Crate training is a process of teaching your dog to be comfortable in and with its crate. It has many benefits for both dogs and their owners, from potty training to providing a sense of security for your dog and giving them a place to call their own. It can also help prevent destructive behaviors and help them feel more comfortable being boarded or staying at the vet. With the help of your vet Raleigh NC, such as the ones at Complete Pet Care, your dog will be crate-trained in no time. Here are a few tips that are useful when crate-training your pet.

Things You’ll Need:

• A crate that is the right size for your dog; should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably (if you still have questions about what size crate would be beneficial for your dog, your Raleigh vet can help!)
• Dog treats
• A blanket or two

Crate Training Your Dog

The first step in crate training is to get your dog used to being in its crate. Put their crate in a location in your home where they will be spending time anyway, such as a guest bedroom or other secluded area of the home. Leave the door open and let them explore it on their own. You may want to put a few treats inside to encourage them to go in. During this time, you must not force them into the crate or try to trap them inside. Let them come and go on their own to get comfortable with it.

Once your dog is comfortable going in and out of its crate on its own, you can start closing the door while they’re inside. Start by closing it just for a few seconds, and then open it again. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave them in there until they’re more comfortable being in there. Your vet Raleigh NC can help you decipher how long your pet can be left in their crate.

The next step is teaching your dog that their crate is their safe space, like a young child and their room. To get them to sleep in their crate at night, simply add a blanket or two in the crate along with a few Raleigh vet-approved treats. It might take a few nights to get used to, but adding another blanket over the crate will minimize light and distractions. Once they learn that their crate is a safe place for them to go, they might even go in there when they are feeling nervous or tired during the day.

Complete Pet Care | Vet Raleigh NC

Crate training takes time and patience but it’s worth it in the end! Your dog will have a safe place to stay when you can’t watch them, making potty training much easier and preventing destructive behaviors. If you’re looking for an effective way to train your new puppy or dog, give crate training a try. For more information about your vet Raleigh NC and how you can help your pet live its best life, please visit our website!