Five (5) Easy Training Steps, Become a Dog Trainer, Important Tool In Dog Obedience Training, Common Questions and Answers:
Dog Crates can be one of the most important tools in dog obedience training, however, if not properly used, can cause more harm than good. With proper dog obedience training, dogs and puppies will look upon their dog crate as their own little safe haven, den, or private little home. How to get started:
1) What Size Dog Crate to use? Purchase dog and puppy crates that are big enough for them to stand up and turn around in. If you purchase one to large, they may be inclined to eliminate in the extra area in the back of the dog crate.
2) What kind of Dog Crate? The most common used dog crates are plastic and steel wire. Both types have their advantages. Plastic is more like a private den which the dogs or puppies feel more at home. The steel wire crates gives the dog more visibility. Recommend plastic over steel wire because the dog’s or puppy’s hair, paws, and teeth are more inclined to get caught in the wire type cages. The plastic dog crates are easier to clean.
3) How do you acclimate your dog or puppy to a dog crate? First of all, you need to place the dog crate in an area of the home which has frequent use. Once you find a space for the dog crate, introduce your dog or puppy to the crate, don’t force them in just yet. Sit down outside the crate, spend a few minutes loving them, then with the door open, place a treat inside and let your dog or puppy go in and check it out. Do this several times to get the dog or puppy use to the dog crate, then close the door for a few minute while your there with them. Slowly increase the time the door is closed and leave the area. Increase the time you’re gone each time. Dogs and puppies will slowly learn in time how to control their bowels. Never open the door while they’re barking or crying. Wait for them to calm down for a few minutes before opening the door.
4) How often do I take them out? When first starting to use the dog crate, begin with 15 minute periods and then afterwards take them outside to their potty area. Then increase the time to 30, 60, 120 minutes over a two week period. Then slowly work up to four hours. Strongly recommend you don’t force any dog or puppy to stay in a dog crate more than four hours at a time. It is not healthy for a dog to stay confined for long periods of time. Sadly, some pet owners think you can leave a dog or puppy locked up for 8 to 10 hours at a time. These individual should be pet owners. It is an absolute pleasure and joy to have a dog or puppy. Take care of them lovingly just as if they were your child.
5) Do you place a dog or puppy in the crate for punishment? Absolutely not. You always want your dog or puppy to feel like the dog crate is their home, not a jail or prison.
Benjamin Rivers
Dog Lover
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