Dog Training: Crate Training

Crate Training Overview

Although some may find it â€œcruelâ€?, the use of crate training on dogs is a very common and recognized practice. When utilized correctly, crate training can help overcome behavioral, housebreaking, and safety issues within your family. By utilizing a dog crate, your pup will be kept safe from chewing on live wires, eating poisonous plants in your house, or getting into a product that may be life-threatening.

Advantages of Crate Training

1. You can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that he is comfortable, safe, and not developing bad habits.

2. You can housebreak your pet more quickly by using the close confinement to motivate your pet to wait until taken outside, since canines naturally avoid soiling their den.

3. You can travel with your pet without risk of the the dog getting loose and becoming lost or interfering with safe driving.

4. Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of den of his own to which he can retreat when tired or stressed.

5. Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to problem behavior.

6. Since he can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he has his familiar "security blanket" along, your pet can be included in family outings, instead of being left behind alone.

Purchasing a Dog Crate

The most recommended crate is a wire crate with a removable plastic or metal floor. This is perfect for both puppy and adult dogs since it is less destructible and easier to clean. Also, the wire crates allow for more air flow as well as unobstructed view of the world around the Dog. If you are purchasing it for a small puppy, then you will want to keep in mind that your pup will not always be that small. Take into consideration the adult size of your dog when purchasing your crate. Personally, we have used, and continue to use the Midwest LifeStages large wire crate. This crate not only has a plastic floor that slides out for easy cleaning, but also comes with a wire divider for the crate.

Crating Guidelines

1. Collars are to be removed as they can get caught on the crate and pose a choking hazard.

2. Do not crate during extremely hot temperatures.

3. Make sure your Pup eliminates before entering the crate and as soon as it is released from the crate.

4. If your pup continues to eliminate in the crate, check that it does not have too much room - otherwise seek veterinarian assistance.

5. Never use the crate as a form of punishment.

6. Children should never play in or around the crate. This is a sanctuary for you dog and therefore it should be able to have this space to itself.

7. Never release a barking pup from the crate. If you do so, the pup will be conditioned to believe that barking gets the end result it wants - to be let out of the crate. The pup should not bark and remain calm for at least 5 minutes before opening the crate door. If it is a younger pup and it is barking because it needs to eliminate, promptly open the crate door and lead the pup out on a leash to eliminate. After done, return the Pup directly to the crate. this will reinforce that barking is not appropriate in the crate unless it is for elimination only. Sure, the barking can cause you to get less sleep or become annoying but it will get better with time if you are consistent.

8. Do not use the crate if your Pup is vomiting or has diarrhea.

9. Do not use the crate for extended periods of time. You chose to have a dog and must take responsibility for providing social interaction, nurturing, support, exercise, and love.

10. Don't abuse the crate!