Chihuahua Information Center
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Top 5 Chihuahua Training Issues - Crate Training
Crate Training Your Chihuahua
Training a Chihuahua to go into and stay happily in a dog crate is very difficult for some owners. The theory of it seems simple enough.
Most owners wish to crate train because they believe:
Most owners wish to crate train because they believe:
- The dog will not eliminate in the crate
- The dog can be left home alone as long as they are in the dog crate
- Puppies are safe in the crate if no one can keep an eye on them
- It is the best way to housebreak a dog
Some of these elements are not always true. In fact:
While the crate does work in this way, the same results can be done by connecting the dog's leash to your belt loop and keeping an eye on him or her. This is called the umbilical cord method of training. When a dog is constantly confined, they are unable to learn about the world.
A dog has a natural curiosity to explore. Too much time in a crate = not enough time to learn about what is right and what is wrong behavior.
That being said, crates are one of the many aspects of training and should be combined with the umbilical cord method and 1-on-1 time with the owner.
If you are having a hard time getting your Chihuahua to go into the crate, you can use a step-by-step desensitization method.
- A dog does eliminate in their crate if they are inside it too long and simply cannot wait any longer
- A puppy should not be left alone for extended time, whether in a crate or not
While the crate does work in this way, the same results can be done by connecting the dog's leash to your belt loop and keeping an eye on him or her. This is called the umbilical cord method of training. When a dog is constantly confined, they are unable to learn about the world.
A dog has a natural curiosity to explore. Too much time in a crate = not enough time to learn about what is right and what is wrong behavior.
That being said, crates are one of the many aspects of training and should be combined with the umbilical cord method and 1-on-1 time with the owner.
If you are having a hard time getting your Chihuahua to go into the crate, you can use a step-by-step desensitization method.
- Make the crate a cozy and comfortable retreat. Put a soft blanket inside, along with some interesting dog toys.
- Leave the door completely open and encourage your Chihuahua to go inside
- Any time spent inside the crate should be rewarded with praise
- As the days and weeks go by, when your Chihuahua is inside the dog crate, close the door a little bit more each time
- Be sure to never leave your Chihuahua in the dog crate for more than they can hold their needs. A 1 month old pup can stay for 1 hour, a 2 month old puppy can remain inside for 2 hours and so forth
