| Crate training |
This is part of an article from the Champaign County Humane Society in Urbana, IL.
I have changed a few things.
A dog crate is a cage made of wire or molded plastic. Its purpose is to provide
confinement for reasons of security, safety, housebreaking, protection of household
goods, travel or illness. You may think that putting your pet in a crate is mean or
inhumane and might cause your pet to resent you or to be psychologically damaged.
However, dogs view the world differently than people.
As your dog sees it, the crate is a room of his very own - a "security place". The crate
helps to satisfy the "den instinct" inherited from his den-dwelling ancestors and
relatives. Your pet will feel secure, not frustrated once accustomed to his crate. Your
pet wants to please you and you want to enjoy him. The crate can help you achieve a
better relationship with your pet by preventing unwanted behavior when you aren't
available to supervise him.
The advantages of using a crate
With the help of a crate:
Where should I put it?
Dogs are social animals. Place the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of
time - kitchen. family room, etc. The top of the crate can serve as extra shelf or table
space. At night, move your puppy's crate into your bedroom so you can hear him if he
needs to go out.
Crating a puppy
A young puppy should have no problem accepting the crate as his place. Crying at
first is caused, not by the crate, but by adjusting to an unfamiliar household. Do not
reward barking or whining with attention! If you are sure he doesn't need to
eliminate, ignore him until he is quiet, then praise him or take him out of the crate.
Do not leave meals in the crate or feed your puppy immediately prior to confining
him. Most puppies will spill water left in the crate. Do leave a safe, attractive chew
toy in the crate for your pet (see Toys, Tools, and Tricks about stuffed Kongs). Close
your pet in the crate whenever he must be left alone or can't be closely supervised by
a responsible person.
Never crate your pet longer than you know he can wait to eliminate. If you
occasionally must be gone longer than you are comfortable leaving him crated, you
can place the it with the door open in an enclosed area such as a bathroom or laundry
room. Place newspapers or old towels (most puppies tear the paper and play with it)
on the floor of the room to facilitate clean-up. Your puppy should soon stop
eliminating overnight and then may be crated in his regular place.
Crate training dogs over 6 months old
Often, problem behaviors in this age group result from the pet feeling insecure when
left alone. A crate can actually help alleviate this anxiety, but it must be introduced
gradually and in a positive manner. The dog's first association with the crate should
be pleasant.
First secure the door open so that it can't suddenly shut and frighten the dog.
Encourage your pet to enter voluntarily by tossing a treat into the far end, praising
him enthusiastically once he enters, then letting him come right back out. Once he
enters the crate confidently, coax him to lie down and relax, using food, if necessary.
Shut the door briefly, while you sit beside the crate or when there are people in the
room. Again, don't reward barking or whining, with attention.
When you feel your dog will remain quietly in the crate, leave him alone for 15 - 30
minutes. If all goes well, you can leave him for longer intervals. Eventually, you may
no longer need to shut him in the crate, but he will probably appreciate still having
access to his special place.
Does the crate always work?
Unfortunately, no. There are some animals (usually adults) that can or will not
tolerate this form of confinement. A few will show no desire to keep the crate clean.
Use - don't abuse!
I have changed a few things.
A dog crate is a cage made of wire or molded plastic. Its purpose is to provide
confinement for reasons of security, safety, housebreaking, protection of household
goods, travel or illness. You may think that putting your pet in a crate is mean or
inhumane and might cause your pet to resent you or to be psychologically damaged.
However, dogs view the world differently than people.
As your dog sees it, the crate is a room of his very own - a "security place". The crate
helps to satisfy the "den instinct" inherited from his den-dwelling ancestors and
relatives. Your pet will feel secure, not frustrated once accustomed to his crate. Your
pet wants to please you and you want to enjoy him. The crate can help you achieve a
better relationship with your pet by preventing unwanted behavior when you aren't
available to supervise him.
The advantages of using a crate
With the help of a crate:
- You can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing that
nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that he is comfortable, safe, and not
developing bad habits. - You can housebreak your pet more quickly by using the close confinement to
motivate your pet to wait until taken outside, since canines naturally avoid
soiling their den. - You can travel with your pet without risk of the the dog getting loose and
becoming lost or interfering with safe driving. - Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of den of his own to which he can
retreat when tired or stressed. - Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to
problem behavior. - Since he can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he has
his familiar "security blanket" along, your pet can be included in family outings,
instead of being left behind alone.
Where should I put it?
Dogs are social animals. Place the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of
time - kitchen. family room, etc. The top of the crate can serve as extra shelf or table
space. At night, move your puppy's crate into your bedroom so you can hear him if he
needs to go out.
Crating a puppy
A young puppy should have no problem accepting the crate as his place. Crying at
first is caused, not by the crate, but by adjusting to an unfamiliar household. Do not
reward barking or whining with attention! If you are sure he doesn't need to
eliminate, ignore him until he is quiet, then praise him or take him out of the crate.
Do not leave meals in the crate or feed your puppy immediately prior to confining
him. Most puppies will spill water left in the crate. Do leave a safe, attractive chew
toy in the crate for your pet (see Toys, Tools, and Tricks about stuffed Kongs). Close
your pet in the crate whenever he must be left alone or can't be closely supervised by
a responsible person.
Never crate your pet longer than you know he can wait to eliminate. If you
occasionally must be gone longer than you are comfortable leaving him crated, you
can place the it with the door open in an enclosed area such as a bathroom or laundry
room. Place newspapers or old towels (most puppies tear the paper and play with it)
on the floor of the room to facilitate clean-up. Your puppy should soon stop
eliminating overnight and then may be crated in his regular place.
Crate training dogs over 6 months old
Often, problem behaviors in this age group result from the pet feeling insecure when
left alone. A crate can actually help alleviate this anxiety, but it must be introduced
gradually and in a positive manner. The dog's first association with the crate should
be pleasant.
First secure the door open so that it can't suddenly shut and frighten the dog.
Encourage your pet to enter voluntarily by tossing a treat into the far end, praising
him enthusiastically once he enters, then letting him come right back out. Once he
enters the crate confidently, coax him to lie down and relax, using food, if necessary.
Shut the door briefly, while you sit beside the crate or when there are people in the
room. Again, don't reward barking or whining, with attention.
When you feel your dog will remain quietly in the crate, leave him alone for 15 - 30
minutes. If all goes well, you can leave him for longer intervals. Eventually, you may
no longer need to shut him in the crate, but he will probably appreciate still having
access to his special place.
Does the crate always work?
Unfortunately, no. There are some animals (usually adults) that can or will not
tolerate this form of confinement. A few will show no desire to keep the crate clean.
Use - don't abuse!
- Children should be taught that the crate is a special room for the pet and that
they should not pester the dog or pup when it is in the crate or use the crate as
a playhouse. - For a dog regularly left alone all day it is important to remember:
- The pet must be well exercised and pottied before and after crating.
- The crate must be in a cool place in the summer.
- Your pet should get lots of attention and complete freedom each night.
- If you do not have time to take a puppy or dog outside to eliminate and exercise
as recommended here, you should reconsider getting a dog as a pet. Crate or no
crate, any dog consistently denied the attention and companionship it craves,
may still find ways to express bored anxiety, and stress .
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| Personally I prefer plastic crates. They have a distinct den-like feeling, especially when you put blankets in the bottom. Most of my blankets and towels come from Savers on Fairview. It is amazing what you can get for $20! I was them in basic white vinegar as it is better for the animal and the environment, or bleach when vinegar isn't enough. |