Your Dog’s Best Friend: Crate Training for Dogs
I have heard many people claim that crate training a dog is cruel. They view such confinement as an infringement on the dog’s natural freedom. After all, who would want to be confined? Most humans would not, however in order to see things from a dog’s eyes, you must understand how one thinks.
Dogs are accustomed to having dens. These dark places are a home to a canine and viewed in a positive light. It is a safe place to get away from danger and hide when he or she wants left alone. It is also their own little world where they can rest stress free and unconcerned about outsiders. When dog crate training, your pup will associate these positive feelings with their crate. It may not be a cave or actual den, but to your pup it is no different, even if it is constructed of wire or plastic. It is still their safe haven away from the world.
The crate is a safe place where you can keep your dog out of trouble and keep others away from your dog. Some dogs may become nervous about newcomers. If you have such a canine, let him or her go into the crate. Close the door and lock it so the dog stays in their safety bubble. The same can be utilized when leaving home for a length of time. Not too long, of course. In your absence, the crate will prevent your pup from destroying your home or possibly harming itself by chewing wires or other potentially hazardous objects.
A consistent routine is vital to training any dog, but especially when crate training an older dog. Initially, the practice may not be well received by your pet. In time, he or she will learn the schedule and come to expect their time inside the crate. With many dogs, it may get to the point where they enter the crate before you even utter the command.
Whether you are dealing with older dog crate training or a acclimating a young pup to his indoor den, always make the confinement as welcoming as possible. Place a dog blanket inside so your dog can rest comfortably. Some pet supply stores sell special pads and beds made to fit in crates. Some dogs may prefer to have a blanket or towel placed over the outside of an open wire crate for privacy.
Always be careful of which toys you place inside the dog’s crate. Anything that can be torn apart or have pieces removed should not be put inside. If the dog focuses on the toy while you are gone, he or she could break pieces off and swallow them. This can become a choking hazard or a veterinary emergency should a piece get lodged in the dog’s stomach.
Crate training for dogs should start with a command. The word “kennel” works well, but pick something you will easily remember. Teach your pup to enter the crate when the command is given. It may help to randomly give the kennel command throughout the day, leaving the door closed for a short time and then releasing the dog. This way, he or she will become accustomed to varying lengths of time in confinement.
Crate training your dog can be a positive and beneficial experience. Keep your best friend safe while you are away and give him or her a safe haven to return to when the world seems overwhelming. In the end, a crate is not a negative part of your dog’s life, but rather its indoor home.
Copyright Danny Taylor
