Roll Over Rocket: Crate Expectations: A Dog Crate Training Primer Dazzle Dog Delight

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Crate Expectations: A Dog Crate Training Primer

You’ve adopted a beautiful new dog from your local shelter. You bring her home, let her sniff around, and now, according to the experts, you’re supposed to … PUT HER IN ANOTHER CAGE?! No way! You just rescued that pretty pup FROM a cold, metal cage – the last thing you are going to contemplate is putting her back INTO one! Right?

Wrong. Dogs are by nature den animals. In nature, a dog’s den is where he retreats if he’s feeling anxious, sleeps, and raises pups. In your home, a dog’s den can be an invaluable asset in training your dog, house training a dog, and addressing any dog behavior problems that might arise, such as chewing on the furniture or other destructive habits. With a little training and a little more patience, crate training your dog can be a peaceful, positive experience for both you and the pooch!

When crate training a dog, there are a few important things to remember. A crate should never be used as punishment and should only have positive associations for the dog. A dog should not be crated for an extended period of time (puppies max out at around three hours). If you crate a dog for too long, she will eventually need to relieve herself, and dogs get very upset if they soil their “dens.” Once your pet has settled in to her routine, and you feel satisfied that all behavior issues have been addressed, the crate can become a place your dog retreats to voluntarily.

A crate can easily become your dog’s best friend, and there are a wide variety of styles and sizes to choose from. Oh, and have a crate time!

Resources:
http://www.humanesociety.org/

by Joy Randel

Labels: Crate Training a Dog, Dog Behavior Modification, Dog Behavior Problems, Dog Crate Training, Dog Training Aids, House Training a Dog, Training Your Dog