“Crate or Not To Crate”
An Effective House Training Tool
Why Should A Crate Be Used To Train Your Dog?
The crate for your dog can be a wonderful training tool. Confining your dog not only aids in house training, but also can help develop good household habits. It can keep them out of mischief, establish a chew toy habit, reduce hyperactivity and barking, and be used as a safe place when the house gets busy or when no one is home, and even for travel.
Creating A Natural Environment
Dogs are den and pack animals. They will naturally and instinctively seek the shelter of a den. The crate is a natural bed and safe spot for your dog. By using the crate, you are actually satisfying a very natural desire for your dog. You can create a sense of security. It can be necessary for the dog’s safety or an owner’s peace of mind. Many people are appalled by the idea of confining their dog to a cage; however, the correct use of a crate merely satisfies the dogs’ basic need to feel safe, snug, and secure.
Building Your Dog’s Den
Crates come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. You can get crates made of wire mesh material or of plastic. It is important to choose the right one for your dog. Crates should be large enough for your puppy to stand up, stretch, turn around and lie down. You may have to start small and get a larger one as the puppy grows. But remember to think small, not condo. If the crate is too large it may encourage your puppy to use part as a bed and the rest as the great outdoors.
Getting Puppy Started
The important part of crate training is to remember not to let the puppy associate it with a form of punishment. By introducing it correctly, the puppy will think of it as his/her own little home. Start by setting up the crate in a low activity area. To introduce the puppy, let him investigate on his/her own. Leave the door open and toss in a toy or a treat to encourage investigation. Choose a word or phrase, such as “go to your den or crate”, to help him to associate it with the place to go to bed.
The next step is to start getting your puppy comfortable with being confined. Begin with the door closed for short amounts of time and gradually increase the confinement. Be sure to praise or reward your puppy with each time interval. But remember, don’t give in to the barking, whining or scratching at the door. This will only create bad habits that are difficult to break! Eventually you will be able to leave your puppy in the crate for longer amounts
of time.
“My Puppy Still Isn’t House Trained!”
Most crate training problems occur because a good routine and strict schedule has not
been kept. An untrained dog left in the crate for too long is bound to soil the crate. Resisting or resenting the crate is usually due to not being accustomed to it or a poor introduction. Some points to remember:
Be sure to put the puppy in the crate at other times besides bedtime.
Exercise is important to make them tired before bed.
Feed set meals 2-3 times daily. Feed the last meal about 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Getting the puppy out of the crate because it gave that “sad puppy eye look,” only spells TROUBLE later.
If there are still problems after following these steps, it is recommended to consult a dog trainer or your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can rule out any medical conditions and
give advice.
Using the crate for house training depends on creating a regular routine. After your puppy has been in the crate all night, and kept it clean, you need to take him outside immediately to do his duty. They usually relieve themselves right away to avoid getting the “den” dirty. As soon as your puppy is done remember to give lots of praise. Another rule to remember is to take the puppy outside after a meal, drinking, playing, or taking a nap. Their need to go to the bathroom is usually greater after these times. By being consistent with these first few steps, your puppy will look forward to the praise and before you know it, your puppy is house broken!