowing your puppy plenty of bathroom breaks. Young puppies may need to go out during the night.
Of course, your puppy will need many hours of freedom and human interaction, as well. If they’re kenneled overnight, keep daytime confinement to under four hours and hopefully not every day.
We wish you many happy years with your wonderful pup! Check out our Dog Training Resources for more guidance on helping your dog be their best self. And Contact Us if your puppy needs a wellness visit.
The first full week of May recognizes Dog Anxiety Awareness Week. Like humans, dogs can also suffer from anxiety. To promote awareness, we’ll discuss the kinds of anxiety that dogs feel, the symptoms you may notice and how to help an anxious pup.
Types of Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety typically has a specific cause in dogs– and the cause can be unique to each dog. A Finnish study of over 13,000 dogs found that 73% of them had at least one behavioral problem linked to anxiety. The American Kennel Club identifies these three common types:
Fear-related anxiety
Separation anxiety
Aging-related anxiety
Dogs can develop a fear of anything. If they associate an item, sound, person or animal with negative outcomes, they will become afraid of it. This fear can turn into aggression or other debilitating behavioral results.
Dogs with separation anxiety are unable to calm and comfort themselves when left alone. These dogs can become destructive to themselves and their surroundings.
Some older dogs develop anxiety as they age. It could be that the dog’s mental capacities deteriorate, leading to confusion.
Symptoms of Stress & Anxiety in Dogs
PetMD shares a comprehensive list of stress symptoms, including:
Pacing
Shaking
Panting
Rapid heart rate
Frequent yawning
Drooling with lip licking or smacking
Excessive behaviors, like licking, barking or chewing
Dilated pupils with rapid blinking
On-the-alert behavior
Hiding
Bathroom accidents
Refusal to eat
Unhealthy shedding
Sometimes, a dog’s behavioral anxiety symptoms develop gradually. They can be easy to miss and you may think, “That’s just how my dog is.” But knowing the many symptoms of stress and anxiety can help you take steps to help your dog lead a calmer, more confident life.
How to Help Your Dog with Stress & Anxiety
A dog’s anxiety is often the result of building bad habits over time (compared with a single bad experience that sticks with a dog for life). Training, counterconditioning, and desensitization are all proven methods for treating stress and anxiety, no matter the cause. It’s good to seek professional training help. Check out our article “National Train Your Dog Month” for local resources.
It’s also possible to change your dog’s environment to avoid stress triggers. For instance, if your dog is anxious around strangers, don’t take them to crowded places.
Training and environment management may not be enough to help some anxious dogs. There are a few anti-anxiety veterinary medications on the market that could help. Contact us if you’d like to start a conversation with your veterinarian about your dog’s anxiety.
During January’s Cold, Spend Some Quality Time with Your Dog!
January is National Train Your Dog Month, and we can’t think of a better way to spend these cold winter days than indoors helping your dog become more social, well-adjusted and welcome anywhere they go.
And you know how they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? That’s not true! Obedience training is great for any age. In fact, most animal shelters are able to ready adult dogs for forever families through training.
Local Classes for National Train Your Dog Month
The best way to train your dog is with expert help. A professional dog trainer has experience with hundreds (thousands?) of dogs and will help personalize a program for you and your pup.
To get you started on your research, here are some places to check out. While these organizations have been recommended to us and/or have positive reviews, please use your own judgement about if a given trainer will be a good fit for your family.
At-Home Resources for National Train Your Dog Month
If you’re just getting started and want to try some training at home, check out these resources.
The AKC suggests a dog training app like Zigzag. After you take a quick survey, the app suggests a program, along with a subscription plan.
AKC also provides training guidelines with its AKC STAR Puppy and AKC Canine Good Citizen programs. These programs are open to purebred and mixed breed dogs.
Animal Friends Humane Society partners with GoodPup, a virtual training app.
Originally scheduled for January, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has been rescheduled for June 18-22, 2022. Over the course of the event, competitions will include:
Masters Agility Championship
Masters Obedience Championship
Breed Judging for Hounds, Herding, Toy, Terrier, Sporting, Working, and Non-Sporting breeds
Junior Showmanship
Best in Show
Westminster by the Numbers
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has seen dogs compete for 146 years.
This year, there are two new breeds recognized by the AKC who are participating in the Westminster show. They are Mudi and Russian Toy:
“A medium-sized, versatile farm dog from Hungary, the Mudi is a loyal protector of property and family. Originally bred to herd the most stubborn sheep and cattle, the breed is courageous, alert, and intelligent. The are a true working dog with a wavy-to-curly, self-cleaning coat and a gait that covers a lot of ground. The Mudi is joining the Herding Group.
“The Russian Toy is a small, squarely built toy dog that is elegant, athletic, and cheerful. A favorite breed of the Russian aristocracy, the Russian Toy can have a smooth or long coat. Their large round eyes and high-set ears contribute to their bright, attentive expression. The Russian Toy is joining the Toy Group.”
The total number of breeds entering Westminster this year are 211, wow!
How to Watch the 2022 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Starting June 18, watch free live streaming on westminsterkennelclub.org or the WKC App. FOX Sports is also covering various events of the show.
This 1960 WKC show features a booming announcer describing English Springer Spaniels, Weimaraners, Boston Terriers and more. (and a Cincinnati dog takes home Breed Honors!)
The chill of January keeps many of us inside. Stay busy and have some fun with your dog by helping them learn some training basics.
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers has wonderful videos and resources to help you train your dog. Here are some of our favorite videos from their YouTube channel.
It’s Never Too Early to Start with Positive Training
