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Crate Training Older Dog

Submitted by Michael Adams on June 2, 2010

Crate training a dog and especially an older dog is a method of house training it. Most dogs are den animals and generally like to have a place of their own. Your dog’s age and temperament will determine how long it takes to crate train him.

Crates are available in different sizes and types: collapsible, metal pens, fabric on a collapsible frame and plastic.

Dog crate training steps are as follows:

Place the crate in a place that is familiar to the dog. The family room or a place near you is good because the dog does not feel isolated.
Put the dog’s bedding, favorite toys, treats and water inside the crate. This will make it more familiar to him and might encourage him to enter.
Lead your dog over to the crate and talk to him gently. Throw some toys or treats first near the door and then right in to the crate. Do not force him if he does not go inside. This step can take a few minutes or several days.
Once your dog gets used to the crate, feed him his meals inside. This will make him associate it with something pleasant. Start by keeping the door open and gradually start closing the door for a longer duration each time.
After he is quite comfortable in the crate, start leaving him with the door closed for a few minutes. Ensure that you are in the room when you first do this. Praise him and give him a few treats. Slowly increase the time you keep him in the crate and start leaving him alone for some time as well.
Once your dog spends about a half hour in the crate without giving trouble, you can leave him for this time while you go out of the house.
You can also then start leaving him for longer periods and at night.
Do not keep him for too long as he will get frustrated. Ensure that his emotional and physical needs are met too.
Refrain from using the crate as punishment. This will only make him fear and resent the crate and make the dog training even more difficult.
Never let your dog out if he is whining or barking. This could be a ploy to get out of the crate and one that he will use each time if you let him out immediately. Wait for him to calm down before you do so.

The training will help both you and the dog. Be positive when you are crate training dogs.

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