Crate Training
Many people consider a dog’s confinement to a crate cruel. But we have to look at things from a dog’s point of view. Dogs appreciate the idea of a den. They look at it as a small area that they can call their own and where they can feel perfectly safe. A crate is cruel only if it is physically uncomfortable, or if a dog is left in too often or for too long. Also, the crate is never to be used for or thought of as punishment. No negative association should go along with being crated. Every interaction with the crate should be a pleasant experience. If crating is done correctly, having and using a crate will save you and your dog a lot of trouble. It is useful for housebreaking, bedtime, traveling, and any time you need to confine your dog for a certain period of time. With patience, both puppies and adult dogs can be crate trained.
The right crate
Crates come in all sizes and styles. The most common are the wire type, which usually have a tray on the bottom, and plastic crates, which are best for travelers and for dogs that prefer a dark, cozy place. The size of the crate obviously depends on the size of the dog. There should be enough room for the dog to stand up, sit in normal posture, turn around and lie down comfortably. When used for house breaking, the crate should not be too big either – it would allow the puppy to eliminate at one end and sleep and play in another area. Inserting cardboard boxes inside the crate to limit space until the puppy is grown avoids having to buy a bigger crate when the puppy is fully grown. The crate should have bedding and some chew toys to make the dog feel as comfortable as possible.
Getting the dog to accept the crate
Introduce your dog to the crate while you are home so she does not associate the crate with being alone. Accustom your dog gradually. If she is put in without introduction and training she might howl, bark and/or struggle to get out. Place the crate in an area where she does not feel “left out”. At the beginning, with the crate door open, feed your dog in the crate. When the actual training begins try to lure your dog into the crate by using a toy or a treat and lots of soothing speech. Praise your dog when she goes into the crate. You can also repeat a phrase such as “go in your crate” as you are luring them in. If necessary, gently put your dog in the crate. When she is in, give her a treat and lots of praise. Leave the room for a little while and increase the time of your absence gradually. Your dog will probably whine a bit when left alone for the first time. Either ignore it or reply with a friendly but firm “no” or “it’s okay”. You should not let your dog out of the crate because she is whining – it would teach her a bad habit. Let your dog out when she has quieted down. Talk to her in a normal tone when she comes out. Don’t be too emotional when you let your dog out – it may incite nervousness in your dog.
Crate time
The golden rule for leaving a dog in her crate is considered to be one hour per each month of age. The equivalent to an average workday (8 hours) should be the maximum. Make sure that your dog had enough time to get accustomed to the crate before you leave him/her in for an extended period of time. Also, each crate time should be preceded and followed by plenty of exercise including eliminating outside.
