A lot of people have the wrong conception when it comes to crate training. This conception leads people to believe that crates are a punishment for dogs, and therefore they wont use them or they are cruel. Much to the contrary, crates are actually one of the safest places you can put your Springer Spaniel, which also gratifies his natural instincts to situate himself within a den.
After getting a crate, leave it open, your Spaniel will begin going into it when she becomes confused or gets sleepy. Spaniels generally like their crates, however do not overuse it by having her spend too many hours inside it. During her crate training, you want her to get use to being in the crate, just remember not to allow her out if she is barking. After getting use to the crate, you can leave her in it for a few hours now and again, for instance while you are away from home.
Before you bring your new puppy home, you should situate the crate where you want it to be and have it ready for your pet. Although, you want to set the crate up in a central area, somewhere that allows your pet to feel like part of the family, you do not want to set it up in any area that has a lot of traffic. Many dog owners choose to place their crate in the kitchen, close to the door, so that their Spaniel can get outside when it is time to relieve herself.
Once you bring the puppy home, you should put him inside the house and allow him to start searching for the crate. Leave the door to the crate open, and the Spaniel puppy should start to wander in and out of it. You can also put a toy or dog treat inside the crate, to give your puppy extra incentive to enter. Once he goes inside praise him, and let him know that he is doing the right thing.
Praise her for staying in the crate on her own accord. Once you Springer Spaniel puppy develop a habit of going inside the crate on her own, you may wish to place another treat or toy inside the crate for her pleasure. Eventually, you will close the door while she is inside to observe her reactions. If she begins whining, talk to her softly while putting your fingers through the door, do not take her out immediately rather wait until she settles down to let her out of the crate.
Crate training is beneficial for your Spaniel, although it will take some time and effort. Crates are useful for those times you need to leave, when you have company over as well as those times when your Spaniel is suffering a medical condition such as diarrhea. Try to be patient and never use the crate to punish your pet and your Springer Spaniel puppy will begin to enjoy being in her crate, sooner than you realize.
