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How To Crate Train Your Puppy In Minutes – The Quick & Easy Way

puppy in basket

Over the past few years, I’ve lost count of the number of emails I get about how to crate train a puppy. So today, I want to touch base on one of the more common questions I had recently, which is… “How exactly do I crate train my pup?”

It’s sad to say, but we don’t live in a perfect world. And while we’d all like nothing more to own a well-behaved pooch, the fact is that it’s not always going to be as smooth sailing from the get-go.

Now, nobody wants to deal with the frustrations of crate training their pup.

But unfortunately, it can feel like a constant battle to make sure your puppy isn’t constantly barking, aggressive, or anxious whenever you put them in the crate.

Not only that, but it can put a huge strain on the relationship you have with your pup which can often result in expensive training, or in worst cases, even rehoming your pup.

I speak from personal experience when I say that nobody deserves to go through this frustration. So it’s essential to try and steer your pup away from this unpleasant behavior before the unthinkable happens.

But here’s the problem…

Crate training your puppy can be a long and stressful process, and to be honest, it doesn’t really need to be.

I’ll explain how to crate train your puppy the right way in a minute. But first, let me tell you WHY your puppy seems to be so hard to crate train…

See, the reason you are having so much difficulty crate training your pup is that you’ve been training them the outdated way.

It’s not your fault though. The fault really lies with all the bad dog training information that’s out there on the Internet and elsewhere.

Most people start crate training their puppy using verbal cues or commands like SIT, STAY, etc because that’s what they have been told to do by numerous books on dog training and by all the videos they’ve seen on the Internet.

Here’s the problem – that’s exactly how NOT to crate train a puppy!

Why?

Because the science of animal behavior says that training your pup using verbal cues sets your puppy up for failure.

Dogs that are trained only using verbal cues never get trained properly. Or at least, the training doesn’t last long.

So what’s the best way to crate train a pup?

The science is very clear on this – puppies are best crate trained by using body language. Now, this doesn’t mean that you should never use verbal cues. What it means is that you should always START your pup’s training using body language.

Later on, you can bring in a verbal cue to reinforce your pup’s training.

Let me give you an example of how this works…

One of the biggest mistakes most dog owners make is that they don’t give their dogs work to do.

And this is one of the many reasons that certain dogs (ie. service dogs) are so well-behaved.

Now, by “job” or “work”, I don’t mean that a service dog is always doing something physical in nature.

Instead, what I mean is that when you give a service dog the hand signal for the DOWN cue for instance, here’s how the service dog would have been trained to think:

“My owner has now given me the job of lying down. So I will remain lying down here in this exact spot until my owner tells me to do something else because the job that my owner wants me to do for her now is to lie down.”

So unlike most “normal” dogs who think of DOWN as just a trick that they have to perform for a few seconds after which they can do whatever they feel like, service dogs think of DOWN as a serious job that they have to do with commitment, dedication, and purpose until they get their next job from their owner.

As you can imagine, it’s a dramatically different mindset!

And this mindset is the reason service dogs are so well-behaved, and so many “normal” dogs (even if they know cues like DOWN or SIT) are not.

The good news is that you can train your puppy to have the same mindset as a service dog as well.

And when you get this part right, crate training your puppy becomes effortless.

So here’s the deal…

If you want to learn the secret to crate training your puppy the right way, while teaching them to have the same mindset as a service dog, the first thing I’d recommend doing is checking out K9ti’s free online puppy training workshop.

Just to give you a little more insight, this free online puppy training workshop goes into extensive detail on the best practices and techniques to crate train your pup by helping your puppy develop the same level of calmness, obedience, and impulse control as service dogs.

It’s presented by Alexa Diaz (one of the top service dog trainers in the U.S.) and Eric Presnall (host of the hit Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out”).

The techniques described in the workshop have been a complete game changer for myself and thousands of other frustrated owners who implemented the techniques inside this free workshop.

This is because for the first time (at least that I know of) anyone has revealed the secret techniques used by the service dog training industry to train service dogs.

The best part?

These techniques work on ANY dog… regardless of age or breed.

From small breeds like Pomeranians and Chihuahuas to large breeds like English Mastiffs and Great Danes.

Even puppies as young as 6 weeks old, and untrained adult dogs as old as 13 years, have been successfully crate trained using the techniques inside this free workshop.

It’s not a live workshop – it’s actually pre-recorded, which means that you can watch it as many times as you like.

However, while the workshop is free, I am not sure how long it’s going to stay that way, so I’d recommend checking it out while it’s still available.

So if you want to discover how to crate train your puppy in minutes, using the same tools and techniques that service dog trainers use to train service dogs, go ahead and click the link below to register for the workshop…

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover How To Crate Train Your Puppy In Minutes…Using The Same Secrets The Pros Use To Train Service Dogs!

crate training a puppy

Potential Reason For Crate Refusal

While it might be ideal to simply lock your puppy away in the crate and go about business for the next few hours. The truth is that crate training a puppy takes time, patience, and consistency. 

It usually isn’t something they’ll just ‘get the hang of.’

Basically, you need to first educate yourself on the process of crate training before assuming you can shut the crate door and leave them be.

So with that said, I think it’s first important to highlight some of the more common reasons your puppy doesn’t like the crate. Before giving you a few tried and tested solutions to get them accustomed to their newfound sleeping spot without wanting to run a mile.

So pay attention to the following…

Boredom

We all get bored from time to time, and puppies are no different.

In fact, this goes double for puppies compared to more mature adult dogs as puppies often have boundless energy that simply can’t be matched by their older, adult counterparts.

The best way to release all this energy? …exercise.

See, a pup who has had all of their physical and mental needs taken care of is a lot more likely to be happy and content in their crate than a puppy that has gone without.

How much is enough?

Well, depending on the breed of your pup, they’ll likely have different exercise needs.

And although this can vary depending on many factors, you’ll ideally want to get at least 60-90 minutes of physical exercise into their routine every day.

For working breeds like Border Collies, you could even up this figure to two hours or more depending on their energy levels.

This can be broken up into a few short walks, a run around the garden, or even a simple game of fetch or tug-of-war should do the trick.

Honestly, it’s more about what your pup enjoys more than anything else, so be sure to keep a mental note of what your pup likes to do but, more importantly, what tires them out at the end of it.

In addition to this, it’s also widely recommended to take care of their mental needs as well as physical. You’d be surprised just how much a little bit of mental stimulation can tire your puppy’s brain. Leaving them well and truly pooped before getting ready to settle down.

dog lying down in cage

Unfamiliarity

Imagine being locked in a new strange room for hours on end with no explanation, no warning, and nothing to do except stare into space and wonder what the hell happened.

Doesn’t sound ideal, does it?

But believe it or not, this is exactly what your puppy experiences their first time in the crate.

You need to understand that most puppies can’t be left alone for any length of time without first building up the tolerance to the crate along with positive associations to go with it.

And without first learning what it’s for and why they’re in it, they’re likely to rebel.

Separation Anxiety

For some puppies, being left alone in the crate is their idea of heaven. Their own little sanctuary where they can chill, unwind, and get some much-needed rest.

On the flip side, other puppies can see it as an impending nightmare from which there is no escape, especially if you own a pup who is prone to separation anxiety.

Now, just to give you a little insight, you can usually spot the signs of separation anxiety by simply monitoring your puppy’s body language when they’re both in and around the crate.

For instance, if you notice your puppy looking genuinely afraid, shaking, or barking obsessively in the crate until you return. Then you’re dealing with a clear-cut case of separation anxiety.

In severe cases, it’s not uncommon for your pup to destroy the crate, or worse still, eliminate everywhere due to the extreme stress they are put under when they’re contained.

Just to be clear, if you spot any of these signs, get them out immediately before the situation escalates beyond repair. And whatever you do, don’t attempt to reintroduce them until you’re confident they’ll be able to handle it.

Remember the free online puppy training workshop I mentioned earlier?

This is where the techniques discussed inside the workshop really come in handy.

Not only will you learn how to eliminate unwanted behaviors, but you’ll also discover simple, highly effective calming exercises to keep your pup’s emotions in check.

So if you haven’t had a chance to take a look, now would be the time…

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover The Quick & Easy Way To Crate Train Your Puppy…Using The Same Secrets The Pros Use To Train Service Dogs!

puppy in crate

The Right Way To Crate Train Your Pup

Just because your puppy hates the crate now doesn’t mean it always has to be that way.

Yes, some pups will have a tougher time than others getting used to the idea, but does that mean you should give up on the crate completely and consider alternatives.

In a word, No!

See, even though your pup might hate the crate now, there’s no denying the immense benefits it can provide once your pup gets used to it.

So to get the ball rolling and teach your puppy to love the crate rather than resent it, go ahead and familiarize yourself with the following…

Figure Out Why They Hate The Crate

Before you do anything else, the first task is to discover why your puppy hates the crate.

Because although there might be a valid reason for crate refusal, sometimes it can be the smallest things that seem to set your pup on edge.

So take a minute to consider the following…

  • Do they need the bathroom?
  • Are they hungry?
  • Is the crate comfortable? (warm blankets etc…)
  • Is the crate located in a room with a reasonable temperature? (not too hot or too cold)
  • Are there toys and/or games to keep your pup occupied in the crate if they get bored?
  • Has your pup been exercised? (are they relaxed, content, and ready for a little chill time)

It might be a little painstaking to consider all of the above. But more often than not, these seemingly insignificant things can ultimately be the difference between a puppy who loves the crate… 

…Or views it as the enemy.

If you’ve taken care of all of their needs, and you’re still having no luck. It’s time to explore other measures.

small pomeranian sitting

Create Positive Associations With The Crate

The idea behind creating positive associations with the crates is basically to get your puppy to associate good things happening when they’re inside.

For instance, if your puppy knew for a fact that they were going to be rewarded with positive praise, attention, and maybe even a few treats every time they set paw in the crate. My guess would be that they’d be a lot more likely to settle.

So here’s what you need to do to make this happen…

First, get a bag full of your pup’s preferred treats or snacks to hand and set aside a little time to simply play with your pup near the crate.

For now, the plan isn’t to lock your puppy away and leave them to their own devices. It’s just about getting them used to good things happening when they are near it.

So for starters, make sure the crate looks incredibly inviting by filling it with soft blankets, toys, and maybe even a few treats for good measure.

Next, go ahead and toss a treat a few feet from the crate door to see if your pup goes for it.

If they do great, keep repeating the same process making sure you toss treats further inside the crate each time.

Again, keep the door open so you don’t alarm your puppy. But do your best to make them feel safe once inside.

The idea behind this is to replace any negative associations they previously had with new positive associations.

And while this can take several attempts and a fair few days of consistent effort to see results. In time your puppy’s previous convictions with the crate will start to become a thing of the past.

Once they’re comfortable inside the crate, the next step is to gently shut the door and see how they react.

When you do, it’s important to monitor your puppy’s body language and look out for any signs of fear, anxiety, or a desperate need to escape.

If they look at all uncomfortable or stressed, open the crate door and attempt this step again at a later date.

Again, this can take a lot of patience, but eventually, your pup should start to feel comfortable with the crate door closed.

Now the last step (and you need to be careful here) is to give your pup a little space by distancing yourself or even leaving the room entirely for a few minutes to see how they cope.

I won’t lie. It can be relatively difficult to implement this last step. This is why it’s always beneficial to make sure your puppy’s physical needs (exercise) and mental needs (toys, games, etc.) are met before closing the crate door.

It sounds ridiculously simple, I know. But you’d be surprised at how effective a little exercise and one or two chew toys can make all the difference when it comes to taking your puppy’s attention away from what’s going on around them.

Win Your Puppy’s Mind

Here’s one of the most important lessons that can be summed up in a few simple words…

…” It’s about winning your puppy’s mind first”

See, puppies come in all shapes and sizes.

Some are naturally mild-mannered and calm…

…Some can be a little overbearing at times.

…And some are just downright Crazy with a capital “C”

But the one thing they all have in common is they follow the pack leader.

Now, if you’re one of the lucky few, your puppy may already see you as the pack leader.

Other times, it may a little time and effort to steer them in the right direction.

And if you’re one of the very unlucky ones (as many are), getting your puppy to calm down is about as easy as getting a toddler to take a nap after 6 cans of Redbull.

But no matter what your situation, getting your puppy on the path to crate training success will always come down to the same thing…

…Winning their mind.

Flashback to when I was a young inexperienced puppy parent.

It was one of the most stressful times of my life.

And here’s the thing…

It wasn’t that I was applying the wrong training techniques to my pup’s routine.

Far from it…

It was because I was missing the critical step of winning his mind first.

Once I got my head around this, everything instantly fell into place.

This is also why it’s a HUGE MISTAKE to train your puppy without first getting to grips with this one core principle.

Now, instead of just giving you a few tips and sending you on your way. I think it would benefit you much more if I were to give you something actionable that you can start using immediately to see results.

So with this in mind, go ahead and check out K9ti’s free online puppy training workshop.

I’m confident that if you watch the workshop and follow the advice Alexa reveals, you’ll start to notice the immediate effect it has on your puppy’s behavior for the better.

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover The Quick & Easy Way To Crate Train Your Puppy…Using The Same Secrets The Pros Use To Train Service Dogs!

Here’s What You’ll Learn Inside This Free Workshop

In the free workshop, you’ll discover:

– The secret methods that service dog trainers use to housebreak dogs

So that your dog never has accidents inside your house ever again.

– How service dogs are trained to never bark out of excitement

Contrary to what many people believe, you CAN’T stop a dog from letting you know that someone has come to your front door – they are simply hard wired for it. Instead, find out the “QUIET WAY” that you can teach your dog so that it still gets to alert you to strangers – without barking even once.

– Why service dogs behave so well when walking on the leash without pulling

So that you can leash train your dog just like a service dog.

– How service dogs are trained to ALWAYS come when called

So that your dog too will come back to you the moment you say its name in the dog park or anywhere else (no matter what it might have been doing at that time).

– How the pros train their dogs to stop jumping on people

So that your dog learns to calmly greet people who come over to your house.

– The secret methods that service dog trainers use to train their dogs to tune out distractions

So that your dog stays calm and doesn’t react at all when passing by other dogs.

– How service dog trainers train their dogs mainly using body language

So that you can get your dog’s attention in public situations without having to raise your voice or use verbal commands.

– How service dogs do more than follow commands – they read their human partners in demonstrable and extraordinary ways

And how your dog can too!

– Why the training techniques that work on service dogs also work on dog breeds that are typically not thought of as service dogs

This means that these techniques will work on your dog even if it’s a breed – like a Chihuahua, Rottweiler, Akita, etc. – that is usually not considered a breed suitable for being a service dog.

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover The Quick & Easy Way To Crate Train Your Puppy…Using The Same Secrets The Pros Use To Train Service Dogs!

What Others Are Saying About The Free Workshop

“Guess what, my Chihuahua is completely housebroken now! I used to have so much difficulty getting Frankie to not do his business all over my house. I used your methods to housetrain him and it has worked wonders on him!”

– Amanda Silver from Glasgow, Scotland

———-

“I used your tips to start training my Yorkshire Terrier puppy Grace a few weeks after I got her. With just a few days of training, I have managed to get Grace to come when called and stop pulling on her leash.

She is also completely housebroken now. I am so happy I discovered your site. I have had other dogs in the past, but none of them were as easy to train as Grace has been thanks to your site.”

– Cassandra Wallace from Scranton, Pennsylvania

———-

“My beautiful Doberman Sophie was completely out of control. With your workshop, I learned how to make it obvious to her what was not acceptable.

And she got it too. Amazing results.”

– Gina Meyer (Sophie’s Mom) from Galveston, Texas

———-

“I rescued a 3.5 year old German Shepherd from the shelter a few months ago. The poor thing had not been trained properly by his previous owners and was quite aggressive and skittish and used to bark for no reason at all.

I came across your site while searching for ways to train him and am so glad I did. Thanks to your workshop, he is now a lot calmer and friendlier towards everyone and the barking has almost completely stopped now.”

– Matt Jenson from Rockford, Illinois

———-

“I wanted to pass along a sincere thank you for helping out so much in Milo’s first year. He is almost 2 now and incredibly well-behaved.

I am incredibly grateful for your guidance and help. Thank you again!”

– Christina Appleton from Buffalo, New York

Click Here To Watch The Free Workshop & Discover The Quick & Easy Way To Crate Train Your Puppy…Using The Same Secrets The Pros Use To Train Service Dogs!
puppy looking up

Wrapping Things Up

Like anything puppy-related, I think the take-home message is that time, consistency, and an effective plan of action will get the job done.

The reality is that you can’t expect miracles overnight. And while some pups will adjust quicker than others, there will be occasions where you have to stick it out for the long haul.

But as long as you’re patient, consistent, and work with your puppy regularly. Their attitude towards the crate will change for the better.


Want To Learn 3 Simple Exercises You Can Use RIGHT NOW To Keep Your Puppy Calm, Relaxed, & Ready For Crate Training?

Let me ask you this…

  • Does your puppy refuse to go inside the crate?
  • Do they obsessively bark, whine, or cry when they’re inside the crate?
  • Are they scared, fearful, or displaying severe signs of anxiety when left alone?
  • Sick and tired of them ripping apart the bed or using the crate as their own personal potty?

If you’ve answered yes to ANY of the above, then you need to check out the free online puppy training workshop from K9ti…

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