Crate training is an important milestone for puppies to achieve. It’s beneficial for their safety, as it ensures they won’t have access to any hazards while you’re not home. The crate also prepares them for staying in a dog kennel if you ever need to travel. Finally, crating your pup is a great way to enforce potty training and minimize risks of separation anxiety. To give your pup the best chances for success, follow the practical crate training tips below.

5 Ways to Help Your Puppy Succeed in Crate Training

1. Make the Crate a Safe Space

Your dog’s crate should be an inviting space. It should be large enough for them to stand up and turn around in comfortably. You can also include blankets or soft towels in the crate to make it cozy, and always throw a treat in when it’s time for your pup to enter it.

2. Keep Crate Times Short

New puppies should only be crated for ten minutes at a time. You can work your way up to a longer duration, but dogs under the age of six months shouldn’t be crated for longer than three hours. If needed, hire a pet sitter or dog walker to let your dog out during the day. The only exception is if you intend to keep your dog crated overnight.

3. Take Them Outside Immediately

As soon as it’s time to exit their dog kennel, bring your pup outside right away. Younger dogs have less control over their bowels and bladders. It’s therefore important to give them the opportunity to relieve themselves immediately. This is especially important if your dog has been in the crate all night.

4. Practice While You’re Home

Many dog owners make the mistake of crating their dogs only when they’re going out. To prevent them from associating your outings with feelings of isolation, use the crate while you’re at home, too. Don’t make too much of a fuss over leaving or arriving. This way, your pup will know it’s no big deal when you go out.

5. Never Use it as Punishment

Lastly, but most importantly, the dog kennel must never be used as a form of punishment, as it could cause them to dread crate time. Positive reinforcement is far more effective for puppies. Always praise them when they go to the bathroom outside, follow a command, or go into their crate when ordered.

Whether you have a puppy, full-grown dog, or cat, the pet boarding team from All Creatures Inn can take care of your pet while you’re away. Offering a spacious outdoor environment, a compassionate team of pet lovers, and separate quarters for canines and felines, this boarding facility is the trusted source among animal owners in Jessamine County, KY. Learn more about the dog kennel online, and call (859) 233-9000 to ask about availability.