If you hate the idea of crate training puppy, consider the alternative. That little bundle of fur that looked so cute and cuddly a short while ago has now turned into a little terror.

Lucy is devouring everything in sight, slowly eating you out of house and home. Your favorite shoes, the area rug, your best books, the dining room table legs, even your computer wire - all chewed up!

And that's not all Lucy does to your area rug, not to mention the rest of the house - including the sofa! Everyone can see the marks she's left everywhere in her trail. That's right, your whole home is a great big loo to her! The stench alone tells the story.

Crate Training, Jail for Puppies?

But crate training puppy is simply not on your agenda. May I respectfully ask why? Could it be that you can't look at a crate without thinking 'prison'? Or maybe you just can't bear the guilt you feel when those mournful eyes look at you from behind bars. Oh, and how could the two of you possibly survive without cuddles? Tell me, how am I doing so far?

And yet, you dream of the day when order has been restored: your home is looking decent again so you can have your friends over; your furniture is safe, and so are your books and the rest of your possessions. Plus you're not constantly on tenderhooks wondering what she's up to when she's out of sight ... now that's additional stress you don't need in your life, right?

What would you say if I told you that you could train Lucy to use a designated area in your home to do her business every single time she needs to go to the bathroom? Or even better, if you have a yard, you could teach her to let you know when she needs to be let out? House training is so much easier for puppie when you start with crate training, because a crate to them is like a den, and they like their den clean.

A crate or a portable kennel is the best tool available to teach your puppy the rules of the house, simply because you can pay more attention to her when she is outside the crate and correct her immediately when she does something wrong. That is vital, because if you correct her ten seconds later, she won't have a clue what you are talking about. In her crate, she won't have to worry about breaking any rules; she'll feel safe there. And she won't get into trouble.

Crate Training is All About Timing

And as long as you keep to a strict crating schedule, you shouldn't worry about Lucy soiling her crate. Her instinct will tell her to hold it until she is let out. You are well on your way as far as housebreaking is concerned, because you are working with her natural nesting instinct.

A crate will also fulfill your pup's natural need for a den, an enclosed space of her own where she will feel safe and protected, specially when there's traffic around. Pretty soon, she'll be going in there of her own will. That's what I like the most about my crate. It's my refuge. Why, even the cats are not allowed in ... it's aaaall mine!

So if you value your peace of mind and want to live in harmony with Lucy, just take the time now to show her the ins and outs of her crate. Just make sure you do it in a positive manner, and that you never raise your voice. After all, you would not scream at your baby for making a mistake and messing up, would you?

And by the way, if you're thinking of getting Lucy a little brother, crate training for two puppies is sort of like a symphony: they go in and they get out at the same time, otherwise the one that is inside will fight to join the other on the outside. Oh, and they each need their own little world, so one crate each, please ...

Just a little time and effort will be amply rewarded when you consider the money you will be saving on furnishings and personal belongings. Not to mention pride of home and peace of mind. And don't discount the fact that working on an ongoing basis with Lucy will strengthen the bond between the two of you. Pretty soon, you'll understand each other perfectly and you'll be wondering how you could possibly have lived without her. That's the best reward of all.

Next time we chat, I'll tell you all about when to start crate training a puppy (9-10 weeks), the best schedule to follow for crate training puppy, so there'll be no questions in your mind about what to do, or when to do it ... no more messing around! You'll see why crate training puppies while you're working is a juggling act, and just what you can do to make it easier on yourself and the pups.

Amber, Dog Training Star

Amber has been sniffing out top secrets from expert dog trainers & behaviorists in order to help you understand & communicate with your best friend. Being a dog whisperer is truly the key to stress-free dog & puppy training.

(c) Copyright Amber, DTS. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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