A dog crate is a valuable
and useful training tool. Its main purpose is
to provide security, safety and protection
for short term confinement while training a puppy or new
dog about its own and house boundaries.
A crate may look like a jail
cell, but when used properly is your dog’s natural den
– a personal space where he’ll feels secure and comfortable.
The best place to place a crate would
be where your dog can see the environment and family members,
hear and smell your house - the kitchen is usually a good
spot.
An ideal crate should be large
enough to allow your dog to stretch out, stand without
hitting his head and be able to turn around. The crate
should not be so large that your dog can relieve himself
in one corner and move away to play and sleep in another.
If your puppy is still young and is not fully growth,
try to block off certain section of the crate with cardboard
or wooden boards.
To encourage your dog to “like”
his new den, you should preferably equip it with soft
beddings, a bowl of water and a toy that he likes. (You
might want to remove the water at night when you are potty
training your dog)
You must introduce the crate
slowly to your dog. Crate him in smaller interval, about
10 minutes, and gradually increase over time. Your dog
needs time to get used to being in the crate.
Never crate him for
more than 30 minutes or longer for the first time.
It is not advisable to crate
train a young puppy for long period of time – about 2
hours and the pup should always be exercised before being
crated.
It’s quite normal for dogs
to kick up a fuss, bark and moan while in the crate. If
these things happen, do not give your dog any attention!
Yes! Do not even look in their direction.
Dogs are intelligent animals
– Don’t let him know that he’ll get your attention when
he kicks up a fuss. Simply ignore him! Let your dog out
only when he settles down.
*If it’s a young puppy whom
you’ve just introduce the crate to, maybe you can offer
him a treat in the crate to calm him down. Whatever you
do, don’t let him out of the crate at that very moment!*
The exception I can think of
is if you think your dog has to relieve himself. Even
so, bring it out only after he stops barking. Another
exception is when your dog is chewing on himself. Let
him out immediately and consult a trainer or behaviorist.
Lastly, dog should not be in
the crate for too long day after day. He’ll develop destructive
behaviors and anxiety problems. If you notice that your
dog displays hyper active behavior compared to before,
you might be crating him for too long!
Most important of all, never
ever punish your dog in the crate, he’ll dread going back
to the crate. It is meant to be a comfortable and safe
space, not where he’ll get punished.
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About the Author:
Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com
– The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier
dog.
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