Crate Training Dog
First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. You can watch your dog from a distance to see how long it takes them to calm down and get used to the crate. If he shows any signs of protest, you should not let him outside. Be patient and let him calm down and then you can let him out. Do this exercise for a couple of days until he has learned to enter the crate and leave it on his own.
Many people protest against crate training a dog because, according to them, it is similar to solitary confinement. Still, the benefits to crate training your dog mentioned in this article, and several other benefits that we will not take the time to explore, show this to be a good method for both the owner and their dog.
People who take the right approach to crate training puppies will help their dog or puppy realize it to be a safe place for them to rest and not something to fear.
This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. Dens are what dogs naturally seek for in a home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.
Why You Should Use a Crate
a) There are times when you can not let your dog run around freely and a crate is a great way to keep them with you, while controlling them at the same time.
b) The dog will feel relatively safe inside the crate especially when located in places where they are most vulnerable.
c) The crate quickly becomes a familiar place to rest and retreat too from things that make them uncomfortable.
d) Some dogs may have some behavior problems that can be helped with proper crate training.
e) Puppies respond well to crate training as a way to teach them potty training skills and what not to chew on or to not bite people.
f) This could also be good for dogs with separation anxiety.
g) It could secure the dog whenever the owner has to bring him outside.
h) It increases his confidence due to the security it provides.
i) Crates could enhance training by giving the dog a better sense of direction for routine activities.
Size of the Crate
The crate should be large enough to accommodate the dog on all fours, to let him lie down comfortably and to give him enough space to turn around without hitting the walls. It is also important to know that if you plan on traveling you will want to consider purchasing a slightly larger crate.
However, when a crate is used for just training purposes, they do not need to be so large that the dog can move around in it and maybe do something undesirable inside it.
How to introduce the crate to the dog
The best time to introduce the crate to a dog is when you feel that they are ready for it. After buying the right crate, you could place it somewhere in the house where it would catch the dog’s attention. The first week you should remove the door and just let him explore it at his leisure.
If he does not show any sign of interest, try leaving some of his favorite treats inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This special treat is a signal to your dog that this a special place just for him, and that will create a sense of safety and security all dogs enjoy.
