Crate Training

Whether you realize it or not, crates are a dog’s (and dog owner’s) best friend.  A crate gives your dog a place to call his own.  A quiet place to recharge his battery, chew a bone, or get some relief from your brother’s rowdy kids.  It keeps him safe when you’re not around and speeds the housebreaking process.  If he ever goes to the groomer or needs to spend the day with his veterinarian, having your dog already crate trained will reduce his stress tremendously.  If you find yourself shuddering and thinking “I could never put MY dog in a cage”, think again.  Every dog yearns for a place to call his own.  And, unless your dog is the size of a small horse (as mine are), a crate is easy enough to move around, so it can be in your bedroom at night, and the living area of your house during the day.  A crate also makes traveling with your dog almost effortless, as he always has “his place” whether you’re staying in a hotel or visiting your in-laws. 

  If you have an older dog, maybe one who’s never been completely housebroken or is destroying the house when left alone, crate training will be worth the extra effort it takes.

  Whether you choose a wire crate or plastic type is up to you.  Keep it clean, make it cozy with a blanket and some chew toys (because of the choking hazard, dogs and rawhide bones should never be left alone together).  Dogs are pack animals.  They thrive best when they are close to you. If at all possible move the crate to your bedroom at night. So now that you have your crate ready, gently but firmly place your dog inside with a kind word and a treat, close both the door and your ears to the soulful cries and plaintive whining and pawing.   Just like your first day at camp, he feels like he’s lost everything he previously held dear.  A little lost sleep won’t kill you, and every night will be a little better.  When your puppy cries, take him outside, praise him if he relieves himself, and put him back in his crate.  Three a.m. isn't the time for playing, treats, or snuggles, so be quiet and matter-of-fact.  Don’t take him to bed with you!  Doing this once will make it a habit.  We’ll discuss dogs in bed at a later time.  If you’re training an older dog, and you know he doesn’t need to go outside, ignore his pleas.  The less they’re rewarded, the sooner they’ll disappear. 

  During the day, the crate is where your dog should be if you’re away from the house or unable to keep an eye on your little bundle of joy.  But you do have to crate fairly.  Putting a naughty puppy who has been told to quit chewing grandma’s oriental rug three times into his crate to think things over for 15 or 20 minutes is fair. It may not make him happy, but a well loved and reared puppy understands.  Crating your dog while you’re at work is fair, especially if you have someone come by during the day to give him a potty break. Leaving your dog for long periods of time, bored, uncomfortable (if he needs to go out) and lonely, isn’t fair.  Don’t use the crate as a handy babysitter because you had a long day at work and don’t feel like dealing with your dog’s needs. Your dog’s crate is a tool, not a prison.

  Keep the door open and toss an occasional treat inside when your dog is on free time.  When you bring a new toy home, toss it in the crate for him to check out.  Once your dog is accustomed to his crate, you’ll both wonder how you ever lived without it.

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