A Few Serious Benefits Of Crate-Training A Dog
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Because there’s so much press about abuses like dog fighting and dog racing, many dog lovers are scared of the idea of confining a dog to a crate, or atiny dog cage. Though abuses can, and do, happen, the crate is not intended as a place to lock up a dog. Itis not a tool for punishment. Rather, your dog’s crate functions in the same way as your child’s bedroom.
In order for the crate to be a positive experience for your dog, begin the method of crate training on aday when you have time to stay at home and observe your dog’s behavior. During the day, as an example, put your dog inside the crate for brief periods such as 15-minute intervals. A successful crating session has occurred if your dog appears comfortable. If your dog whines or makes an attempt to get your attention, pay no attention to her, but take note. If it’s's simply a cry for attention, she’ll soon learn that crate time is personal time, and will begin to occupy herself or rest. If the whining worsens, or does not stop over 1 or 2 days of consistent crating sessions, there might be a deeper issue there, and you should consult an expert.
After the session, permit your dog to restart her ordinary schedule of play and bathroom breaks. Crate her again each couple of hours or so, lengthening the period for five minutes each time. If she is doing well, you should be doing 30-minute sessions by the end of the day. If you run a home based business this should be much easier than if you work a regular job.
That evening, put her to bed in the crate after she’s had her nightly bathroom break, of course. She’ll likely go to sleep fast.
If she spends her 15-minute interval whining, simply continue crating her throughout the day in 15-minute intervals till she begins to feel comfortable enough to stop making an attempt to get your attention. By bedtime, she should be relaxed enough to spend a night in the crate. If she whimpers at this point, don’t worry – especially if she is extraordinarily young. A young puppy will continue to be suffering from separation anxiety and missing her mom. Successful crate training will give your dog comfort and stability during this hard transition period.
The crate may also be a good tool when it comes to housebreaking your dog. It’s a rare dog which will go to the bathroom when restricted to a little space. Like humans, they find the idea of soiling themselves pretty disgusting and will avoid doing so if possible. Because of this, if you’re crate-training and potty-training at the same time, take your dog outside to use the bathroom after each crate session. Give her five or ten minutes to do her business and praise her lavishly when she does.
If you’re using the crate specifically to potty-train, you may need to recrate her after a nonproductive bathroom break. After she goes in the yard , however , praise her lavishly and release her to play.
Many people who use crates for their dogs leave the crate door open when the dog isnot in the crate, to give the pooch access to it. Remember, the crate is a good thing. It is your dog’s room. The fact that your dog chooses to spend some time there on her very own is a very good sign. This will become a place of security and will supply reassurance for you and your dog.
