Smart Tips For Kennel Training Your Puppy
by Beth Siess, BulldogSmarts.com
Ok, so you are anticipating the arrival of your new puppy.
You’ve bought toys and puppy chews galore, you’ve
even bought the recommended puppy food and cute little
feeding bowls.
 In
all the excitement you have forgotten the most important
item. The one that will help your puppy feel secure and
stimulate his most natural instinct “Denning”.
This is his kennel or housing crate.
Now I know it may sound harsh and I know you want to
comfort the little fellow as much as you can with your
motherly instincts by letting him curl up beside you in
bed to sleep. But this is the worst thing you can teach
him at this age. Here’s why;
For starters, your puppy has been weaned from his mother
for several weeks now, he doesn’t need you to sleep
with him. The typically age of bring home a puppy is 8
to 12 weeks old. And your puppy was weaned from its Mother
around 5-6 weeks.
 Your
puppy has a natural instinct to den, meaning to curl up
in a small secluded area. So by using a kennel you are
reassuring your puppy he has a safe and secure home. I
will be the first to admit that kennel training doesn’t
happen overnight, however by following a few simple rules
and practicing patience and discipline you and your puppy
will have mastered the kennel training in a very short
time.
Research has shown the most critical learning stage for
your puppy is 8 weeks to 16 weeks of age. You decide how
you want your pup to behave as an adult dog and teach
him to behave that way NOW!
How To Kennel Train Your Puppy With Love
1. Introduce your puppy to his new kennel by keeping
the door open during play time, encouraging him to go
in and out.
2. Place a chew toy or little treat in his kennel,
let him take time to explore his new area.
Never force your puppy inside the kennel.
3. Be patient and when he goes in the kennel reward
him with lots of praise.
4. Try restraining him in the kennel for a few minutes
with your hand, and gradually increase the time.
5. Once he is comfortable inside restrained him by
closing the door.
Always stay in sight and praise him for good behavior!
It is very important that your puppy associate his kennel
with feelings of safety and security from the very beginning.
 Be
creative; encourage him to feel comfortable in his kennel
by rotating his toys in his kennel.
Another suggestion is stuffing a hollow sterilized bone
with peanut butter, cheese, or a few treats. Leave this
special treat in his kennel for him to find. Make it a
game for him. I also suggest rotating his chew toys in
the kennel to keep his attention to exploring the new
kennel.
You can even place an old towel or blanket with your
scent on it inside for bedding. (Do not use a dog pad
or bed until your puppy has out grown accidents)
By selecting a permanent location in your house for your
puppy’s kennel will also instill security. Choose
a quiet spot away from noises such as the phone, doorbell
and children playing.
Remember the training will not happen instantly, being
patient and routinely practicing these techniques will
help your puppy feel secure with his new home.
Kennel Training Your Puppy Leads To Quick Easy Potty
Training
It is true people that are successful in kennel training
their puppies find that potty training is a breeze, because
your puppy will soon learn not to go potty in his sleep
area. Once your puppy is comfortable with his kennel keep
him in the kennel for a few hours, upon leaving him out
to play immediately take him potty.
 If
your puppy does have an accident in his kennel most likely
it is either to large of an area, or you left him in the
kennel to long.
An estimated age guideline for puppies to be contained
in their kennel is 1 hour long for every month in age.
For example if puppy is 8 weeks old (2 months) you should
not expect him to be able to hold it for any longer then
3 hours.
Never punish your puppy by forcing him in his kennel
or reprimanding him while he is in the kennel. You always
want to instill his kennel as a “special place”.
His kennel is a place where he feels safe and happy!
One last important safety tip; be sure to remove collar,
tag and any leads from your puppy before placing him in
his kennel!
Check out the article directory
for more BulldogSmart Articles in the future.
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This article cannot be used without full right given
to
Bulldog Smarts Editor, Beth Siess ©
BulldogSmarts.com
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