Crate Success!

Crate Success! Whether you have a new puppy or an older canine you too and have Crate Success! “Dogs are den animals by nature”, we’ve all heard this before, but how do you transfer that to today’s lifestyle? The invention of the modern crate provides today’s domesticated canines a twenty first century den. Many have tried crate training, and many have fallen prey to “the whine”. It’s never too late, try it again.

When can you use the benefits of crate training?

Mealtime~ Yours and his! Feed your dog his dinner in his crate while you eat your dinner, no more beggers at the table!
When you leave~ Crate your dog when he is home alone, for his safety and yours. Yours, yes, your stuff! Dogs have a tendency to get into mischief when left bored and alone. This could mean getting into sometime that could harm your dog, or destroying your favorite leather shoes.
Potty training~ Most dogs will not bathroom where they sleep, controlling a young dogs environment is the best tool in potty training.
Naptime~ Young dogs and high energy dogs need quite time just like toddlers do! A midday nap can help a dog regroup.
Travel~ Use your crate for safety in the car. If you even decide to travel by a plane a crate is a necessity. Use your crate at dog events or relatives homes.

Convinced yet? Ok, Your next step next is to select a crate. Your most important decision is the size of the crate you select. Select a size that is large enough for your dog to comfortably stand and turn around in.

After you have chosen a size, decide which type of crate best suits your dog. Today you will find a varity of crat style. Canvas sided, all wire and plastic shell crates are the most popular options.

Canvas crates are good for non-chewers, they are foldable and lightweight. Plastic shell crate are airline approved and great for mild chewers. These are sturdy crates, but are not designed for folding down. Wire crates are best for chewers and escape artists, most fold down, but may be a little heaver. Canvas and plastic crates can provide a more secure closed in feeling, while a wire crate is completely open (which your dog may prefer). Every dog is different, and may like to dark enclosed feeling, where another dog may what to see everything that’s going on around him. (This also may be too much stimulation for some dogs.) Keep these things in mind when choosing your crate.

Training Begins

After purchasing your crate, place it in a well traffic area of your home. Place a comfy bed in the crate, preferably a bed that your dog already uses. If using a new bed place a shirt or blanket on the bed, something with your/his smell on it for familiarity.

For the first couple days, leave the crate door open (or off completely), and let your dog investigate the new object and become comfortable with its presence. Further introduce the crate by feeding meals next to the crate door. The key in crate training is “no pressure”, take your time. Don’t force the dog into the crate, this will only increase your training time.

Next you can start placing the food or a treat just inside the crate door, encouraging your dog to retrieve the treat. You may even need to place the treat and walk away, letting him get it on his own time. Always praise your dog for any progress. You may start moving the food or treat further back into the crate after a couple days, when you feel your dog is comfortable. Encourage your dog to enter the crate to get the reward. Do not close the door on your pooch the first time he enters all the way! This may frighten him and remove all the progress you have gained. Continue luring your dog into the crate and releasing him out. Always leave the door open between sessions because you may find him curled up in there all on his own! Make sure to praise him for this!

When your dog seems comfortable with this step, lure him in with a treat and gently close the door for 5 seconds. Then release and praise, making this a fun game.

Increase the length of time the door is closed, treating him thru the slats. Again, do this for a couple days.

Up the reward with a treat filled toy filled, special bone, or even dinner time, in the crate, with the door closed, leave the room for a few minutes. If your pup was quite, return and open the door calmly, praise him, and love him! If your pup whines, shorten time time away and try to return before he starts whining or barking. If its an immediate whine as soon as you disappear, wait till he’s quite, even if only a second, to return.