Dog Training Tips - Crate Training
Crate training is not putting your dog/puppy in a cage or
jail, and you are not being cruel if you follow these tips. Dogs feel secure in
small, enclosed spaces, like a den. Dog crates make excellent dens. It is a safe
place for him to stay when you're away or when you cannot watch him.
Watch your own dog around home. Where do you find him napping in his deepest sleep?
Under the table, desk, chair? Yes, somewhere out of the traffic pattern where he
has a roof overhead and a little privacy. A crate offers security, a den with a
roof, and a place to call his very own where he can go to get away from it all.
There are basically just a few steps in "crate"
training and they are as follows:
Choose a crate the same size as your puppy/dog. He should
only have enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down. His crate is for
sleeping or for a safe place to be when you cannot be with him. If you get a
huge crate for a small dog, he may eliminate in one end and sleep in the other
and you will have defeated the whole purpose of using the crate (dogs do not
like to eliminate anywhere where they sleep or eat). If you have a puppy who
will grow into a 60-70 lb. dog, you may have to buy two different crate sizes or
purchase a crate with a divider you can move as he grows.
Use a single-word command for your dog to enter his
crate, for example, "KENNEL"; throw in a treat or piece of kibble;
when the dog/puppy enters, praise him and close the crate door. Increase the
time he spends in the crate before you let him back out. Remember, your dog
still needs time to play and eliminate. Maintain a regular schedule of trips
outdoors so as not to confine him too long.
As a general guide, your puppy can stay in his crate
comfortably for as many months as he is old plus one month (2 month old pup + 1
month = 3 hours in his crate).
Always take your puppy/dog outside to the same area in
your backyard to eliminate on a leash so you can praise him when his job is
finished. This will take the guesswork out of his visits to the backyard. And
don't forget to play with him and exercise him. He needs this kind of
stimulation for his mental and physical wellness.
Remember, your dog or puppy is a pack animal by nature
and he will be looking to you for direction. Your job as a responsible pet owner
is to give him that direction so you can enjoy each other as true companions
should.
Reprinted with permission by the Ralston Purina Company
Note:
You should not rely on the veterinary advice or information provided on this
site for diagnosis or treatment of any specific situation. Always consult your
own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or
treatment of your own pet or animal. The Puppy Place disclaims all warranties
and liability related to the veterinary advice and information provided on this
site. Full disclaimer.
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