Thursday, May 30, 2013

All About Crate Training Dogs

By Geraldine Dimarco


Have you ever thought about what crate training dogs mean? To me, it sounds like something I would never voluntarily subject my dog to. As I read about it though, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was actually a training method used for dogs which was based on their innate need for security and protection.

It is said that wolves are the dogs' ancestors of old. This may or may not be factual but it still stands true that dogs are animals that lived in the open spaces before we adopted them into our homes. In the wild where there are dangers and perils at every turn- these dogs found caves and dens as a shelter and nesting area. This is the foundation of training dogs to use their crates in stressful and overly busy environments

Crate training is highly effective in house training dogs wherein you contain them to a place that you can feel safe leaving them in. The puppies in the crate will not be in danger of inflicting harm on them, other people or furniture in the house. You can go on long trips without much difficulty because your dog is tucked happily away in his crate. Remember, crates are his nesting area so there is no need to worry about feeling inhumane towards the dog.

Not all animals should be crate trained. Some dogs have had serious trauma in homes before and will get hysterical when placed in a confined box. It is advisable to not follow through if this is the case. Other dogs that are large will break the crate they are contained in and hurt themselves in their panic. There are some pet owners who are still uncomfortable, no matter what facts are presented to them, with the thought of putting their living pets inside a box.

Crate training dogs hinges on how the dog owner essentially views the matter. If thinking of your dog in a box makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to push through with this method of training. However, if you believe that this will be advantageous to you and your dog's personal space; you will find some helpful tips on how to go about doing this in the next paragraph.

You need to put the crate in a room where there will be activities and people. Make sure the enclosure you've chosen is a good size and put some of his favorite treats and toys inside it. When you guide your dog in, do not close the door just yet. For a few days just pet him and talk to him reassuringly through the crate. Begin feeding him while he is inside. If you feel he is already quite accustomed to the space, close the door for a few minutes while you are in the room. If the dog reacts violently or cries, wait for him to stop before letting him out. It is a new and often frightening experience for the pet so be patient and do not rush him with this.

Remember, more than anything, this should be a place that the dogs go to de-stress and calm themselves from a busy household. Never use this as punishment for whatever mistakes he might have done. When he is comfortable alone in the crate already, leave the house for short intervals and assess his response to the new arrangement. If there is no big incident, then you can pat yourself on the back for a job successfully accomplished. You are now an owner of well deserved free time and a crate trained dog.




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