Dog Behavior Questions Revealed! Crate Training in Five Basic Steps

One of the most familiar dog behavior questions I hear all the time is "How do you crate train dogs?" Most people make the common mistake of using the crate for punishment and wonder why they can't get their canine to "voluntarily" go in it when it is required. The reason being is: the crate isn't for punishment. It is for "sanctuary" and security. Dogs are "den" creatures and like to feel relaxed and calm when "settled in", not scared.

So, here are 5 tips to figure out this dog behavior question!

1. Put the crate in a location of your house where the family spends a great deal of energy, for instance the living room. Make sure you put a cozy blanket or towel in the crate.

2. Bring your pet beside the crate and talk to him in a pleasant tone of voice. Make sure the entry to the crate is wide open. Encourage your canine to access the crate with goodies near it and just inside the crate (near the entry) and lastly all the way inside the crate. This is where you may start to have some dog behavior questions. It is ok. Don't push your canine inside the crate. If he doesn't choose to go...it is alright. Continue to throw food inside the crate prior to the canine walks calmly all the way in to the crate to get the treat. If food does not do the job, try using a favorite toy. Use your body to block the access, after your canine enters the crate.

3. Repeat the previous step, instead of blocking the entry with your body, shut the entry to the crate.

4. Fix a yummy chew toy (by filling it with cream cheese or peanut butter), walk your pet into the crate. Once he is in the crate, give him the chew toy and shut the entry. Once your canine is engaged in chewing, get up and parade around, at times going out of sight. Release your canine from the crate before he finishes chewing (or before he wakes if he's been dozing off) but only if he is relaxed.

5. Compliment your "furry friend" while he is in the crate, but don't compliment him as he is coming out of his crate. This teaches him that being in the crate is good and pleasant, while coming out is neutral. Additionally, don't make a big fuss while showing him in or taking him out, so he will understand it as no big deal.