CRATE TRAINING YOUR PUPPY
Crate Training Your New Puppy
Many years ago when dogs were wild animals, they slept in small dark places called dens. They dug these shallow holes in the ground to rest and this is where they felt safe, and away from predators. These areas were just large enough to lie comfortably in, stand up and turn around in just like a crate! Dogs still have some of their ancient instincts even after selective breeding and living in our homes for all these years. Basically a crate is just another way of saying “den,”where your pet can feel safe and secure in a place that is all their own. Think of it as your pet’s own room.
A Crate use can be a great training mechanism. It is faster to housebreak and avoid destructive behavior if using a crate. Dogs do not like to soil where they sleep naturally. If the crate is just big enough for them to lie down and stretch comfortably, then it is the perfect size. They cannot go into the corner to urinate or defecate because they will not be able to sleep in a different area. Crates aren’t meant to throw your puppy in if you are sick of watching them or they are annoying you, etc. They are places where your puppy should go to sleep in at night, take rests during the day, maybe nap, or when you need to go to the market etc. You want to know that your puppy will be safe while you cannot be there to watch his/her every move.
You can create a homey place for your dog by putting in a nice soft blanket, rug, or dog bed. Allowing a few toys is good too. You can switch them up for different ones from time to time, giving them a little bit of variety. Another good toy option is a Kong which you can put peanut butter or puppy paste in that is premade and this can keep him or her content for hours trying to clean the toy out. It is recommended to keep the crate door open when not in use and have some treats in there so they walk in and hang out on their own. You can also feed them their meals in there. This way they get comfortably used to the crate, and can associate it with good things.
A major concern for owners is that when the puppy is put in the crate he/she barks or cries. It is normal for many puppies to bark, whine, howl or throw tantrums when first being put into the crate. This behavior should stop over time. The best thing to do is ignore it and don’t pay attention to him/her during this period. Once your pet has quieted down, you can take him out, and reward him with a small treat and praise. I cannot say enough about praising them. They want to please you. Do not let them out when they are behaving like this because they think that if they bark or cry then you will let them out. Each time you put your dog in the kennel give them a small treat, and say “Crate.”Sooner or later he/she will see that kennel +crate= treat. Also remember that puppies need to go outside several times a day, sometimes every 2 hours or so, so make sure that you take your pet outside first before putting in the crate.
Although the crate can be a wonderful tool, it should not be abused. If you crate your dog for long periods of time just to get them out of your hair, etc, then you should think about why you wanted a dog to begin with. It is certainly ok to put the dog in the crate when you have to work, go to school, run errands etc. It becomes a problem if the pet is left in there for long periods of time with no activity, exercise, playing or attention and love. If you punish your dog by throwing them in the crate for having an accident in the house, they will probably not even understand what they did wrong. They live from moment to moment. If they had the accident 5-10 minutes ago, it doesn’t click in their heads. Another words watch your dog at all times. When you can’t watch them crate them. Make sure to take them outside to do their “business” first before putting them in their crate.
You can purchase a crate at most pet stores, pet magazines, and even department stores or hardware stores. It is best to shop around to get the best price. They come in all different styles and sizes. Plastic crates are lightweight and molded two- piece units with ventilation areas along the sides and a welded steel wire door in front. They are also portable and are easily taken apart for storage or travel. You will want to get one that is sturdy enough so the pet can’t chew it or destroy it. There are also wire crates that come in a variety of quality and sizes.
For a good quality crate for a medium to large dog expect to pay between 50-125 dollars for a crate. You should take into consideration that a crate is a good investment because it can prevent damage to carpets, furniture and belongings when used.
SOME HINTS FOR CRATE TRAINING
1) When telling the dog to go into his crate, use a command such as “kennel”.
2) To get the dog used to staying in the crate, give him meals or treats in the crate with the door open
3) Put some washable bedding and a toy in the crate for comfort.
4) When using the crate for discipline or to interrupt unacceptable behavior patterns, limit the incarceration to 10-15 minutes.
5) If the puppy or dog has an accident in the crate, don’t yell. Instead make arrangements so he is not left alone for such long periods.