How to Kennel Train and Why
-    Chose a location for the crate where your puppy can be close to family members.

-    Begin by keeping the door open and allowing your puppy to get comfortable with going in and out on their own.

-    Never force your puppy inside the kennel. Be patient and they will eventually go in on their own. If you need to, toss a toy or treat into the kennel and encourage them to go in.

-    Once they are comfortable with being inside the kennel, you will want to repeat the steps above, this time closing the door.

-    Once they are used to that, try placing them in the crate and walking out of the room.  If they cry, ignore them.  Don't keep going back to the crate and talking to them because you are then simply reinforcing the undesired behavior.

-    Once they settle in, listen for them. As soon as you hear them ( most of the time after a nap ) return to the crate, quickly pick them up and praise them and take them right out side with out allowing them any floor time.

-    Stay in sight and always praise your puppy and reward them with love and treats.

-    Training sessions may take you a few hrs a day depending on your puppy. Be patient. Your puppy will eventually feel secure with the door closed and will eventually sleep quiet in their new home.

-Choose a spot in your yard where you want your puppy to go. Take them their every time. you may take them on a leash so that you can direct them to their correct spot.



-   DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PUPPY IN A KENNEL ALL DAY!  A puppy has to go every 2-4 hrs!

-    Your puppy at first may have an accident in the kennel.  The kennel may have been to large or they were left in it to long.


                                                       ALWAYS.....

-    Always take your puppy outside BEFORE placing them in their kennel and as soon as you let them out.

-    Always have fresh water available to them.

-    Throughout the whole training process, always take them outside regularly and praise them when they potty in the designated area.




                                                     NEVER.....

-    NEVER punish your puppy by forcing them into their kennel or reprimand them while they are in it.  This is a "special" place and should always be safe and happy.

-    Never leave your dog in a kennel all day.

-    Never allow children to tease your pet while they are in their kennel.



                                           Why Kennel Train.....

-    A kennel provides security and comfort at home or during travel.

-    A kennel helps control behavior problems and is the quickest and easiest way to housebreak your puppy.

-   The best way to avoid separation anxiety.
 

                                                      Tips....

-   Choosing the proper kennel size is very important. Your puppy should have just enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down.

-    Place and old towel or blanket with your scent on it inside for bedding. Do not use a dog pad or bed until your puppy has outgrown accidents and chewing.


Dealing with Accidents...

-   Never hit a puppy or rub its nose in its feces or urine, and never raise your voice.  If the puppy has an accident in the house remember that accidents will happen and cleaning up is part of parenting .  If you make fear of punishment the motivating factor behind housetraining, your puppy will take much longer to train.

-   If your puppy has an accident in their crate, do not punish them.  Clean their crate and start over.  They are just like children!

Be patient when it comes to working with puppies and dogs. Positive reinforcement works much better than negative reinforcement or punishment. Dogs do not understand the concept of being "naughty."  Remember, your puppy wants to please you. Their intentions are to love..
 

Here at the Haven house, we prefer to kennel train our Cavaliers.  Cavaliers like many animals are denning animals. They appreciate a little privacy and a den where they can feel comfortable and secure.  They may whimper or bark at first but will soon love the comfort of their den. Although they can't always control their bladder as young puppies, they do not like to soil their sleeping environment. It is in their nature to keep their den clean.

Here are a few tips ( below )  on how to start off in your own home.

Housetraining your puppy is essential for them and you. There are many way's to housetrain your puppy.  They can be crate trained, go to the door or use a litter box.  It's what ever works best for you. 
The secret to housetraining is to:
* have a scedule
* take your puppy out often
* be consistent
* never leave them loose unattended

Haven Cavaliers