Wild dogs as well as domestic dogs all have the instinct to use their dens. Domestic dogs can find that the crate or cage that the owner provides them with is similar to a den, just like how a wild dog would have a den in the wild. After your dog has become accustomed to the cage, it will become a comfortable place to take a nap, a hiding spot from a thunderstorm, and restricting the dog from destroying everything while you are out and about. The problem that has to be dealt with now is getting the dog to utilize the cage.

Crates are used for a variety of different reasons, reasons such as housetraining, because a dog likes to keep his or her den clean and not use the bathroom in it. Another reason might be to keep or limit the dog’s access to certain areas of the house as some dogs like to chew on things. Crates are also a wonderful way to move your dog from one place to another with minimal hassle. When training your dog, try to keep in mind that the crate training process varies in length, for some dogs it could take a few days but for others it could take weeks. The time it takes to crate train a dog usually depends on how old the dog is and what dog’s past experience is like. Do not try to move the process along as fast as possible, it should be introduced in small steps until the dog can comprehend your intentions.

Dogs are social animals and will generally like to interact with you and your family, so the first step in cage training your dog is to place the crate or cage in a section of the house where that you and your family frequent often, such as the living room. The cage should be made as comfortable as possible, start by placing a fluffy blanket on the floor of the cage. Most dogs will explore the cage naturally, so just leave the door open and the dog just might start sleeping in there. Some dogs are a little skeptical as to whether or not they should get in the cage, if this is the case then simply take a few treats and make line that goes all the way inside of the cage. If this does not work then try putting his favorite toy in there and encouraging him gently to go inside the cage.

The second step that should be taken in the cage training process is feeding your dog its meals while he is in the cage. When the dog is fed his or her meals while in the cage, then the cage becomes a pleasant place. This step becomes much easier if your dog entered the cage with easy during step one, try placing the bowl all the way in the back of the cage. If your dog will only go to the entrance of the cage or will enter it a little, then place the bowl in as far as he or she will go. Once the dog will enter the cage to eat, try closing the door while he is eating and opening right as he or she finishes, waiting a few minutes longer with each feeding until the dog becomes comfortable. Your dog may begin to whine, if this happens then try leaving him in the cage until he/she stops, if you let the dog out before then, then that will make him/her learn to whine to be let out

After steps one and two have been accomplished, you can begin with step three, which is making the time periods spent in the cage longer. Teach your dog to get in the cage by pointing at the cage with one hand and enticing the dog with a treat in the other. Make a command word that dog will associate with getting in the cage, once the dog is in there, give him/her the treat and shower them with attention. Gradually, increase the time your dog spends in the cage, sit with him/her for a few minutes and then walk into another room for another few minutes. Eventually your dog will be able to remain comfortable in the cage for longer periods of time, such as when you go out and do errands or overnight. Whenever you decide to go out, say the command word along with a treat to get the dog to go in the cage, be sure to leave him/her with a few toys so the dog will remain comfortable while you are gone.

After these steps are followed properly, your dog will eventually be comfortable with using his/her cage. You will be able to go out shopping and feel good about it because you know your dog is safely and comfortably in his/her cage, instead of gnawing on furniture or destroying things. For more information, simply utilize the Internet and a search engine, the Humane Society also has a lot of useful information about cage training your dog properly.