Dog crate training can be a stressful experience for your dog, but only if not done correctly. You are going to look at four of these mistakes, and learn why it’s important to avoid doing them. Before searching the internet for the closest pet store near me, it’s best to know what you are looking for when buying a crate, and how to use it correctly. Let’s get into avoiding these common mistakes!

Dog Crate Training Needs Consistency

Consistency is key when we’re talking about everything. Even as a human, if you want to achieve, or learn something, you need to be consistent. And, as you probably except, this is valid for dog crate training too. First of all, you need to be consistent with the training itself. Just one session per week is not going to do the trick. A few times a week, or even a little training every day, can make quicker progress. You dog needs to learn that it’s something that’s going to keep happening. Training for at least one hour a day, can be ideal.

The second element where you need consistency, is in commands. Many pet owners change the commands, or say the same thing too many times. Use the classical commands ever since the beginning, because the dog will be able to understand soon. And, don’t repeat the command more than once. After you say ‘Sit’, just wait and see what the dog is doing. Because if you keep saying it, that’s going to be the new command. Your dog needs to learn that that certain word, said only once, is their command. This makes the whole experience less stressful for both you and your pet.

Using Treats when Training

Dog crate training ( https://www.petshopdirect.com.au/shop/category/dog-crates-kennels-puppy-pens ) and treats go well hand in hand. But, there must be a balance when giving treats; you shouldn’t give the dog too much or not enough treats. Another important trick is knowing when to give your pet the treat. To put it simply, your dog should receive a treat immediately after correctly responding to the command. It would be helpful if, while giving your dog the treat, you add some things like ‘Good boy’. Your dog needs to know that they did a good job, and that’s why they are getting a reward.

You will be often tempted to give them a treat even when they don’t respond to the command. Maybe you want to encourage your pet, or you just feel bad that they don’t understand. But, this will make them get comfortable with not trying to learn. Basically, your dog will know that even if they are listening or not, they are still receiving a treat; so, why bother? It’s like with babies, children, or even adults. The reward should be for doing good, not just trying. Giving treats using this method, will only encourage the dog to listen to the commands. It might seem like a harsh measure, but it’s the best one for you and your dog.

The Crate as Punishment

This is probably the most toxic mistake that dog owners are making when dog crate training. You must keep in mind that the crate should be a place where your dog feels comfortable. The crate should be their safe haven, not the place they have to go to after they did a bad thing. Even doing this one time can be harmful, but if you keep doing it, crate training will be almost impossible. Your dog will develop a fear of the crate, and won’t go in it willingly. And forcing your dog into the crate will only enforce the idea that the crate is dangerous.

An article published by The moderndog ( https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/which-emotions-do-dogs-actually-experience/ ) Magazine talks about the feeling of your furry friend. Yes, it’s true, dogs have feelings. Dogs can feel content and happy, but they can also feel anxious and panicked. And, if you are a dog owner that loves their pet, you surely don’t want your dog to feel anxious when they see you or the crate. It’s important to treat your dog with kindness throughout this process. You must understand that they don’t know what they are doing, and just trying to learn. And while at this, do not use physical or verbal punishment either. Don’t hit or yell at your pet when they don’t obey the command. Allow them to learn at their own pace.

The Pet Store Near Me Says I Expect Too Much

Many people have experienced receiving this kind of opinions from experts. You might ask yourself: If the pet store near me says I expect too much, what should I do? The experts at the pet store might be right. You would be surprised to find out how many pet owners expect the training to be a short and easy period of time. But, you should look at it from the perspective of your puppy, or your dog. If you are training a puppy, you know that they are like babies. They want to play, it’s hard for them to pay attention, and so on.

But, if you are training an adult dog, there are other struggles. Your dog already has formed their own habits; and it’s not easy to learn something new. Imagine you having complete freedom, and suddenly you have to learn a new set of rules. As previously mentioned, you should be patient with your pet.

Conclusion

Yes, the pet store near me is right about dog crate training! Now that you know about these four common mistakes, you can confidently start training your puppy or adult dog. You are probably going to make mistakes on the way anyway; but be careful to the big ones. Give your dog time to adapt to the new routine, and be consistent with the training.