Do you live in an apartment with your furry best friend? If so, you know the difficulties of finding creative ways to keep your furkid occupied and away from trouble. Crate training is an excellent tool for teaching your pup proper behavior and keeping them out of harm's way when you're not at home. But how do you successfully pull off such a task? In this blog post, we’re going over five tips that will help make crate training a breeze even while living in close quarters!

Choose The Right Size Crate

Crate training your pup can be a great way to give them their safe space and be assured that you don't come home to any surprises. Before you start, it's essential to get the right size for them. Too big and they won't understand that it's meant for sleeping, too small and they won't feel secure inside. Ensure your pup has enough room to stand, sit and turn around in the crate - that way both you and them will have an easier time adjusting!

How to Measure the Your Dog for the Correct Crate Size

• Length of Crate

  • When your dog is standing on all fours, measure them from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

  • Do not include their full tail length in this measurement — this will result in a crate that is too large.

  • Add 4 inches to this measurement for the best length of a crate for your dog.

• Height of Crate

  • When your dog is in a “sit” position, measure from the floor to the top of their head.

  • Add 4 inches to this measurement for the minimum height needed for your dog’s crate.

• Weight Limit

  • Double-check that your dog is within the manufacturer's recommended weight limit for the crate you choose — just in case you're carrying the crate with your dog inside it.

Make The Crate Comfy And Cozy

If you're worried about the burden of crate training your pup, take heart! Bringing along their favorite toy or blanket can help make their transition to their crate much easier by providing comfort and familiarity. Not only will this calming presence keep apprehension at bay, but it will encourage good behavior too; with something they enjoy nearby, there's no need for any naughty nipping!

Associate Crate Training With Rewards

If you wish to successfully crate train your pup, there's no better way than to combine it with delicious treats and chews, such as BELLY UP’s Odor-Free Bully Sticks! These premium single ingredient chew are long lasting, odor-free and are suited for dogs of all life stages and sizes. So not only will your dog enjoy the treat, but it will also be an associated reward for being good when in the crate - this will reinforce their positive behavior and aid in successful crate training. A win-win for both pup and pawrent!

Feed Your Dog In The Crate

When your pup is more familiar with the crate, begin feeding them their regular meals inside. Not only will this help your pup become comfortable with their crate, but it also helps make the feeding process easier for you! You can place the food in the back of the crate so that they have a reassuring boundary as they eat and can enjoy their meal in peace. Furthermore, by creating a positive relationship between your dog and the crate, you'll rest easier knowing that your pup feels safe enough to use the space if ever need be. Feeding time is prime opportunity to develop this bond - don't miss out!

Gradually Increase The Time Your Dog Spends Inside The Crate

When your pup is learning how to become comfortable with his crate, it's essential to gradually increase their stay inside. Start by introducing short 5-minute intervals and then provide a snack or verbal praise as a reward to create a positive association - this will make Crate Training even easier. As your pup becomes more and more accustomed to spending time inside the crate, you can increase the duration from 5 minutes to 10 minutes and then eventually an hour or more. Going too fast could overwhelm your pup, so it’s best to take baby steps for successful training!

Here you have it - 5 key tips for crate training your furkid. With this new knowledge, the process doesn't have to be tedious or arduous - rather it can be a pleasant experience for both of you. Above all, remember that consistency and repetition are your best friends in training. As always though, ensure that crate training is done kindly and with regular breaks outside the crate so your pup has time to stretch their legs and relax properly. So get out there, enjoy the journey together, and show off your pup's achievements in no time!

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xo
Nellie