| Crate Training |
| WHY: Crates can be used as an aid for housebreaking, prevention of destructive behaviors, to provide your dog with a sense of security, and to give owners peace of mind. The crate can be a friend for both you and your dog when you cannot be home, when you are busy and cannot properly supervise your dog, or just to give you a break. By crating our dogs we choose to manage and prevent negative behavior rather than allowing it to happen and then punish our dogs for bad behavior. IE. (We would not leave a two year old child alone for hours and scold them for making a mess) |
| HOW IT WORKS: Crating appeals to your dog's natural instinct to den. Though our domesticated pet dogs are very different from their wild relatives, they still possess certain innate instincts like those of their wild relatives like the desire to den. Crates provide a safe, secure, comfortable atmosphere where your dogs can relax and let their defenses down. |
| CHOOSING A CRATE: There are two basic types of crates available, the first being galvanized metal crates with removable trays for easy cleaning and the benefit of this type would be for a dog that prefers a more open crate. The second type is a molded plastic crate with a metal mesh gate and ventilated side panels, these models are usually airline approved and are easily transported. The are also more secure for the dog that proves to be an escape artist. (There are also now soft--mesh crates made out of material that are very light weight and portable but I suggest these only after the dog has been fully crate-trained and not into chewing any longer.) |
| CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE: A proper fitting crate would allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably with little room for anything else. For puppy's metal crates usually prove to be a more practical investment because you can buy a large crate and a divider panel. This would allow you to adjust the crate to your growing puppy rather than purchasing several different crates. |
| INTRODUCING YOUR DOG TO THE CRATE: If you start with a puppy (under five months of age) you should be able to start using the crate immediately. The crate should be used at night, when you are not home, and when the puppy cannot be supervised. It is normal for some amount of whining or barking to take place, its important that you avoid reinforcing this behavior by removing the puppy and trying to comfort it. This will only teach the puppy to whine when it wants out, or just wants attention. However, it is important to remember that puppies due not have the ability to control urination and defectation impulses well, which means an occasional cry in the night, which cannot be confused with a persistent cry for attention. |
| First start by placing the crate in an area where your dog is comfortable such as the kitchen or family room. The crate should remain open in the room for a few days with your dog's favorite toys or treats inside without actually confining the dog inside. You will soon start to notice your dog coming and going in and out of the crate to get it's things. At this point, you can start putting your dogs meals in the rear portion of the crate again without confining the dog inside. It is okay if your pet misses a meal or two the first day or two........do not worry it won't miss many! Now that your dog has accepted the presence and usefullness of the crate it is time to start placing your dog in the crate and closing the door for short periods of 15 to 20 minutes while you are home. This should be done by gently holding your dogs collar and guiding the dog into the crate using a happy tone and giving your dog a cookie once inside. Do not make a big production out of entering and exiting the crate just keep it positive and reward the dog each time you put your dog in the crate. Soon your dog should enter on command "crate" or "kennel" in anticipation of the impending reward (treat). Now your dog is ready to be left alone in its crate. The duration of this training generally does not exceed 2-3 weeks. |
| PLACEMENT: Crates should be placed in a well-lit climate controlled area that is familiar and comforting. Avoid cold, dark, unfriendly areas...remember if you do not want to spend time there, your dog will not want to either. DO's DONT's Kitchen Den Garage Family Room Basement Well traveled hallway Porch |
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