Labrador Retriever Crate Training Part 1
By: Sharda Baker
Hi there,
Shada Baker here.
I would like to continue on with Labrador Housetraining.
We shall discuss Crate Training and note there will be a second part to
this topic shortly.
Take notes as this is a great method of potty training!
CRATE TRAINING YOUR DOG
– PART 1
One of the most
successful ways
to train a Labrador puppy is to use the crate training method. The
crate is seen by a dog as a safe area or den that he or she can use to
sleep in, or just to spend time.
There are several
benefits to
crate training your Labrador Retriever puppy that will
continue
to be useful as your dog matures. A crate provides an excellent
environment for transporting
your Labrador, a comfortable yet confined place when you are not at
home, a method to
control challenging behaviors such as digging and chewing,
as well as a tool for scheduling toileting, sleeping and other
activities.
It is important
to allow your
Labrador Retriever puppy to adjust to the crate and to learn that the
crate is a good place to be, not a punishment.
Here are several
important tips for using a crate effectively for
your Lab.
1. Start by placing the crate on the floor, and place inside some dog
treats and toys.
2. Close the door, and let the puppy sniff around the crate. The puppy
will soon realize the treats are on the inside, and will whine or
scratch to get into the crate.
3. Praise your Lab for wanting to get in,
and open
the door. Leave the door open, but don’t praise the dog for
coming out. The puppy needs to learn that inside is better than
outside.
4. To get your puppy to go back into the crate have a few
more treats and toss them towards the back of the crate.
5. Positively reward your puppy for walking in and eating
them.
6. Gradually begin to close the door behind your puppy. If
the
puppy does start to whine or bark make sure that you do not let him or
her out until there is quiet, or you will be reinforcing the whining
behavior.
7. Always have a treat or two inside the crate, and start saying
“Crate” to alert your Lab puppy to go in for a
treat.
8. Never force the puppy into the crate or it will start to be seen as
a punishment.
9. Increase the time in the crate but do not exceed thirty minutes to
avoid any accidents or stress on the puppy.
Puppies can
sleep in the crate, but they should be taken outside if
they cry or whine and need to toilet. If they are whining or crying for attention,
do not take them out, or it will cause this behavior to increase.
Crate training can also be used when you leave the house. Once
your puppy is comfortable in the crate, they will be happy to
remain in there while you are away. Avoid any excessive amounts of time
in the crate though, as this can make house training more difficult.
Watch for any signs of separation anxiety while you are gone, and
address these to correct this situation as early as possible.
Soiling the crate, excessive drooling or panting, or frantic behavior
when you return may be signs that the puppy has some separation anxiety.
For further in
depth information and advice on
crate training and all
aspects of Labrador care please see the Insider's
Complete Guide To The Labrador Retriever ebook and audio
package.
Hope that snippet on Crate training was helpful for you and your Lab.
There will be a second article posted on Crate Training shortly.
All the best.
Sharda Baker
Dedicated To Making More
of Your Dog Experiences Good Ones
