Introduction to Crate Training Your Dog
Providing your puppy or dog with an indoor dog kennel or dog crate can satisfy many dogs' need for a den-like enclosure. A dog crate can make raising a puppy easy and enjoyable. The dog crate is a wonderful tool for preventing life threatening accidents and reducing behavioral problems. A dog crate is a humane and dog friendly training tool that incrases your enjoyment of your dog.
A dog crate:
• increases easy of housetraining,
• reduces your dog’s anxiety,
• prevents your puppy from learning destructive behavior patterns,
• keeps the puppy away from lethal household items,
• serves as a mobile dog house that can be moved within the house as well as to new locations,
• serves as a convalescent area if your dog is sick or is recovering from surgery,
• prevents the children or adults from injuring the dog by careless/clueless handling.
A dog crate serves as a travel cabin for your dog when traveling by car, train or plane. Additionally, most hotels which accept dogs on their premises, require them to be crated while in the room to prevent damage to hotel furniture and rugs and to ensure the safety of their employees.
Dogs which have been introduced to the dog crate while young grow up to prefer their crate to rest in or "hang-out" in. I have seen dogs retire themselves to the crate when the environment is too chaotic or stressful for them. My general recommendation is that you provide a crate throughout your dog's lifetime.
It is also important to actually close the door of the dog crate to confine the dog. There have been cases where a dog has never been in a dog crate with the door closed. Unfortunately, when an emergency occurs and the door of the dog crate needs to be closed the dog will become frantic and attempt to injure itself as it tries to escape.
Making the Dog Crate Irresistable
Toys and Treats
Place one of your puppy's nonbreakable dog chew toys at the far end opposite the door opening. Tie the toy to the back of the dog crate so that the dog will have to go into the dog crate in order to interact with the toy.
The best dog toys for this are "Kongs" or "Nylabones" or other toys of similar construction. You can put a daub of peanut butter or cream cheese or cheese spread on the toy to increase the dogs interest.
Dog Bedding
Place a towel or blanket inside the dog crate to create a soft, comfortable bed for the puppy. If the puppy chews the towel, remove it to prevent the pup from swallowing or choking on the pieces. Although most puppies prefer lying on soft bedding, some dogs may prefer to rest on a hard, flat surface, and may push the towel to one end of the crate to avoid it. If the puppy urinates on the towel, remove bedding until the pup no longer eliminates in the dog crate.
Location of Dog Crate
Whenever possible, place the dog crate near or next to you when you are home. This will encourage the pup to go inside it without his feeling lonely or isolated when you go out. A central room in the apartment (i.e.: living room or kitchen) or a large hallway near the entrance is a good place to crate your puppy.
As for the location of the dog crate, I have seen the dog crate placed in every room of the house. The dog crate can be placed under a dining room table or a pretty tabletop can be put on top of it to make it both unobtrusive and useful addition to the furniture of your home. Let your imagination be your guide.
Introducing the Crate to Your Puppy
In order that your puppy associate his/her kennel crate with comfort, security and enjoyment, please follow these guidelines.
Occasionally throughout the day, drop small pieces of dog kibble or dog biscuits in the dog crate. While investigating his new dog crate, the pup will discover edible treasures, thereby reinforcing his positive associations with the crate. You may also feed and water him in the dog crate to create the same effect.
In the beginning, praise and pet your pup when he enters the dog crate. Do not try to push, pull or force the puppy into the crate. You may need to place your pup in his crate and shut the door upon retiring just so you can keep him in one place while you are unconcious. In most cases, the crate should be placed next to your bed overnight. If this is not possible, the dog crate can be placed in the kitchen, bathroom or living room.
It is advisable to crate your pup for short periods of time while you are home with him. In fact, crate training is best accomplished while you are in the same room with your dog. Getting the dog used to your small frequent absences from the room in which he is crated is a good first step. This prevents an association being made with the dog crate and your leaving him/her alone for long periods of time which can cause stress.
Children And The Dog Crate
Do not allow children to play in your dog's crate, to stick fingers or objects into the dog crate, to bang on the crate or to poke objects at the dog while it is in the crate. Many aggressive dogs are created by children who thoughtlessly torment a dog while it is held captive in a crate. This builds frustration and eventually anger toward the tormenters. Remember that the dog crate is your dog's private and personal sanctuary.
This article was written by dog expert and dog professional Ami Moore. Ami Moore lives in Chicago, Illinois one of the most dog friendly cities in the world. Contact Ami Moore through her websites www.amimoore.com, www.dogtrainingchicago.com and www.dogtrainerchicago.com .
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