Every pet parent thinks about what to do with their dog or puppy during business hours. Even if you work from home, you need a plan for your pets. Your furry friends can get lonely or bored. It’s a bored dog that gets into trouble - getting into the trash, chewing on your couch, eating your plants etc. You can safely and comfortably crate your pooch while you are working with. It just takes some time and training!

First, make sure you have a comfortable crate for your dog. Size is important. The kennel should large enough for your pup to stand up, turn around and lie down. During the puppy training phase, you may need use a divider or barrier to reduce the available kennel space. Add a comfy bed and a toy or two and you are all set to start crate training.

Why Crate Train Your Pup?

Many veterinarians and dog trainers recommend crate training. When your dog is comfortable in a kennel, it makes it much less stressful when you need to transport your dog to the vet, trainer, groomer, or just for joy rides and vacations. Providing a safe, relaxing safe space for your dog is helpful when there are distractions and stressful situations like fireworks, sirens, visitors (human and fur), storms and even the vacuum cleaner.

Misconceptions

Crating is not punishment. Dogs are den animals. Notice where your dog likes to relax. Most dogs fine some cozy spot - a corner, underneath furniture, or even under your blankets. Providing you dog their own space is a kindness, not a punishment.

Safety

Safety is one more reason why you should crate train your puppy. You can control the environment and keep your dog safe from chewing cords and plants.

Be patient with your training

Young puppies require a lot of attention and interaction. They also have small bladders! Choose a word or phrase to use when asking them to potty and when praising them for going potty. It can be as simple and straightforward as “Relief” to as cute as “Go Potty Pee Pee.” Just be consistent. Take your dog to their designated potty area often and as soon as your dog starts to pee, repeat your chosen phrase over and over to help the dog associate the activity with the command. Be sure to provide praise and treats when you dog goes potty.

Healthy, adult dogs can comfortably hang out in their kennel for several hours. However, it takes time and patience to acclimate your dog to their kennel. Start out by placing your pup in the kennel, leaving the door open and remaining near the kennel. Praise and affection when the dog stays in the kennel will reinforce the proper behavior. Do this several times over the course of a day. Once you feel the pup is getting comfy in the kennel, close the door but remain near the kennel. Once that is tolerated, move in and out of the room, gradually staying out of sight for longer intervals. When the dog is roaming free, leave the kennel door open so you dog has access to their safe spot. Before you know it, your dog will be a happy, crate trained pup.

Upgrade your kennel to a custom luxury crate from Kennel and Crate

Now that your dog loves being in a cozy spot, you want that kennel to be as pretty as the rest of your house. Order a custom kennel from Kennel and Crate. Not only are our kennels functional, they are beautiful. Pick your perfect size, door style, color and chew guards for those puppies. Your dog’s happy place can be right in the center of your living room, office, den or sitting room and the custom kennel from Kennel and Crate will complement your decor.

Contact us today

Order standard single and double kennels online. Call/text 405-624-0062, email office@kennelandcrate.com, use the Connect tab or follow us on any social media @kennelandcrate to learn more! We’d love to build the perfect kennel for you. Read our other blog posts to learn about choosing the perfect kennel.

Crate Training Your Pup Is Important, Especially If You Are Busy!