Crate Training Your Dog
The Importance of Crate Training Your Dog
Many people might think it cruel to lock a dog in a cage or crate, but this isn't the case for dogs, which are by nature, "den" animals. Dogs will spend their sleep and relaxation time in a number of places, such as under a table, or tucked in the corner. In fact, my Jack Russell Terrier likes to sleep under a pile of cushions.
Do you see a pattern? Dogs like to feel safe and secure when relaxing and sleeping, and a dog crate can be almost like a "safe haven" for them. There are a number of reasons to use a dog crate; from preventing problems associated with destructive behaviour, to fear of strangers and helping with house training.
There are a number of things to look for in a dog crate. They are: -
Size: Obviously a dog crate needs to be big enough for your dog to stretch out without being cramped and high enough for them to sit up without hitting their head. Remember, that too big a crate defeats the purpose of providing safety, as well as security.
Other important factors include materials, covers to darken the inside of the crate to help settle your dog, and bedding that covers the entire crate as this will help prevent soiling and promote bowl control. This is because your dog won't want to soil where it sleeps. You will have accidents though, so it is important to get bedding that is machine washable.
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It's best to start crate training as a puppy. Although you can train older dogs, this will take longer. You can't just stick your dog in the crate and expect it to all work out. You need to be patient and introduce the crate to your dog to ensure it sees the crate as a special place. Here is how you do it.
Star by simply leaving the crate door open, and place your dog's toys just inside the door. This way; to get one of its toys, your dog will have to climb in a little in order to get it. Day by day, push the toys further and further into the crate. After a few days, your dog will often go in the crate and lie down by itself.
After a few days of napping or sleeping in an open crate; go in and close the door, preferably when your dog is asleep. Open the crate again when your dog awakes and release them, praising them at the same time. Build up the time that the crate door is closed gradually.
Once your dog is comfortable with the crate door being closed for a period of time with you still in the room; it's time to leave the house and return immediately. Now, work on leaving your dog alone for longer periods of time until you can no longer hear barking or crying at any point.
After your dog has become acclimatised to the crate, here are some further tips:
- Put your dog in its crate at regular intervals.
- Don't crate your dog only when you're leaving the house.
- No children in the crate. It's not a playhouse.
- A crate should be off-limits. Allow your dog to let you reach inside from the outset.
- NEVER USE THE CRATE AS PUNISHMENT
