Crate training your dog at night is a great way to keep your pup safe and sound. It is also an...
How to Crate Train a Shih Tzu Puppy
Crate training a Shih Tzu puppy is a great way to ensure your pup is safe, secure, and has a place to call its own. It's also a great way to help your pup learn to be potty trained and to get used to being left alone. This guide will provide you with the steps you need to take to crate train your Shih Tzu puppy successfully.
Step 1: Prepare the Crate
The first step to crate training a Shih Tzu puppy is to prepare the crate. Make sure that the crate is the right size for your puppy, as it should be big enough for your pup to stand up and turn around in. Line the crate with a comfortable bedding and add a toy or two for your pup to play with. Place the crate in an area of your home that is quiet and comfortable, such as a bedroom or living room.
Step 2: Introduce Your Puppy to the Crate
The next step is to introduce your puppy to the crate. Start by placing treats inside the crate and encouraging your puppy to enter. Once your puppy is comfortable entering the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time. Gradually increase the time you leave the door closed until your puppy is comfortable being inside the crate for up to 30 minutes.
Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement
When crate training a Shih Tzu puppy, it's important to use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. Whenever your puppy goes in the crate, give them a treat or verbal praise. This will help your pup to associate the crate with something positive and will make them more likely to go in the crate on their own.
Step 4: Create a Routine
Creating a routine is an important part of crate training a Shih Tzu puppy. It's important to give your puppy plenty of opportunities to go in the crate throughout the day. Take your puppy to the crate for naps, meals, and quiet time. This will help your puppy to get used to the crate and make it a comfortable and familiar place.
Step 5: Avoid Punishment
It's important to remember that crate training a Shih Tzu puppy should be done with positive reinforcement and not punishment. Never use the crate as a punishment for your puppy, as this will create a negative association with the crate and make it harder for your puppy to learn to love it.
Step 6: Be Patient
Crate training a Shih Tzu puppy can take time, so it's important to be patient. If your puppy is having trouble adjusting to the crate, take it slow and don't give up. With patience and consistency, your puppy will eventually learn to love their crate and will be comfortable being inside it.
Conclusion
Crate training a Shih Tzu puppy is a great way to keep your pup safe and secure while you're away. With the right preparation and patience, your puppy will learn to love their crate and will be comfortable spending time inside it. Following the steps outlined above will help you crate train your Shih Tzu puppy successfully.
