How Can You Use Dog Crate Training For Your Dog?
23 Jul 2010
Are you getting a new dog? Have you thought about all the training you are going to need to stay on top to have the behavior that will be acceptable in your home from a dog? Training a new dog, especially a puppy, is going to require a lot of your time and patience. However, it is all worth every second for the bond that is formed between you and your pet. One way to effectively train a dog or pup is with dog crate training.
Introducing a crate to your new dog is going to be one of those times you will need to as gentle and loving as possible. If you have adopted an adult dog, keep in mind entering a crate may be something new to him. He might even have had a terrible experience with and another owner. If he seems over anxious about entering it, no matter what you try, talk to your vet about other methods. Puppies, however, need to crate trained right away.
How long should you keep a pup in a crate? Most professional trainers recommend never more than a couple of hours at a time. Your timing can be paced by how long your pup sleeps during naps. As soon as awakes from a nap, time is up for the crate. This is also the time you should take him outside for potty duty.
Adult dogs will need less time in a crate, especially those that are being house trained with one. Adult dogs have better control over their bladders than pups do, so outdoor trips will be fewer. Stress to adult dogs that the crate is for rest and pleasure time with food and treat reinforcements. You want him to look forward to his crate and eventually want to go in it on his own.
While training an adult dog or a puppy to be house broken, you should always remember to never use the crate as punishment for accidents. If you scold your dog and place him inside the crate, he will begin to associate the crate with negative feelings. If he does have an accident, gently scold him and take him outside right then.
One way to ensure your dog knows his crate is good place is to feed him right next to it. You might also put some treats inside it as well. This also helps with house training using a crate because even pups do not like soiling the area near to where they eat or sleep. You can use dividers in crate for small pups to keep their space the size it needs to be for effective house training.
Emphasizing to your dog that his crate is his den can be done with his feed bowl. Each time you put him in it, put his food bowl in as well. Start with placing it at the front and each time, move it back a bit until finally it is going all the way at the back. Close the door every time and let him remain inside the crate for about ten minutes after finishing his meal. Let him out then to go outside. This will slowly show him his crate is his place and it is not bad.
Dog crate training is a great way to also lessen the incidents of chewed up valuable items in your house. If you must run errands or leave your home for a few hours, placing a dog in a crate is acceptable to keep him from chewing up things to satisfy separation anxiety over you not being there. If your dog shows signs of severe anxiety and violently tries to escape the crate, an animal behavioral professional may be the best medicine. If you are going to be gone longer than a few hours from your home, find other means of containing a dog. Hiring a pet sitter would be a good idea.
Polly Browder is a professional dog trainer and groomer. For more information about dog crate training visit PetsPavilion.com.









