Your Dog’s Best Friend: Dog Crate Training
I have heard many people claim that crate training a dog is cruel. They see such confinement as an infringement on the dog’s natural freedom. After all, who would want to be confined? Most humans wouldn’t, however, to see things from a dog’s eyes, you have to understand how one thinks.
Dogs are used to having burrows. These dark places are home to a canine and are viewed in a positive light. It’s a safe place to get away from danger and hide when you want to be left alone. It is also their own little world where they can relax stress-free and without worrying about strangers. When the dog is crate trained, his pup will associate these positive feelings with his crate. It may not be a real cave or den, but for your pup it’s no different, even if it’s built out of wire or plastic. It remains your 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 can be nervous around newcomers. If you have such a canine, let him into the cage. Close the door and close it so that the dog remains in his safety bubble. The same can be used when leaving home for a period of time. Not too long, of course. In his absence, the crate will prevent your pup from destroying your home or injuring himself by chewing on wires or other potentially dangerous 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. Over time, he will learn the schedule and come to bide his time inside the cage. Many dogs can get to the point where they enter the crate even before you say the command.
Whether it’s crate training for older dogs or acclimating a young pup to his indoor den, always make the crate as cozy as possible. Put a dog blanket inside so your dog can rest comfortably. Some pet supply stores sell special pads and beds made to fit cages. Some dogs may prefer a blanket or towel placed over the outside of an open wire cage for privacy.
Always be careful with the toys you put inside the dog’s crate. Nothing should be put inside that could be broken or chipped away. If the dog focuses on the toy while you’re away, it could break off the pieces and swallow them. This can become a choking hazard or a veterinary emergency if a piece gets caught in the dog’s stomach.
Dog crate training should begin with a command. The word “kennel” works fine, but choose something you’ll easily remember. Teach your puppy to enter the crate on command. It can be helpful to give the kennel command randomly throughout the day, leaving the door closed for a short time and then letting the dog out. In this way, he or she will get used to different periods of confinement.
Crate training your dog can be a positive and beneficial experience. Keep your best friend safe while you’re away and give them 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 his inner home.
