Crate Training

Crates are actually an excellent choice for most puppies and adult dogs as they keep the pet and your belongings safe when you are not able to supervise. They aid in house training because a dog will not want to soil his sleeping area. Select a crate big enough to allow the puppy/dog to stand up and turn around and stretch out when lying down. 

Remember, the crate should never take away from the contact and socialization that your dog needs from you and your family. The dog needs to spend much more time out of the crate than in.
Why Use A Crate? 

  • To provide a den for your dog. 
  • To help calm and nurture your dog in the new environment. 
  • As a house training aid. 
  • As a recovery room from illness or surgery. 
  • As a sanctuary when things get hectic. 
  • In some mild cases, it can be helpful for anxiety to help prevent destructive chewing. 
  • To protect your pet from children who cannot act appropriately around dogs.

Crate Do's and Don'ts

DO:

  • Spend the first few days/weeks showing your dog what to do, where to go potty, where to find food, water, and a bed
  • Praise your dog whenever it is being good
  • Wait for good/calm behaviors before giving attention, food, walks, etc. (He may not know commands, so wait and then reward)
  • Keep your new dog on a leash at all times (except when alone, crated, or overnight) for the first few days to help aid in moving off the furniture, away from the kitchen, off of visitors, etc
  • When feeding, wait for calm behavior before putting food down, then move away and do not disturb while eating
  • Closely supervise every interaction with children or other pets
  • Use a crate or quiet dog-proofed room for calm confinement and overnight. Allow treats/toys in the crate and do not use it for punishment. • Sign up for positive reinforcement training classes as soon as possible. HHS offers many different dog training classes. Find our class info here: www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/programs/training-enrichment 

DON'T

  • Don’t yell at or use punishment of any kind. This will teach your dog not to trust you. It is always best to ignore and/or properly manage bad behaviors and reward good ones
  • Don’t wrestle or play tug-of-war with your dog until you know his demeanor and he knows the rules
  • Don’t give long-lasting, high-value food items until you know the dog will allow safe handling
  • Don’t allow too much freedom too soon. Keep him on a leash at first (even in the house and especially around children or other pets)
  • Don’t bathe or groom the dog right away and do not try to trim nails
  • Don’t overwhelm the dog with too many new people in the first week or two
  • Don’t take him to the dog park (even if he seems good with other dogs)
  • Don’t physically force your dog to do anything. Use your leash, treats, and a soft, encouraging voice to lure him to where you need to go.
  • Don’t let kids crowd the dog, take him for a walk, hug or pick up the dog, and NEVER allow unsupervised interactions.
  • Don’t overwhelm your new dog by going to crowded places such as markets, parks, schools, etc.

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