What exactly is crate training dogs? It sounds like something you do to a bad doggie for doing a no-no on the living room carpet. But its not. Crate training is actually based on the principle of the dogs’ innate need for security.
They say dogs descended from wolves. Whether or not that’s true, definitely before they were pets they were animals who lived in the wild. These animals would utilize dark, safe shelters as their lairs. It served as their nesting place from all the disturbances and danger lurking out in the open spaces. This principle is the foundation of training dogs to go to their crates or dens when they are feeling distressed or tense.
Many who use crate training can attest to its stress relieving effects for the canine. This also helps in house training the dogs by keeping them in check within a limited area. This will protect the animals from harming themselves, other people and things around the house. Going to the vet or travelling for long distances will not anymore be a problem with a crate trained dog safely tucked in his enclosed space.
While it may be a great help to many, crate training are not suitable for every pet. There are some dogs that have been abused and cannot be put in a crate without becoming extremely upset. Other animals who are much more of a challenge to train, panic when the doors close in and break the box they’re in. Sometimes, well-meaning owners just cannot stand the thought of live animals inside a coffin like enclosure and reject the idea altogether
Crate training dogs hinges on how the dog owner essentially views the matter. If thinking of your dog in a box makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to push through with this method of training. However, if you believe that this will be advantageous to you and your dog’s personal space, you will find some helpful tips on how to go about doing this in the next paragraph.
You need to put the crate in a room where there will be activities and people. Make sure the enclosure you’ve chosen is a good size and put some of his favorite treats and toys inside it. When you guide your dog in, do not close the door just yet. For a few days just pet him and talk to him reassuringly through the crate. Begin feeding him while he is inside. If you feel he is already quite accustomed to the space, close the door for a few minutes while you are in the room. If the dog reacts violently or cries, wait for him to stop before letting him out. It is a new and often frightening experience for the pet so be patient and do not rush him with this.
Never use this as a form of punishment for the dog. He should associate the crate as a calming and safe place for him to be in. If the animal is not getting upset being left alone in the crate, leave the house in short periods to gauge his reaction. If everything works out, you have accomplished the important task of crate training your dog. This will free you from worrying about your pet all the time. Moreover, you have given your dog his own special space of peace from the world.
