Posts Tagged ‘dog crate training’
Crate Training Dog
To begin crate training your dog you need to let them get used to it before locking them inside. You can watch your dog from a distance to see how long it takes them to calm down and get used to the crate. Remember this is for training so if he begins to act up you should not let him out. Instead, let him settle down first then let him leave after awhile. You will need to do this process several time until they learn to enter and leave the crate by themselves.
Many people protest against crate training a dog because, according to them, it is similar to solitary confinement. Still, the benefits to crate training your dog mentioned in this article, and several other benefits that we will not take the time to explore, show this to be a good method for both the owner and their dog.
With appropriate and sufficient training, crate training your puppy or dog will make him see it as his haven instead of an enclosure that makes him feel unsafe and lonely.
This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. For dogs, a den can serve as their home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.
Benefits of Using a Crate
a) There are times when you can not let your dog run around freely and a crate is a great way to keep them with you, while controlling them at the same time.
b) Dogs will begin to feel secure inside the crate and appreciate the safety zone it provides when they are in an unfamiliar place.
c) The crate quickly becomes a familiar place to rest and retreat too from things that make them uncomfortable.
d) A crate could also be used to limit dogs with problem behaviors.
e) Puppies respond well to crate training as a way to teach them potty training skills and what not to chew on or to not bite people.
f) If your dog has separation anxieties, once they become familiar with their crate they will be able to calm down better.
g) It could secure the dog whenever the owner has to bring him outside.
h) It increases his confidence due to the security it provides.
i) Crates could enhance training by giving the dog a better sense of direction for routine activities.
Size Does Matter
You will need to choose a crate that allows the dog enough room to stand up and lie down comfortably, without him hitting his head or body against the walls or door all the time. It is also important to know that if you plan on traveling you will want to consider purchasing a slightly larger crate.
However, when a crate is used for just training purposes, they do not need to be so large that the dog can move around in it and maybe do something undesirable inside it.
Introducing Your Dog to Their Crate
The best time to introduce the crate to a dog is when you feel that they are ready for it. After you purchase the right crate for your dog you will need to put it someplace in the home where they will see it often. Let him explore his crate first for the first week with the door removed.
Some dogs will not show any interest in the crate so you may want to perk their interest by putting a favorite toy or treat inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This special treat is a signal to your dog that this a special place just for him, and that will create a sense of safety and security all dogs enjoy.