Post by ShariMurphy on Sept 10, 2014 11:48:16 GMT -5
Crate Training
What is it?
The goal of kennel training is that a dog will willingly go into the crate or any other enclosure (e.g. cage at the veterinary office) for any reasonable period of time. A properly kennel trained dog will perceive the crate as his “den” or “bedroom”, and will often spend time inside when bored.
Crate training is an excellent thing to do for any dog. Since dogs are den animals by instinct, it creates a “Safe Place” for the dog. The crate should not be used as a punishment, and should be introduced to the dog as young as possible.
Size matters
When purchasing a crate, choose one just large enough for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down, as an adult. If the crate is too large at first, get a crate with a divider so you can move the divider as the puppy grows. If there is any chance you will be air shipping the dog for traveling, choose a molded plastic “airline approved” crate. If it is more likely you will car travel with the dog, so choose a collapsible “Wire” crate. If you use the wire type, it is best to drape a blanket or towel over the crate to give the dog the sense of being in an enclosed den. If it is left open, the dog senses that others can see him, but he cannot escape.
Ten steps to crate training
- When you bring home the crate, act very interested in it and put your arms inside.
- Put a comfortable bed inside the crate. The crate should be the most comfortable place the pet is allowed rest. Wire crates: Leave the door always open at first. Plastic crates: remove the top half of the plastic crate.
- Feed every meal in the crate to start with. The goal is for the dog to go into the crate without hesitation. Toss some kibble or treats into the crate and say, "Kennel Up!” to mean “go inside.”
- Reserve your attention and affection for when the dog is in the crate. So be a little more aloof until you see your dog in the crate (until crate trained).
- Hide treats or favorite toys inside the crate. Close the door during meals.
- Praise and give a food treat for entering the crate. Ignore him when exiting.
- Overnight is the first time you should attempt to him in for a period of time. If the dog is too unsettled in the crate, try moving the crate next to your bed at night and covering it with a blanket.
- If he whines at night, take him to his elimination area but be "robotic" with no attention. He needs to learn not to wake you up for attention. If you dog is housebroken and is whining at night, in the crate, ignore it all together.
- Please do not allow your children inside of the dog crate, especially when the dog is inside the crate.
- No one but the adults should be able to approach the dog while it is crated. This can help keep the crate a safe zone for your dog. If your dog is constantly being pestered while inside the crate, he will come to dislike the crate.
When accidents happen
If your dog has an accident in the crate, don’t punish, just clean it up and re-evaluate the feeding and confinement schedule. You may need to take the dog out more often. Consider removing food and water earlier in the evening, and take the dog out later before bed.
A crate alternative
A tool related to the crate is the tether. This is a 4 foot lead used to tie the dog to you (e.g. while reading or watching TV). The idea is to bond the dog to you, confine your dog’s movement to prevent house soiling, and get the dog used to the useful notion of being tied. This technique is called, “Close Tethering.”