Interested in Crate Training an Older Dog? Learn 3 Proven Tips You Can"t Afford to Miss!
Crate training an older dog is definitely worth doing because it's one of the best ways to toilet train you pet or keep him out of trouble while you're away.
It is also useful when one considers traveling with his pet as crate makes it easier for a dog to survive the trip and adjust to the new environment.
However, it is important to remember that crate training an older dog is slightly different than crate training puppies.
Mainly because adult pets are more resistant to new things as their brains have already been formed and it's hard to change some of the deep rooted habits.
Crate Training An Older Dog Tip 1 - Get The Right Sized Crate One of the most important tips I can give you is to buy the crate big enough for your dog to stand and turn around inside but not too big as he may end up making a toilet out of one of it's corners.
This happens very rarely and only if you keep your pet closed for too long but it may significantly slow down the potty training process so keep this in mind while choosing your dog's new home.
Second advice is to purchase a wire crate as the plastic ones will not withstand your pet's biting and chewing habits.
Crate Training An Older Dog Tip 2 - Make It Feel Cosy Second step in crate training an older dog is to make the crate as friendly and comfortable as possible.
This is why it's best to cover it's bottom with a soft pillow and one of your old t-shirts (so that he can smell you when you're not around).
Put a few of his favorite toys inside as well so that he doesn't get bored too quickly and install a heavy dish with water in case he needs a drink.
Make sure to place the crate in a well attended spot in your house because the worst thing that can happen to your pet is to be left alone.
Crate Training An Older Dog Tip 3 - Let's Get Him In! Now, this is the hardest part of crate training an older dog.
Mainly because he may not like the idea of being closed in such a small cube, especially if he has been running free since puppyhood.
You will have to lure him in by putting a few of his favorite treats inside.
You can also force him to enter the crate if you begin giving him regular meals inside it.
He will have to accustom to eating in there and with the flow of time he will get used to it.
Make sure to pay close attention to his behavior and as soon as he enters his new home confidently and lays down to get some rest close the door.
Stay with him for a bit, petting his head, praising etc.
and, if there's someone else in the room, leave him for a few minutes.
After you get back open the door, praise him cheerfully once again and reward with a tasty treat while his still inside.
Repeat this process for a few weeks or until you see that your dog doesn't mind being closed in the crate.
It is also useful when one considers traveling with his pet as crate makes it easier for a dog to survive the trip and adjust to the new environment.
However, it is important to remember that crate training an older dog is slightly different than crate training puppies.
Mainly because adult pets are more resistant to new things as their brains have already been formed and it's hard to change some of the deep rooted habits.
Crate Training An Older Dog Tip 1 - Get The Right Sized Crate One of the most important tips I can give you is to buy the crate big enough for your dog to stand and turn around inside but not too big as he may end up making a toilet out of one of it's corners.
This happens very rarely and only if you keep your pet closed for too long but it may significantly slow down the potty training process so keep this in mind while choosing your dog's new home.
Second advice is to purchase a wire crate as the plastic ones will not withstand your pet's biting and chewing habits.
Crate Training An Older Dog Tip 2 - Make It Feel Cosy Second step in crate training an older dog is to make the crate as friendly and comfortable as possible.
This is why it's best to cover it's bottom with a soft pillow and one of your old t-shirts (so that he can smell you when you're not around).
Put a few of his favorite toys inside as well so that he doesn't get bored too quickly and install a heavy dish with water in case he needs a drink.
Make sure to place the crate in a well attended spot in your house because the worst thing that can happen to your pet is to be left alone.
Crate Training An Older Dog Tip 3 - Let's Get Him In! Now, this is the hardest part of crate training an older dog.
Mainly because he may not like the idea of being closed in such a small cube, especially if he has been running free since puppyhood.
You will have to lure him in by putting a few of his favorite treats inside.
You can also force him to enter the crate if you begin giving him regular meals inside it.
He will have to accustom to eating in there and with the flow of time he will get used to it.
Make sure to pay close attention to his behavior and as soon as he enters his new home confidently and lays down to get some rest close the door.
Stay with him for a bit, petting his head, praising etc.
and, if there's someone else in the room, leave him for a few minutes.
After you get back open the door, praise him cheerfully once again and reward with a tasty treat while his still inside.
Repeat this process for a few weeks or until you see that your dog doesn't mind being closed in the crate.