Crate Training For Dogs

Crate Training For Dogs

First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. 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. Do this exercise for a couple of days until he has learned to enter the crate and leave it on his own.

Many people protest against crate training a dog because, according to them, it is similar to solitary confinement. However, with the benefits mentioned below and other benefits not listed in this article, may help you to conclude that crate training could benefit both owner and his dog.

People who take the right approach to crate training puppies will help their dog or puppy realize it to be a safe place for them to rest and not something to fear.

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. Dens are what dogs naturally seek for in a home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.

Why You Should Use a Crate

a) For occasions when the dog cannot run around freely, placing them in a crate will be a good choice for controlling their movements.

b) The dog will feel relatively safe inside the crate especially when located in places where they are most vulnerable.

c) The crate quickly becomes a familiar place to rest and retreat too from things that make them uncomfortable.

d) Some dogs may have some behavior problems that can be helped with proper crate training.

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) Another advantage is that it keeps the dog safe whenever you bring him outside the home.

h) Dogs feel safe and secure inside their own familiar crate.

i) Crates can enhance training by giving your dog a sense of consistency and guidance for routine activities.

Size of the Crate

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. However, if you also intend to use the crate for travel, the crate should be larger than the regular above mentioned size.

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.

How to introduce the crate to the dog

The best time to introduce the crate to a dog is when you feel that they are ready for it. After buying the right crate, you could place it somewhere in the house where it would catch the dog’s attention. Let him explore his crate first for the first week with the door removed.

If he does not show any sign of interest, try leaving some of his favorite treats 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.