Dog training experts agree that crate training a Poodle is one of the most important elements of house breaking your newest addition to the family. It makes all the additional  phases of obedience training your Poodle run more efficiently and helps to establish you as the dominant pack member.

Crate training a poodle has its rewards. Keep in mind that a dogs natural instinct is to avoid relieving themselves in the area where they eat and sleep. The crate helps to refine this instinct, and the dog will think of the crate as his bed and avoid messing in it.  This will make you and the dog happier and less stressed.

Dogs are also creatures of habit and like structure and routine. Your new Poodle will soon learn to take care of business at a certain time and in the right place. Always give your new dog plenty of praise during this phase of your Poodle obedience training, and try to avoid getting frustrated if your new dog makes an occasional mistake. Crate training a Poodle can be fun and easy if you follow these simple steps.

Choosing the Correct Crate Size

There are many different sizes and styles of crates available today. Find one that fits both your needs and your Poodles needs.  The first thing to consider when crate training a Poodle, is the size your dog will be when it is full grown, and buy a crate that size. Doing this prevents you from having to purchase a new one later, and some travel crates have a divider that you can partition the crate off when your Poodle is just a puppy. This will depend on the breed of Poodle you own.

Getting Your Poodle Accustom to Its Crate

As you work to crate train your Poodle and to get him adjusted to his new home, you should try to make it as comfortable as possible. Put a soft bed or crate pad on the bottom.   The way I got my Poodle used to the crate was to put a toy in it. He would go in to get the toy.  You may want to substitute the toy for a treat if your Poodle will work better receiving a treat instead.  Do this several times without closing the door, let him go in and out as often as he wants.

I always say something like “get in your house” or “crate up”.  Make sure you give your Poodle plenty of praise while he’s doing this. After you’ve worked with him this way for a while, put the toy in the crate and while his focus is on the toy, close the door. Make sure to give him a lot of praise at this point, and while he is in the crate let him know everything is alright. If he starts to get upset, give him a few minutes and then let him out. Be sure to end each crate training session on a happy note.

Once he gets used to the crate and sees it as his safe comfortable home, he’ll start going in there more on his own.  When he starts staying in the crate for a few minutes at a time, close the door, leave the room, and gradually extend the time you are gone. When you return, walk over and open the door and let him out giving him praise for being good while in his crate. After a few days, you will have achieved your goal of crate training your Poodle.

Now happily crate trained, your newest family member will be ready to take on the other phases of Poodle obedience training, and you will feel a well deserved sense of accomplishment.

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