Dog Crate Training
Thinking about dog crate training? There are various advantages attached to crate training your dog:
- You can continue with your regular outdoor activities in the safe knowledge that your dog is happy in his crate back home.
- You can train your dog not to pee and poop inside the house as well as carry him along in your car in case you are using a portable crate.
- The crate can be a refuge for your dog when he is tired or stressed.
Click Here to Get Expert Advice on Dog Crate Training
If crate trained correctly, your dog will enjoy being in his crate when you are not around. One of the main principles that dog crate training uses is the fact that dogs are clean animals and will not dirty their own space. In case you have obtained a puppy that’s been huddled with the rest of his mates and litter, you may find crate training all the more difficult. It would pay for you to check this fact before you bring your puppy home so that you can plan the training programmer based on your dogs past. Dog crate training should be started when your pup is a month old.
Choosing a dog crate
The first thing that you need for dog crate training is a dog crate. Dog crates are normally available in metal and plastic formats, it’s your preference as to what will be more suitable for you (personally I prefer plastic as it is a little less harsher).
Your dogs crate will be his home, so pick the best and most comfortable one that you can find. You should choose a crate that is easy to move around and that does not have sharp edges that your dog can cut himself on. Just make sure that you choose a crate that is comfortable for your dog. It should have space for a water bowl, his toys and be comfortable to lie down on the base. Remember that you can always use blankets and towels if need be.
The crate ideally should allow for your dog to be able to lie, stand, turn around and stretch. Purchase a crate that he would fit in when he has grown up fully as well.
You can pick your crate up through the internet or through a regular pet supplies outlet. A crate should cost you anywhere between $30 and 200 depending on branding and frills.
Where to place your dog crate
The crate should be placed in an isolated area as far as possible. At night, his crate should be placed either in your bedroom or just outside it so that he is secure in your near presence. You should be able to monitor the crate from a distance though.
Tips on dog crate training
You should find that your dog will happily accept his crate. If he whines initially, it is probably due to his new environs and not because of his confinement. There is after all some security in confinement. While dog crate training, do not shower praise and treats when your dog whines. Always speak in the positive only when he is subdued, ignore whines all the time. Feed him in the crate by all means, but do not leave his food behind for him to peck on. Most importantly, make sure that he has time to pee and poop at regular intervals so that he is not uncomfortable in the crate.
During the dog crate training period, it is important that you do not pull him out when he whines or is aggressive. If you do this, he will be secure in the knowledge that you have been kind to him when he has misbehaved and this action will be repeated by him. Always be with him when you take him out to eliminate.
Dog crate training is important and required, whether your dog is on a farm or residential home.