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How to Crate Train Your Dog |
Where to Buy Crates
Crate Training - A "Life Saver" for Canines
Before you think of giving up your pet, PLEASE consider crate
training. We strongly suggest this method whenever we are
confronted with a pet owner who is thinking of giving up their
pet due to behavior problems such as chewing, eliminating in
the house, destructive behavior when the owner is away, a
puppy who isn't housetrained, etc.
Many people feel that crates are "cruel", that it's like
putting the dog in "jail" or is even harmful in some way to
the dog. As humans, this is an understandable reaction. But
remember, they are looking at it from from a strictly "human"
perspective, not from a dog's perspective.
As a human, you may see the crate as a "cage" so you object to
the idea. But the DOG looks at the crate as his house; like
his den in nature. To him, this place is like a security
blanket where he can escape confusion, rest and sleep. Dogs
have a den instinct and the crate helps to satisfy this
instinct. Think about it... has your dog ever crawled under
the bed or cozied up on some pillows or blankets that
surrounded him? If so, he was showing the den instinct. What
we see as "closed in" a dog sees as "security". As humans, we
object to being controlled. But a dog only wants to please his
owner and do as they wish him to do. We see a "cage"... the
dog sees "home".
Used correctly and humanely, a crate will provide peace of
mind for both you and your pet. House breaking and training a
puppy can be a much simpler task using a crate. For an older
dog, more patience may be called for, but a crate may be just
the answer you need to solve the behavior problems that are
damaging the bond you have with your pet.
Remember, nothing is 100% effective for all dogs, but crate
training is definitely something that you should give careful
consideration to and attempt if at all possible. Still think
it's cruel? Consider this. Nationwide 70% of all animals
turned in to shelters due to behavior problems are euthanized.
But first they are first traumatized by being abandoned by
their owners in a place that is filled with strangers and
other strange animals. And in many shelters, they spend almost
ALL their time in a cage...
Please, give crate training a try. Chances are that you will
solve the behavior problems and you and your pet can have a
wonderful life together.
How to Crate Train
Buy a crate that allows your dog when fully grown to stand
upright and turn around. If you are training a puppy, you can
divide the crate so that he doesn't have too much room in it.
The idea is that the crate is like a "den" or home to your
dog. Dogs naturally want to keep their dens clean. They don't
like to poop or pee in their den, therefore, they will not
want to do it in the crate.
However, if the crate is too large, the dog (especially
puppies) will be able to do their business in one corner or
end and escape from it to the other end. That is why the
proper size is important. If you are training a puppy in a
crate designed for him/her when fully grown, divide the crate
using cardboard so that the puppy is confined to a smaller
area.
Start by introducing the crate slowly. Put a tidbit of food
into the crate and put the dog/puppy in. Praise them lavishly
when they go in the crate. Do not praise when they come out.
This is to reinforce the fact that being in the crate is
"good" behavior and desired by the alpha dog (you).
After a few minutes remove the animal and both of you leave
the area. Repeat this again, but this time, close the door and
leave the room for a few minutes. The animals may cry, but do
not run to comfort him/her. Remember to praise when the animal
enters the crate.
After about 5 minutes, and ONLY when things are quiet should
you come back in and without commenting or praising, open the
door and let the dog come out. By doing this, you again
reinforce the "good" behavior of being in the "den" (crate).
Gradually work up the time the animal is in the crate.
Remember praise on the way in, do not praise on the way out.
When using a crate for housetraining reasons, remember that
the animal's natural instinct is to not soil in their confined
area or their "den". Work up the time the animal is in the
crate just as explained above. The puppy will learn to "hold"
his bathroom needs because he will not want to soil in the
crate.
Puppies should always be taken out upon waking, after playing,
after meals and on a periodic basis throughout the day (and
throughout the evenings until they can hold it).
After successful crate training, many dogs naturally seek out
their crate for solitude during times of stress, just to "take
a break" away from the family and more. If your dog is
"skittish" with people or other animals around their food,
make the crate his feeding place. The dog will feel secure and
be less likely to snap at others around his/her food.
Never leave you dog in the crate for more than 4 - 5 hours at
a time if at all possible. If you work all day, immediately
upon returning home allow your dog out of the crate and give
him some much needed attention and exercise.
Never use the crate as punishment. If the dog soils, chews or
exhibits any other bad behavior, do not shove him in the crate
as punishment. The dog will then see the crate as something to
be avoided, not something positive and your efforts at crate
training will be ruined.
Where to Buy
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