There are several reasons why crate training dogs have become a reliable practice among dog owners.
One of these is that it is an effective way of potty or house training your canine friend.
The logic behind it is that a dog won't want to soil its own sleeping quarters.
This lessens the tiring task of having to always clean after your pup.
Not to mention, it can also lessen destructive behavior.
You need not worry about the dog chewing up furniture, shoes and other items found around the house (especially if these contain harmful, toxic or poisonous substances).
This proven training method of dogs will also make pet transportation easier.
Since your little doggy has gotten so used to its crate, it won't mind you carrying it to the airport, the car, etc.
It also makes visits to the vet a less stressful task.
Furthermore, it's a great way of getting the puppy involved or having it feel like it's included in household events such as parties and gatherings.
This way, it can still interact with everyone without you needing to worry about your pup frolicking everywhere.
Of course there is also a downside to crate training of dogs.
This practice may not always be suitable for all dogs, especially those with strong separation anxiety.
Applying this on dogs that are easily stressed or depressed will just worsen their condition.
Moreover, strong and frantic dogs are likely to escape from crates while injuring themselves in the process.
These drawbacks, however, aren't enough to outweigh the advantages of putting your dog in a crate-which explains why it's still being exercised by pet owners.
So you've decided that you want to carry on with this - it will require a bit of patience and persistence from you.
Keep in mind though, that in order to get benefits from this training, dogs should never be rushed.
Gradually introduce your dog to the crate before slowly lengthening the duration of its stay inside.
If you trust your dog enough that it won't go making a mess out of the house, you can now let it voluntarily enter and exit on its own.
Always give your dog positive reinforcement and praises so as to establish that what it's doing is what is supposed to be done.
Now, one thing that you shouldn't do is leave your dog inside the crate for too long.
Puppies shouldn't be kept in for more than three to four hours either.
Why? For one, it'll be bad for their urinary system.
Another, it can just aggravate stress or depression.
The crate should never be used as a remedy for separation anxiety or as a punishment.
Crate training dogs will be made even more successful if you let your dog associate comfort and security with it, not fear or anxiety.
Lastly, don't give into whining.
If you let it out every time it whines, it'll think that it can get away with not staying inside the crate.
Think of it this way, it's just like a child being spoiled whenever you give him what he wants whenever he cries.