Mary Allen
Introduction to Crate Training a Shih Tzu
Crate training is a popular method for housebreaking and training dogs. This method involves using a crate or a small enclosed space to create a safe and comfortable environment for your Shih Tzu. The crate should be big enough for your Shih Tzu to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Crate training is not only beneficial for housebreaking but also for providing your Shih Tzu with a safe space when you are not home. Dogs are den animals and naturally seek out enclosed spaces for security and comfort. A crate can provide your Shih Tzu with a sense of security, especially when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
Benefits of Crate Training for Your Shih Tzu
Crate training offers several benefits for both you and your Shih Tzu. Your Shih Tzu will have a safe and secure space to call their own, which can help reduce anxiety and stress. Additionally, crate training can help with housebreaking, as dogs usually do not like to soil their sleeping area.
Crate training can also make traveling with your Shih Tzu easier and less stressful. If your Shih Tzu is comfortable in their crate, they can travel with you in the car or on a plane more easily. Finally, crate training can help keep your Shih Tzu safe when you are not home, as they will be less likely to get into things they shouldn’t.
Choosing the Right Crate for Your Shih Tzu
Choosing the right crate for your Shih Tzu is crucial to the success of crate training. The crate should be just big enough for your Shih Tzu to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too big, your Shih Tzu may be more likely to soil it.
There are several types of crates to choose from, including wire, plastic, and soft-sided crates. Wire crates are durable and easy to clean, while plastic crates are more enclosed and may be better for dogs who like to feel more secure. Soft-sided crates are lightweight and portable but may not be as durable.
When choosing a crate, make sure to consider your Shih Tzu’s needs and preferences. You may also want to choose a crate that is easy to clean and has a removable tray or bottom for easy cleaning.
Preparing Your Shih Tzu for Crate Training
Before beginning crate training, it is important to prepare your Shih Tzu for the process. Start by introducing your Shih Tzu to the crate and allowing them to explore it on their own. You can also place treats or toys inside the crate to encourage your Shih Tzu to go inside.
Once your Shih Tzu is comfortable going inside the crate, start feeding them their meals inside the crate. This will help your Shih Tzu associate the crate with positive experiences and make them more likely to voluntarily go inside.
Finally, start closing the crate door for short periods of time while you are home. Gradually increase the amount of time your Shih Tzu spends in the crate with the door closed, working up to longer periods of time.
Introducing Your Shih Tzu to the Crate
To introduce your Shih Tzu to the crate, place it in a quiet area of your home and leave the door open. Allow your Shih Tzu to explore the crate on their own and make it a comfortable space by placing a soft blanket or bed inside.
You can also place treats or toys inside the crate to encourage your Shih Tzu to go inside. When your Shih Tzu goes inside the crate, praise them and give them a treat to reinforce the positive behavior.
Continue to allow your Shih Tzu to explore the crate on their own until they seem comfortable and relaxed inside.
Feeding Your Shih Tzu in the Crate
Feeding your Shih Tzu in the crate can help them associate the crate with positive experiences. Start by placing your Shih Tzu’s food bowl just inside the crate door and gradually moving it further inside the crate with each meal.
As your Shih Tzu becomes more comfortable eating inside the crate, you can start closing the door for short periods of time while they eat. Gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed until your Shih Tzu is comfortable being inside the crate with the door closed for longer periods of time.
Using Positive Reinforcement Techniques in Crate Training
Positive reinforcement is a crucial part of crate training. Praise and reward your Shih Tzu when they go inside the crate voluntarily or stay quiet while inside. You can also use treats or toys to reinforce positive behavior.
Do not punish your Shih Tzu for whining or barking in the crate, as this can make them anxious and less likely to want to go inside. Instead, ignore the behavior and wait for a moment of quiet before praising or rewarding your Shih Tzu.
Gradually Increasing Time Spent in the Crate
Once your Shih Tzu is comfortable spending time in the crate with the door closed, gradually increase the amount of time they spend inside. Start with short periods of time and gradually work up to longer periods of time.
It is important to not leave your Shih Tzu in the crate for too long, especially if they are not used to it. A good rule of thumb is to not leave your Shih Tzu in the crate for longer than their age in months plus one hour.
How to Handle Whining and Barking in the Crate
Whining and barking are common behaviors when crate training a Shih Tzu. It is important to not punish your Shih Tzu for these behaviors, as this can make them more anxious and less likely to want to go inside the crate.
Instead, ignore the behavior and wait for a moment of quiet before praising or rewarding your Shih Tzu. You can also try placing a blanket over the crate to create a more enclosed, den-like environment.
Avoiding Common Crate Training Mistakes
One common mistake in crate training is using the crate as a punishment or leaving your Shih Tzu in the crate for too long. This can create a negative association with the crate and make your Shih Tzu anxious or stressed.
Another mistake is choosing a crate that is too large or too small for your Shih Tzu. The crate should be just big enough for your Shih Tzu to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Crate Training for Housebreaking Your Shih Tzu
Crate training can be an effective method for housebreaking your Shih Tzu. Dogs usually do not like to soil their sleeping area, so keeping your Shih Tzu in the crate when they cannot be supervised can help prevent accidents.
When you take your Shih Tzu out of the crate, take them outside immediately to the designated potty area. Praise and reward your Shih Tzu when they go potty outside.
When to Stop Using the Crate for Your Shih Tzu
When to stop using the crate for your Shih Tzu depends on your individual dog’s needs and preferences. Some dogs may continue to use the crate as a safe and comfortable space throughout their lives, while others may outgrow the need for a crate.
If you choose to stop using the crate, make sure to do so gradually and monitor your Shih Tzu’s behavior to ensure they are comfortable and not anxious or stressed.