When dogs are trained properly on them, dog crates can provide benefits for both the dogs and owners. Dog crates are a must for traveling with dogs as they are a way to contain them and provide a mobile home. Crates can also assist in potty training. Furthermore, they help in eliminating destructive as well as behavior and keeping dogs out of trouble when you cannot watch them. For the dogs, crates can help satisfy the denning instincts, which mean dogs need an enclosure and help them feel secure and relaxed. Here is how to carry out crate training in a way that will be easiest on both you and your dog.
Choose the right crate
As is covered in dog crate sizing, the crate needs to be big enough for your dog to stand up, lie down and turn around inside the crate. Anything too large will give your dog extra space he will think is ok to defecate in. For growing puppies, dividers can limit the space, and rentals may be an option.
Using the crate for house training
Dog crates can be useful for potty training (see house training). However, until your puppy is at least four months old, he will have little bladder or sphincter control. Puppies under nine weeks old shouldn’t be crated because they urinate frequently, as much as twelve times daily. Training for elimination in the appropriate places is a whole different program of training for your dog. Do not leave him in the crate if he urinates there, as the crate must never be associated with this activity. Clean everything and continue your dog crate training with a positive association method of praise and treats if he does well. Time the first crate training to right after the dog eliminates and take him to where he should go upon completion of secessions or during them when they are longer.
Preparing the crate and your dog
Before beginning dog crate training, you will need to prepare the space with a small hanging water dispenser. To add to your pup’s comfort, a towel or blanket placed on the floor of the crate helps create a soft, comfortable resting place. Place the crate in a commonly used room during the day and bedroom at night. Let your dog get used to seeing the crate before you start the first stage of training.
The first stage – familiarization
Make the process slow and gradually introduce your dog to the crate. From time to time during the day, drop small pieces of kibble or doggy treats into the crate. While discovering his new crate, the pup will discover the edible treats, which will help to focus positive association with the crate. If the pup hesitates to enter the crate at first, begin by feeding him in front of the doorway and progressively move the food to the back.
Toys can also be used. The trick in the first stage is to keep everything positive, never force and do not to close the door. In addition, stay with your dog so she does not associate the crate with you leaving. Only in the later stages when the crate has become a safe place in your dog’s mind can you leave the room for gradually longer periods of time.
This is also a time to start teaching your dog a command word for the crate. An educational and fun game you can play with your puppy is to drop a small dog biscuit into the crate while calling to the dog with a one-word cue. “Kennel” or “house” or “room” are possibilities. When he discovers the treat, give enthusiastic praise and repeat the verbal cue you chose to have him associate with the crate.
The second stage – lengthening stays
This stage involves feeding your dog in the crate and gradually lengthening the time spent inside. As your dog gets more comfortable, close the door briefly during feeding. If he starts to whine when you increase the length of time the door is closed too much at first, do it for a shorter period next time. However, do not open the door until the whining stops as this may teach your dog that whining is a way to open the crate.
In the beginning, sit near the crate but move away in later sessions and eventually go to other rooms for gradually longer periods of time. Once your dog can stay crated and alone for about 30 minutes, it should be ok to leave her for short stays.
Do crate training several times a day using your crate command and rewards to teach him to enter. Eventually, make the crate his sleeping place at night while you gradually move it increasing distances from you.
Things to remember
Keep the following in mind to avoid problems:
- When possible, place the crate near you when you are home so the pup will go inside without feeling lonely or isolated when you do go out.
- Make sure your dog has eliminated completely before being crated.
- Always remove the pup’s collar when confining him in the crate. Buckle collars can get tangled in a wire crate.
- Do not crate your dog when temperatures are high, or leave him crated in a hot car.
- Never associate the crate to a place of punishment.
As your pet matures, things should get easier for you and him, but with any new puppy one must expect some chewed up shoes, corners of rugs, etc. If you keep your puppy occupied with love and attention, he will be less likely to find other ways to keep busy. Dog crates were created to provide a safe haven for your pet during times when you need them to be confined. The key to successful dog crate training is to help your pet associate the space with comfort and security. This association will make the crate a place where your dog will feel safe and relaxed for a lifetime.