Today I would like to discuss crate training. One of the best methods I found when housebreaking a new puppy or an older dog is by using a crate. Like many other people I at first thought this to be a rather cruel way to train your puppy – but not now.
Crate training is one of the kindest things you can do for your dog if done properly.
Crates come in many different sizes and materials. You can choose between a wire crate or a plastic crate. Size is really the main factor when choosing a crate. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up in and turn around.
When buying a crate for a large breed puppy make sure it will be big enough for him/her at adulthood. In the meantime it will be necessary to block part of the crate off so he doesn’t have too much space because if he does have too much space your puppy may choose to relieve himself in one corner, and sleep in the
other, which defeats one of the important principles of dog crate training.
To make crate training effective you should develop a routine. Take your dog/puppy outside immediately after letting them out of the crate. When your puppy relieves himself Praise! Praise! Praise!
Remember training is a fun thing. You want to establish a good bond with your puppy – one that will eventually lead to a well mannered dog. Let the puppy have some out time but make sure you can keep an eye on him.
Stick to your routine.
It is a good idea for older dogs when you first start to crate train them to keep them nearby so they don’t associate the crate with being isolated. To them this would seem to be some type of punishment.
Never use the crate for punishment.
After about 7 months of age your dog should be able to hold himself for up to nine hours. Even though you may feel the dog no longer needs the crate I wouldn’t be putting it away just yet.
Most puppies love to chew and some dogs never grow out of it. Many an owner has come home and not even recognized their couch. Socks have disappeared shoes have been ruined. Not only will you save your furniture and other things but it may also save you a costly trip to the vets.
Our male ate a rag one time. We were lucky. The vet slipped a pill under his eyelid which made him sick and he threw it up. If he hadn’t expensive surgery would have been next.
Crate trained dogs will also handle an overnight stay at the vets or a kennel stay much better. I know you see some kennels where the dog has their own room, television etc, but most kennels for the average person’s pocketbook do confine the dog more than if they were at home.
Effective dog crate training will prevent your dog from developing serious behavioural problems. It will help you develop a loving bond and it will help you achieve a well mannered dog.
“The number one reason dogs end up in shelters is behaviour problems. The number one cause of deaths in dogs under one year of age is not Parvo, it is not Distemper, it is lack of obedience training. ”
Do you see a connection?
Don’t let your dog become one of these statistics!
Until next time
Maureen Brownell
