A Dog's Crate is her Cave

Crate training is a relatively new phenomenon for dog owners. I remember when I had my first dog, and our potty training experience was pretty awful. The entire kitchen was lined with newspaper and the dog was allowed to do his business in the kitchen. I was young, and I don't remember how this resolved itself except that he was finally housebroken and turned out to be a fairly well trained little Shih Tzu.

What makes a big difference with crate training is that this is about more than just potty training your puppy. Your dog's crate becomes a safe place where she can go if she feels threatened or if she just needs to rest. This is your dog's "happy place," probably much like your own bedroom is.

Crate training is not difficult. I'm not talking about potty training or housebreaking here. I'm talking about teaching your dog to trust and to use her crate.

Your dog's crate needs to be a happy place. I've already said to please not use your dog's crate as a place for punishment, but how do you encourage your dog to like the crate if she is shy about it?

I really struggled with this at first. I couldn't see a place where my dog would be confined for up to three hours at a time as being a "happy" place for her, especially considering that it is not recommended to put dog beds in your dog's crate.

I fed Libby in her crate. That is the main thing, and we still do it. Her food is always placed inside her crate at mealtimes. She also has a water bottle in her crate for when she must remain in it and we aren't at home.

Finally, give your dog toys in her crate. My favorite to use is the Kong toy. Stuff one of these with peanut butter and then freeze and offer to your dog. It will keep her busy for quite a while!