Crate Training your dog.
Crate training your dog may take some time
and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations.
If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the dog crate
to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house
rules - like what he can and can't chew on and where he can
and can't eliminate. The dog crate are is a safe way of transporting
your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places
where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly
train your dog to use the dog crate, he'll think his dog crate
is a safe places and will be happy to spend time in his dog
crate when needed.
The Crate Training Process
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending
on your dog's age, temperament and past experiences. It's
important to keep two things in mind while dog crate training.
The dog crate should always be associated with something pleasant,
and training should take place in a series of small steps
- don't go too fast.
Step 1: Introducing Your
Dog To The Crate
Put the dog crate in an area of your house
where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family
room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the dog crates. Bring
your dog over to the dog crate and talk to him in a happy
tone of voice. Make sure the dog crate door is securely fastened
opened so it won't hit your dog and frighten him.
To encourage your dog to enter the dog crate,
drop some small food treats near it, then just inside the
door, and finally, all the way inside the dog crate. If he
refuses to go all the way in at first, that's okay - don't
force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the dog crate
until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the dog crate
to get the food. If he isn't interested in treats, try tossing
a favorite toy in the dog crate. This step may take a few
minutes or as long as several days.
Step 2: Feeding Your Dog
His Meals In The Dog Crate
After introducing your dog to the dog crate,
begin feeding him his regular meals near the dog crate. This
will create a pleasant association with the dog crate. If
your dog is readily entering the dog crate when you begin
Step 2, put the food dish all the way at the back of the dog
crate. If your dog is still reluctant to enter the dog crate,
put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without
becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place
the dish a little further back in the dog crate.
Once your dog is standing comfortably in
the dog crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while
he's eating. At first, open the door as soon as he finishes
his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed
a few minutes longer, until he's staying in the dog crate
for ten minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine
to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too
quickly in the dog crate. Next time, try leaving him in the
dog crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry
in the dog crate, it's imperative that you not let him out
until he stops. Otherwise, he'll learn that the way to get
out of the dog crate is to whine, so he'll keep doing it.
Step 3: Conditioning Your
Dog To The Dog Crate For Longer Time Periods
After your dog is eating his regular meals
in the dog crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can
confine him there for short time periods while you're home.
Call him over to the dog crate and give him a treat. Give
him a command to enter such as, "Crate up." Encourage
him by pointing to the inside of the dog crate with a treat
in your hand. After your dog enters the dog crate, praise
him, give him the treat and close the door. Sit quietly near
the dog crate for five to ten minutes and then go into another
room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short
time, then let him out of the dog crate. Repeat this process
several times a day. With each repetition, gradually increase
the length of time you leave him in the dog crate and the
length of time you're out of his sight. Once your dog will
stay quietly in the dog crates for about 30 minutes with you
out of sight the majority of the time, you can begin leaving
him crated when you're gone for short time periods and/or
letting him sleep there at night. This may take several days
or several weeks.
Step 4: Part A - Crating
Your Dog When Left Alone
After your dog is spending about 30 minutes
in the dog crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can
begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave
the house. Put him in the dog crate using your regular command
and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe
toys in the dog crate. You'll want to vary at what point in
your "getting ready to leave" routine you put your
dog in the dog crate. Although he shouldn't be crated for
a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from
five to 20 minutes prior to leaving. Don't make your departures
emotional and prolonged, but matter-of-fact. Praise your dog
briefly, give him a treat for entering the dog crate and then
leave quietly. When you return home, don't reward your dog
for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic
way. Keep arrivals low key. Continue to crate your dog for
short periods from time to time when you're home so he doesn't
associate crating with being left alone.
Part B - Crating Your Dog
At Night
Put your dog in the dog crate using your
regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea
to put the dog crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway,
especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside
to eliminate during the night, and you'll want to be able
to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside. Older
dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so that crating
doesn't become associated with social isolation. Once your
dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his dog
crate near you, you can begin to gradually move it to the
location you prefer. |
