Cesar Millan
How do I crate train my dog?

From a human perspective, it’s easy to look at a crate and see a cage, something that might be used as punishment. But many dogs see a crate very differently. Dogs are naturally den animals who will gravitate toward a small, secure place to curl up in. Just as we view our beds as a protected space for relaxing, a dog can retreat to their crate for comfort.

Cesar Millan advises dog owners to be aware of their state of mind when training. Using a crate can be a part of fostering calm energy in your home.

“So what do I teach? I teach people to be quiet, to be calm, and to know when to use the confidence, energy, and energy you were given ... A hundred percent.”

Structure their training

When your dog is a puppy, crate training can be a useful part of the potty-training process. Since dogs have an instinct to not soil their sleeping area, they will be less likely to have an accident inside their crate.

Crate training can be useful past the puppy stage. If you need to take your dog to the vet or evacuate your home in an emergency, it can be helpful to have your dog already feel comfortable going into their crate. This reduces anxiety for you and your pet in an already stressful situation.

Make your dog's crate cozy

Think of the crate as a cozy safe space for your pup. Choose a crate that is a comfortable size for your dog. They should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably without too much extra space. You can drape a blanket over the top of the crate to make it feel more like an enclosed den. Make sure that the door of the crate is propped open or removed entirely.

The crate should be a place that your dog likes to be in. The crate is a designated space they can choose to enter whenever they want some alone time. Part of adopting a dog into your family is making them feel comfortable in a new environment. That means associating positive memories with new spaces. Millan says, “It is good for a dog to have this kind of memory about a new place, to be quiet, to calm, to surrender to it.”

How to choose a dog crate

  • Pick the right size for your dog, keeping in mind how much your puppy may grow.
  • Consider portability, you may want to use this crate for travel.
  • Safety is important — sharp edges or chewable material can harm your dog.
  • Accessorize! Make it cozy with blankets or a pet bed.
  • Placement matters. The crate should be in a quiet spot, without making your dog feel isolated from the rest of the family.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A crate is not a cage to a dog. Cesar Millan's advice on crate training

Reporting by Madeline Gunderson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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