A lot of people have the wrong conception when it comes to crates 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.
If you have a crate and leave it open, your Spaniel will start to go to it when he gets sleepy or when he gets confused. Although Spaniels tend to like crates, you shouldnt overuse one by allowing him to spend hours at a time inside of one. While you should be training him to get used to the crate, you should never allow him out if he is barking. Once your Spaniel starts to appreciate the crate, you can leave him in it for a few hours here and there - such as when 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.
You will bring the puppy inside your home and allow her to begin investigating the crate when you first arrive. If you leave the door to the crate open and place a dog treat or toy inside the crate as an extra incentive, the puppy will begin wandering in and out of the crate. You should offer her praise once she goes inside the crate to let her know she is doing the right thing.
If your Springer Spaniel stays in the crate on his own, praise him for it. Once your puppy starts getting in the habit of going into the crate on his own, you should place a new toy or treat inside for him to play with. After a while, you can close the door and see how he reacts. If he starts to whine, you can talk to him and put your fingers through the door, although you should never immediately take him out - instead wait for him to settle down.
You Springer Spaniel will benefit from crate training; however, it does take time and effort on your part. Keep in mind that crates are very useful when you need to leave or when you are entertaining company as well as times when your pet may be sick such as when she has diarrhea. Remember to be patient and never use the crate to punish your pet and before you know it, you Springer Spaniel puppy will begin to enjoy being in her own den like crate.
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