You can use cages to train your puppy in many different areas. All dogs and puppies can be cage trained regardless of age or breed. A cage can be used as temporary shelter, for sick or injured dogs (and other animals), and for potty training your puppy. A well-configured cage will mimic a wolf’s den and will be a great asset for training any dog.
The boxes come in two different shapes. There are hard steel boxes and soft canvas boxes. Some come on wheels and have a door; some have two doors and most are foldable so you can move them. There is a wide variety available in pet stores, so it’s a good idea to find out which one is best for you before purchasing.
What cage is best for my puppy?
The steel boxes are suitable for taking your puppy in the car. They are made of thick steel tubes and have a steel tray underneath for easy cleaning. They are wide open so your pup can see where you are going.
The soft boxes are made of durable canvas. They are usually fully enclosed to make your pup feel more secure, but they are not suitable for car travel because they are difficult to anchor. Soft boxes are light to transport, but an overly excited puppy can smash and break them.
Any type of box can be moved inside the house or kennels and outside the car. You can take them with you wherever you take your dog and provide temporary accommodation when you are not at home.
Regardless of the type of cage you choose, you need to ensure that it is only large enough for your dog or puppy to enter, roll over, and then lie down to sleep. If you are crate training a puppy, you may need to purchase a larger one as your puppy grows in the one he is in. Getting a crate that fits your puppy will prevent him from going to the bathroom in his crate. Once this becomes a habit, it will be very difficult to learn to use the toilet in the cage.
Drawer training at home
Place your crate in a place that is out of the way, but where your puppy can see what is happening in the house. Your puppy needs to feel that his cage is just for him, so it is a good idea not to allow children or other animals to enter it.
Place your puppy’s bed and other blankets in the cage. Food and water must be available at the checkout. To prevent your pup from spilling bowls, buy some stainless steel cups (bird feeders) from your local pet store and attach them to the sides.
Don’t force your puppy into his crate. Leave the door open and let him get used to it. Throw in some treats and let him come in and help himself. You should be allowed to go out whenever you want at this time.
If you see your puppy looking tired or getting ready to take a nap. Pick it up and put it inside its box. If you’re not happy to settle in, leave the door open but always insist that you come in. Leave some fun, chewy toys inside the crate for your pup to play with.
Don’t use your crate to punish your dog. You want the crate to be a fun and safe place for your puppy. If you want to use time out to punish your puppy, use a different area of the house.
Cage training and toilet training
Most puppies won’t go to the bathroom where they sleep, so you can use a crate to potty train your dog. You will need to use a cage that is large enough for your puppy to enter; Turn around and lie down. If it’s too big, your puppy may decide to use a potty corner. If you leave your puppy in a crate for potty training, you’ll need to make sure you let him go to the bathroom as often as possible. When it is a few months old it can hold for hours, but at first you will have to be prepared to take it to the place where you want it to go as often as possible. The faster you do it, the faster your puppy will train to go where you want him to go.
Cage training for a sick or injured dog
The day may come when you need to lock up your puppy or dog if he is injured or ill. Often sore legs or joints will not heal if your dog uses them continuously. By minimizing movement, your dog will be able to improve sooner. If you already cage-trained your dog when he was a puppy, then you won’t have much trouble getting him used to a cage when he’s older. Otherwise, the best way is to use food as a reward and feed and treat your dog when he is inside the crate. Cover the box to stop drafts and also to help your sick dog feel more secure. Place the box in a quiet area of the house where it can recover without too many distractions from family members or other pets.
Box training in the car
Locking your puppy in the car will prevent him from jumping, feeling dizzy, and will keep him very safe in case of accidents. If your puppy does not like to travel in the car, cover his crate so that it is dark so he cannot see. If he suffers from car dizziness, let your puppy see where you are going and roll down the window to get plenty of fresh air. Your box must be securely anchored in your car to prevent it from rolling or sliding in an accident. Many puppies do not like to travel by car at first, and by using a crate you can minimize their stress and anxiety.
Remember that the crate should be the safe place for your puppy to go if he wants to sleep or get away from children or other pets that may disturb him. You need to keep it clean and make sure there is always fresh water, toys, warm bedding, and nice treats.