Several Serious Benefits Of Crate Training A Dog
Posted in Pets on 01/22/2010 12:25 am by adminIf you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Because there’s so much press about abuses such as dog fighting and dog racing, many dog lovers are wary of the idea of confining a dog to a crate, or a little dog cage. Though abuses can, and do, occur, the crate is not intended as a place to lock up a dog. It isn’t a tool for punishment. Rather, your dog’s crate functions in pretty much the same way as your child’s bedroom.
In order for the crate to be a positive experience for your dog, begin the process of crate training on a night or day when you have time to stay at home and observe your dog’s behaviour. In the day, for example, put your dog inside the crate for short periods such as 15-minute intervals. A successful crating session has happened if your dog seems comfy. If your dog whines or attempts to get your attention, pay no attention to her, but take note. If it’s’s simply a cry for attention, she will shortly learn that crate time is private time, and will begin to occupy herself or rest. If the whining gets worse, or does not go away over 1 or 2 days of consistent crating sessions, there may be a deeper issue there, and you need to consult an expert.
After the session, allow your dog to pick up her regular schedule of play and potty breaks. Crate her again every couple of hours or so, lengthening the duration for 5 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 is going to be much simpler than if youhold a regular job.
That evening, put her to bed in the crate after she’s had her nightly potty break, naturally. She will probably go to sleep fast.
If she spends her 15-minute interval whining, simply continue crating her throughout the day in 15-minute intervals until she begins to feel comfortable enough to stop attempting to get you interested. By bedtime, she should be relaxed enough to spend a night in the crate. If she sighs at this point, do not be concerned – particularly if she is very young. A young puppy will still be suffering from separation anxiety and missing her mom. Successful crate training will give your dog comfort and stability during this difficult transition period.
The crate can also be a valuable tool when it comes to housebreaking your dog. It’s a rare dog that may go to the bathroom when restricted to a little space. Like humans, they find the idea of soiling themselves pretty disturbing and will avoid doing so if possible. For that reason, 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 10 minutes to do her business and give her praise when she does.
If you’re using the crate especially to potty-train, you may want to recrate her after a nonproductive potty break. Once she goes in the yard praise her lavishly and release her to play.
Many people who use crates for their dogs leave the crate door open when the dog isn’t inside, to give the pooch access to it. Remember, the crate is a great thing. It is your dog’s room. The indisputable fact that your dog selects to spend time there on her own is a great sign. This will become a place of security and will provide peace of mind for you and your dog.


















