A dog crate is one of the most cherished training tools for canines. By natural instinct, canines are den creatures. It has been bred in their gene pool to want to go to their dens as a location of safety. It is also bred in their genes to keep their dens neat and tidy which is why crates are such wonderful housebreaking devices. When we bring canines in to our homes, we sometimes forget that dogs are not like us at all. They are a completely different species. We put off the natural instincts that these animals have been born with and end up treating them like our kids. This can be very unproductive to the human - dog relationship. One of the most important things that we forget is that natural instinct of dogs to want a safe haven like a den. One of the greatest tools we have when we bring dogs into our home is the dog crate.

A dog crate if used correctly can be your dog's den in the your world. We should be willing to learn proper training methods to better our relationship with our dog. Using positive training methods, like giving your canine a treat for entering her crate, can be overwhelmingly successful in the crating process. Canines can recall associations, and associating going to his or her crate with a reward, will plant a positive image of that place in your companion's brain. Please note that this can be reversed as easily as it is implemented. Don't make your pet go to his or her crate as a place for negativity. That will only leave a bad association of that place for your pet. If your dog's cage is always associated with a happy thought, that crate will eventually become a safe place for her, a human replication of the den. He will want to go there to sleep and relax.

After all of that, believe me that there will be hard times. The first few nights with a pup can be stressful. Do your best to not let the whining and howling break you. It is difficult. I know from many personal experiences, so whatever you do, don't give in. It will only make matters worse. Not only will it make it harder to associate the dog crate with a positive experience, but you will emulate a sense of weakness to your dog. Dogs are looking up to you to lead them, teach them, and be their boss just like your kids do. You shouldn't give in to every temper tantrum and crying fit your children throw, do you? Stay tough, be positive, and your canine will not only respond to crating well, but will also be willing to obey and learn anything you want him to. Dogs are smart creatures, and the sky is the limit when it comes to teaching them. Implement a dog crate early on, and you will simplify all training that will follow.