Boxer Crate Training

If a crate has been provided for your Boxer from puppy hood it becomes a place of reassurance and comfort and not one of confinement. Crates should never be connected with punishment, but they are a very useful training tool, and are particularly valuable when house training a puppy. It can also double as the puppy’s playpen.

Some tips for your Boxer Crate Training

It is important not to leave the pup in the crate for too long during house training, and it should not be shut away from company for long periods. This can cause stress and lead to problem behavior later on. Dogs are social animals and plenty of positive attention is needed for them to be well balanced and even natured. The use of the crate should be time limited and coupled with plenty of exercise, play and interaction when the dog is out.

Before starting out with your Boxer crate training program the puppy needs to be introduced properly to the crate and its role as a safe “refuge” should be established gradually. It is best to place the crate in a secure location in a place where you are nearby. A corner of your kitchen or family room during the day or your bedroom at night is ideal. The dog will definitely prefer to have you close by to give them an added sense of security.

Place some bedding, a bowl of water (non-tip) and a favorite toy in the crate and have the door open. Then you need to encourage your dog into the open crate using some treats and a single, clear command that you will use each time, such as “into crate”. Usually puppies will take to having the crate as their base quite readily and will begin to go in it on their own accord.

However, some puppies may be upset when shut in the crate and it is important not to immediately take them out and give them attention. Make sure you only take the puppy out of the when he has been quiet for at least 5 minutes. Then, he can be greeted with a lot of attention and even a treat to emphasize that he did it right.

After the pup has been happily going in and out of the crate for some time, you can then shut the door without making any fuss. Try to time this when you know that he is about ready for a nap, and he will soon be snoozing contentedly. At first just leave the puppy in for short periods of only an hour or two at a time. As he gets older the length of time can be gradually increased.

A crate is a very effective training tool and if it is introduced carefully and used sensibly it will become a pleasant and safe haven for you dog. When learning how to correctly manage Boxer crate training, make sure you don’t pull the dog out of the crate if he gets upset. This will only teach the puppy that if he makes a fuss, you’ll give him attention. Make sure you only take the puppy out of the crate when he has been quiet for at least 5 minutes. Then, greet him with a lot of attention and even a treat to reinforce that he did it right.