| Crate training older dogs is very similar to crate training | | | | crate is just a temporary place to rest, he or she will |
| younger dogs or pups. | | | | be very comfortable staying in the crate when you |
| Many older dogs, especially those that have been in an | | | | are away. |
| animal shelter or even in a vet's office, may have a | | | | Never leave a dog crated for more than four hours to |
| natural fear of being confined in a crate. | | | | prevent any accidents. |
| The key to helping the dog is to have him or her | | | | To housebreak using the crate, simply put the dog into |
| understand that the crate is their comfort area, not a | | | | the crate after eating or drinking. After 10 to 20 |
| place to go when they have been bad. | | | | minutes take the dog outside to the toilet area. If he or |
| CRATE TRAINING FOR OLDER DOGS | | | | she eliminates, praise them and play with them, and |
| Crate training provides a place of safety and security | | | | return with them to the house. If they don't, return them |
| for an older dog, just as it does for a puppy. All dogs | | | | to the crate, without saying a word, and then try again |
| have an instinct to stay in a den or enclosed area, so | | | | in five or ten minutes. |
| working with an older dog to help them learn the crate | | | | Within a very short period of time your dog will learn to |
| is their safe haven will take some attention and time | | | | go outside. |
| but is well worth it. | | | | Many dogs prefer to stay in the crate at night, so |
| Work at the pace set by the dog, not by what you | | | | simply bring the crate into the bedroom so you can |
| would like to accomplish. Once the dog realizes the | | | | monitor their behavior or need to go outside. |