Bringing home a new puppy is a joy for any dog lover. However, anyone who’s done it will tell you that training is no easy task! Even experienced dog owners can have trouble getting puppies to behave.
There are many training methods, but we believe one of the best ways to train a young dog is with crate training. This post will teach you everything there is to know about puppies and crate training in Georgia.
What is a dog crate?
Before we get too deep into the benefits of crate training, we should cover what a dog crate actually is. A dog’s crate is made of plastic or metal and should be just large enough for the pup to stand and turn around. When introduced early in the dog’s life, the crate satisfies your dog’s instinct to live in a den.
Why use a crate?
Crate training in Georgia has benefits for both you and your dog. For humans, a crate is great because it gives peace of mind knowing that the dog is safe and secure when they’re not at home. Crates are also perfect for puppies who are still being house trained. The confinement in the crate helps teach the puppy control and establishes a routine for going to the bathroom outside.
As mentioned above, dogs will associate their crates with their personal den. Whenever there’s a high-stress situation—like kids running around or guests over at the house—you can expect your pup to go in their crate without any assistance. Because most crates are easy to pack up and travel with, your dog will love being able to travel on family trips instead of going to a kennel or staying home alone.
When should I start crate training?
Despite the adage, you can teach an old dog new tricks. This means that an older dog can be crate trained. However, it’s not as easy of a process. We advise owners to begin crate training as a puppy. The earlier you begin crate training, the more likely your pup is to enjoy the crate and regard it as a happy place.
Tips for crate training success
Just like with any training method, dog owners have to be careful about how and when they utilize the crate. A crate should never be used as a form of punishment. Putting the dog in a crate after they misbehave will teach your pup to fear it.
You also want to limit the amount of time your dog spends in the crate. Too much crate time means the dog won’t get enough exercise. Puppies under six months shouldn’t be in the crate for more than four hours at a time.
Get your Presa Canario puppies from D&G Kennels
If you’re looking to bring a Presa Canario puppy home, be sure to come to D&G Kennels. We have over 20 years of breeding experience, so you know you’ll be bringing home the best pup when you come to us! Additionally, we can help you with canine training in Georgia to ensure your puppy grows up to be a well-behaved adult.