Try Using A Dog Crate

Crates can be very beneficial for dogs and owners. They are the place where a dog can retreat to when tired or frightened. They are also perfect for owners as they prevent unwanted chewing behavior when a puppy is not under watch.

The ASPCA recommends that puppies be crated through the night as the longest time that they are crated. During the day, the ASPCA says that they should not be crated for longer than an hour at any one time. Crates should not be used as a means of punishment because the dog will not want to be trapped inside the crate. If it is used as a den, after the dog is given sufficient exercise, he will learn to like his crate.

How does one teach a dog to go to his crate? Using positive reinforcement like sitting down near the crate with your dog and his favorite treat. Toss the treat in the crate and let the dog take the treat. Each time toss the treat further into the crate so the dog steps up into it. You can associate a word with the crate and cookie like “bed.” Such as in “go to bed.” Every time the dog takes his treat allow him to come back out. You don’t want to shut the door on him and traumatize him.

You eventually want the dog to find the treat at the back of the crate, then turn around for a treat at the mouth of the crate. Combine now with a sit and stay command. Wait 2 seconds and let the dog come outside and give him a treat. When your dog is comfortable with his crate, have him lie down and stay for 20 seconds with the door closed. Give him a treat. Then allow him to exit. Build up to where the dog will stay in the crate for an hour. Give him toys and soft bedding so he enjoys his quiet time in the crate.

You can combine this training to go along with the time your dog may take a nap during the day so he starts to understand that this is his den or sleep space. If you exercise him prior to the training and know when he usually takes his mid-afternoon nap, begin the crate training and allow him to nap in his crate.

Now that you understand how to use the dog’s crate, you’ll need to know a few things:

• How big should it be. Your dog needs to be able to stand, turn around and lie down. If a puppy, you may have to buy a larger crate when he is an adult.
• Where to buy one. Online, from your veterinarian, at a local pet store, there are many places to buy a pet crate. Decide how portable it must be, the size of dog it needs to handle, the material you require.
• How much to spend. Depending on the size of dog, you could spend anywhere from $30 to $180 dollars for a dog crate.
• Durability. Sturdy wire frames are good. And you can give your dog a sense of security by draping a sheet over the top of the wire frame. It will also help keep your dog from becoming too enamored of what is going on around him. Chew proof dog crates and beds are available from a variety of resellers online and in pet stores.
• Safety. Check the crate for metal sticking out or nails that can hurt your dog. Make sure you remove his collar before crating him so he doesn’t get caught on something.

Remember to use your dog’s crate judiciously and your dog will learn to love his crate as his den. If you’ve done the training correctly and have supplied a safe and comfortable crate, you’ll often find him napping in there voluntarily with the door open.

Next article: Using A Crate To Save Your Home From Your New Puppy