Crates can also be misused and have a negative influence on your dog. Here are some uses to avoid:. Common sense should be your guide when it comes to crate training. Good, positive associations will help your pup love his crate for the rest of his life. Val has been with Petcurean for over 12 years and in the dog game since , when she got her first Golden Retriever.
She has been active as a breeder, conformation exhibitor, obedience exhibitor, agility and flyball enthusiast. Her teeth are in great shape. We'll help you find the food that is right for your pet even if it isn't our own. Dogs September 15, Help With House Training Crates are great for house training.
Household Safety Having your dog resting comfortably in his crate while you are not able to supervise him is a bonus. Safer Travel Car travel in a crate is far safer for both of you than having him loose in the car. Evacuation Finally, if you ever have to evacuate your home in case of a disaster or emergency, heaven forbid, having a crate trained dog is so much easier for all concerned. Crate training provides a number of benefits to owners. A crate that is sized properly read more about size below encourages a dog's instinct not to mess where he sleeps, helping to teach the dog bladder and bowel control.
This tendency to view the crate as a clean place is a huge benefit house training a new rescue dog or puppy, of course! Using a crate prevents a dog or pup from getting into trouble when you can't supervise directly. Those times might include at night, when you are at work provided the work day is not too long and the dog gets exercise before and after , when you are busy cooking, or any other time when your attention is elsewhere than directly on your dog.
Crate training also teaches puppies and excitable dogs to expect and enjoy some down time, and conditions relaxed behavior. Dogs and pups can be put into a crate with a yummy and safe chew or stuffed Kong to keep them secure, relaxed, and out of mischief for periods of time.
There are several varieties of crates available. It can be a bit daunting to figure out the size and style to pick for your dog. The most common crate varieties are wire crates, plastic crates, and fabric crates. Fabric crates are great for small dogs to travel in, for sporting events, or for camping. With a fabric crate, your dog must be well trained. Since fabric crates are not secure, they are not recommended for long-term confinement without supervision.
The benefits of a fabric crate are that it is lightweight and that it folds flat for easy storage and travel. Probably the best bet for a pet's home crate is a plastic or wire crate.
I favor wire crates, as they fold flat for storage and are more economical to purchase. Plastic crates are sturdier and often feel more secure for your dog, as the walls are mostly solid. However, there are very sturdy metal crates that can be purchased, and you can always cover a wire crate with a blanket if your dog needs more privacy. For an escape artist, either a plastic crate or a rugged not collapsible metal crate would be best.
Both plastic and metal crates can be fortified using strategically placed zip ties. If you are looking for a crate that matches your decor, fashionable dog crate furniture combos that double as end tables are available!
Selecting the right size crate can be confusing. Some people are inclined to choose a large-sized crate to give the dog lots of room. If you pick a crate that is too large, your dog may use a portion of the crate as a toilet.
Pick a crate that is just large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably, at least until the dog is house trained. Most wire crates come with a divider to block off a portion of the crate in order to make it smaller. With a plastic crate, place a box in the back half of the crate to make the space smaller. With these adjustment tricks, you do not have to buy multiple crates as your puppy grows. When your dog is toilet trained but not mature enough to be left loose in the house, feel free to go with a larger crate so the dog really has room to stretch out.
I recommend placing the crate in an area of the house where both you and the dog can access it easily. The crate should be close enough to be handy, but out of the way enough that it is not going to be tripped over constantly. I usually place a crate right beside my bed; it helps teach puppies to sleep in the crate if you are right beside them and they don't feel so alone. I place another crate in a corner of my living room. It works best for a dog to be introduced to a crate gradually, rather than just plopping him in for the night or long periods.
When your new dog or puppy first comes home, acclimate him to the crate by tossing a treat in, leaving the door open so that the dog can enter and exit freely. When your dog is comfortable going in and out of the crate, toss a treat inside and close the door for a second or two before letting the dog out. Place a bed or mat that your dog already likes into the crate.
This will help reduce any startling noises when the dog enters the crate. The dog will also be familiar with the bed, which could make him more willing to go into the crate.
When you are not training, leave the crate open and place your dog's toy basket or favorite toys inside. Feed your dog meals in the crate, starting by leaving the door open and, as training progresses, closing it. If you give your dog any special treats, chewies, or bones, give them to him in the crate. A special bonus of having the mat in the crate is that the dog will begin to associate good things with the mat after being fed on it.
Take the mat with you to the vet. Place it on the floor in the waiting room, on the scale, and in the exam room to help your dog become more comfortable and relaxed during vet visits. When the dog is going into the crate willingly, add a cue for entering the crate. It also allows your dog to stay with you during an emergency, since dogs typically have to be crate trained to remain in shelters with their owners.
In worse case scenarios, dogs may be required to be on crate rest when recovering from surgery. Crate training comes in handy during everyday life for dogs who might need a break from a bustling household or a familiar place to rest. Crates help dogs learn to self soothe, or deal with their anxiety , during situations where they become distressed, like during fireworks , a thunderstorm, or construction.
Dogs can retreat to their crates when situations are too chaotic or scary. It also helps dogs confront new situations successfully, like the addition of a new baby having company over. Crates make it easier to safely transport your dog by car or by air during long-distance travel or vacations. Crate training makes long car rides more pleasant for both humans and canines.
Crates allow dogs to lay down and sleep without distracting the driver. You want to avoid sedating dogs during air travel since the American Veterinary Medical Association advises that sedation can increase the risk of heart or respiratory problems. Dogs instinctively try to keep their sleeping areas clean. As such, the crate helps puppies learn to hold and strengthen their bladder and bowel muscles, making housebreaking less of a chore for you and your dog.
Crate training helps senior dogs deal with health issues by providing a restful place to rest their joints or take frequent naps , prevents nighttime wandering, and makes transporting them to vet appointments easier. Crates also create safe havens for older dogs. They may be especially in need of this when surrounded by rambunctious children or other dogs.
For rescue dogs, a crate provides a safe space to adjust to their new surroundings as well as the luxury of not having to fight for their own space. Crates provide comfort to rescue dogs, since some are fearful around certain people or environments.
This is particularly true for dogs with a traumatic past of neglect or abuse. Crates allow rescue dogs to know they have their own territory and no one will hurt them in it.
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