Crate training your dog is essential for its emotional well being. We need to firstly understand that, just as we as humans need that special place to go to when we need to be alone, when we feel threatened, when we need emotional peace, so too our four legged friends need their special place of safety. This is where the wonderful crate comes in. Your dog also need to get away from it all sometimes.

For those who do not fully understand how crate training is beneficial for dogs, let me explain it.
You will find more articles and help on how to crate train your dog by checking out the links at the bottom. However, let me first explain the importance of this practice.

Crate training is not cruel.

Dogs, just like their cousins, the wolves have an instinct to find, shelter in the form of a den for his emotional needs if he is stressed, ill or just to sleep or for protection. All dog owners know from experience that this is a typical dog behavior. It brings them comfort and peace.

Don't abuse the crate

Do not at any time abuse the crate and use it as punishment, as tempting as it might be at times. You will loose all hope of crate training your dog. He will start feeling that it is just another form of punishment and not the safety net it is supposed to be.

Once a dog makes a certain association with something, you will have a very hard time to convince it otherwise.

Do not confine your dog to the crate for long periods of time. This is very important. He needs to relate to the family and other pets if you have more pets and learn to socialize.
Allow your dog to enjoy her private space when he needs it.

It is important that your dog does not feel secluded or separated from the rest of the family while enjoying his privacy in the crate. So it is essential that the crate be placed close to where most of the activity is in your home. Your dog needs to not only feel safe in his private space, but he also need to still feel part of the family. It is no use placing the crate on a spot where there is no or little activity. You don't want your dog to associate the crate with loneliness.

How to choose a crate.

A crate needs to be safe and should not have any sharp edges that can potentially be the cause of injury to your dog. Look for something that is easy to disinfect and clean. You should be able to hose it out.

You should choose the right size for your dog. You will in future need to purchase a bigger crate as he grows. However if you do not want to purchase more crates as he grows, you can get one that will be perfect for him when he reaches his adult size.

All you do is to place a piece of partition inside to make it a bit smaller. The crate will not serve its purpose if it is way too big. Your dog must be able to sit up, role over, stretch out and lie down with ease. He should be comfortable inside.
Happy Crate Training...

Using the crate