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CAN YOU CRATE TRAINING YOUR DOG?
1. What is crate training?
2. Use of crate training
3. How to crate train your dog?
When we first got Rocky, our dog, one of the toughest decisions we had to make was
if we would be crate training Rocky. Crate training is probably one of the most
controversial things often discussed and debated by dog owners and lovers. Some
argue that it is an inhumane way for the dog to be treated. Imagine yourself being
confined in a small space for a period of time. Others argue that when done and
used correctly, crate training can allow the dog to feel a sense of security and
comfort as he/she has a place of their own, a safe haven for him/her to retreat
to.
Below is some information for those of you who are interested in finding out more
about crate training. Some of tips we’ve provided here is based on our experience
with Rocky.
What is crate training?
Crate training is the process of teaching a dog to accept a crate as a safe place
for him/her to stay in. Crates are available in many different types of materials,
from plastic ones (often called “flight kennels) to collapsible fabric ones and
metal pens. They come in a variety of sizes and can easily be bought at a pet store.
Each style of crate has its own advantages and disadvantages so make sure you get
one that works for you and your dog. The one thing that you’ll need to keep in mind
is that when selecting a crate for your dog, you should select one that is large
enough for him/her to stand up and turn around in to ensure it is comfortable for
your dog.
Use of crate training
Aside from providing a ‘den’ for your dog, there are also many other valid reasons
for crate training your dog. They include the following:
• Peace of mind from knowing that your dog cannot get into any ‘trouble’ or ‘dangers’
as he/she is in a safe environment
• Limiting access to the house until he/she has learned the house rules (i.e. no
chewing)
• Providing a safe area for your dog to retreat to when the environments gets hectic
(i.e. when you are having a party).
• Effective way to house break your dog as dogs tend to dislike soiling the place
they sleep. As such, crate training your dog may help with eliminating ‘accidents’
around the house
• Travelling - allows you to travel with your dog in the car
How to crate train your dog
Depending on your dog’s age, personality and past experiences, crate training can
take from a couple days to weeks. However, patience is the key (along with lots
of love and praises) and make sure that you proceed at a pace that is comfortable
for your dog – take a small step at a time. It is important you do not rush or pressure
your dog to accept the crate.
Below are some simple tips you can follow:
• Get your dog familiar with the crate and help him/her associate the crate with
positive feelings. You can do by rewarding him/her with small treats placed closed
to and eventually inside the crate
• Start feeding him/her some of his/her meals regularly inside the crate.
• Once your dog seems to have achieved a certain level of comfort with spending
time inside their crate, start conditioning him/her for longer time periods.
Those are some of the basic tips that I would provide to owners who are interested
in crate training their dog. There are also some intricate details and differences
concerning crate training a puppy versus crate training an older dog so I would
highly suggest for those who are interested in find out more to check out Secrets
to Dog Training.
I simply could not find any other manual that’s as comprehensive as the Secrets
to Dog Training. Using the Secrets to Dog Training worked for Rocky and I so I’m
confident that it will also help you and your dog. You can visit Secrets to Dog
Training by clicking on the link below:
Dog Training Tips
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