Transporting or securing your dog while at home usually requires the use of a crate. Proper crate training helps develop a well-behaved dog. Dogs are often crate trained while still a puppy; older dogs, though, can be trained as well, and some older dogs actually learn faster than puppies. Creating good crate behavior takes consistency and patience, as anxiety and improper acclimation will cause your crated dog to bark. Stop your dog from barking by making the crate a comfortable place for the dog.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Bedding
- Toys
- Treats
- Crate cover
- Calming supplement
Instructions
Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise. If the dog has a lot of pent up energy, of course he or she will bark. Regularly take your dog on walks, runs, or to a local dog park to play with other dogs.
Line the crate bed with a pad or a blanket. Make sure the floor of the crate is completely covered and that it is nice and soft. Furnish the crate with toys and bones. Create a place where your dog will want to hang out.
Leave the crate in a common area for your dog to hang out in so it won̵7;t be isolated. Do not let children play in the crate, though. The crate needs to be just for your dog. Always keep the door open for the dog to go in. Eventually, the crate will become your dog̵7;s special place, not a source of anxiety.
Gradually acclimate the dog to the crate by putting a treat or some kibble in it for your dog to fetch. Sit next to the crate while the dog goes in. Praise your dog and give him or her lots of love when they go in. Leave little treats or food in the crate throughout the day for your dog to find while exploring or sniffing out the crate.
Start shutting the door for just a few seconds once the dog is aware of and starts going in the crate on his or her own. Praise your dog and open the door. Leave the door closed for longer periods of time. Eventually, such as during nighttime or while you are out of the house, your dog can be left alone in the crate.
Increase the time the dog is in the crate gradually once you have to start shutting the door for long periods of time. Start with about half an hour to an hour for the first few weeks and then gradually add another half an hour to an hour every two weeks after that.
Cover the crate with a crate cover or sheet, which will give your dog a sense of security, tranquility, and quiet. It will also add to that den-like feel, which will help relax your dog and keep the dog from seeing you and wanting to come out and play.
Use a natural calming supplement or calming collar in special situations where there will be added anxiety, such as when you are traveling with your dog on a plane.