The Basics of Dog Training Using a Crate
Pet ExpertWhy Use Dog Crates for Training?
In the wild, dogs will instinctively seek out a den to live in. This den provides physical protection and offers psychological comfort. In a home that does not have a dog cage, you may notice your pet curling up in a chair, on the floor in the corner, or even under a table or other piece of furniture. Your pup is simply trying to find a space to call his own.
When you use crates for dogs, your puppy will feel more secure. This is a place that is all his own, where he can curl up and relax. Your puppy will not feel isolated because training crates provide both visibility and ventilation - just like a baby in a playpen.
Your dog's natural instinct is to keep his home clean. This means he will try not to use his home as a restroom. This behavior is very useful in establishing a schedule of "potty breaks" to help eliminate accidents.
Since your puppy will feel more safe and secure, a properly used training crate will actually help reduce behavior problems, such as excessive barking or chewing. A training crate can also act as a home away from home when you travel with your pet, giving him a familiar space to call his own in a new environment.
How to Use a Training Crate.
It is rather easy to use a dog crate, as long as you remember it is not to be used as a punishment. If your puppy/dog begins to associate the training crate with punishment, or other negative events, he will begin to fight against using the crate, rather than making it his home.
Introduce your puppy to his new home by leaving the door open and encouraging him to go in. Toss a biscuit into the crate to help draw your dog in. Do not force your puppy in, and do not force him to stay in. Your puppy may quickly back out the first few times - this is normal. Take it slow, and offer lots of praise when he goes into the crate. Once your dog is comfortable with his new home, simply hold your hand up at the door to keep him in. Have the dog stay in the crate for a few minutes and then gradually increase the time. Remember to always praise him - let your dog know you are pleased, and he is doing what you want.
It will likely take a few hours or days of short training sessions for your puppy to feel at ease in "his home." Once your puppy is comfortable, you can begin restraining him with the door. Again, offer lots of praise, and slowly increase the amount of time he spends in the crate. Once your puppy is comfortable with the closed door, you can begin to move yourself farther and farther from the crate. Once again, remember to praise him for doing so well. Your goal is to remove yourself from your puppy’s line of sight until you dog simply sits quietly or goes to sleep.
It is interesting to note that dogs trained with a crate will return to their "room" to sleep or wait for their owners to return, even when the door is open. The crate has become their space, their security blanket.
A training crate is also a very helpful tool to help potty train your puppy. Keep in mind, puppies "need to go" every 2 to 4 hours. Set up a schedule, which includes letting your puppy out, showing him the route to the door (always praise when he gets it right), and let your dog into the yard to go. You should also have set times for feeding each day and to encourage him to go outside. Eating and drinking stimulate the digestive system, which makes a restroom break very necessary. A set schedule helps establish a pattern to your puppy’s day and teach how to "hold it" until let outside. Do not place newspapers or housebreaking pads into the crate. You do not want to encourage your puppy to use his secure room as the restroom. As your puppy grows up, he will be able to hold it for longer periods of time. Eventually, he will be able to wait all day (if necessary) for someone to come home and let him out.
Reader Comments (3)
They are also good when the dog is ill.
Also a good point. If you need to keep your dog quiet, calm, and relaxed, crates are a great place to do this - if your dog is already trained to use his crate. It's not a good idea to get a crate and put your dog in it when he is ill without prior training. Otherwise, he might think he's being punished.
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