Dog Crate Training – The Quick & Stress Free Way

Dog crates can be utilized for a variety of purposes, the most popular use for a dog crate is within the home but they are often used for transporting dogs by car or in a dog show environment.

The imperative rule to remember when dog crate training is under no circumstances whatsoever allow your dog to view the crate as punishment, they should never feel that they have been banished to their dog crate. Dogs need the crate to feel welcoming, to be a place of safety, their own little haven.

Dog crate training is generally easier with a puppy as they have no bad experiences to recall when you are enticing them into the crate. Adult dogs can be trickier, especially rescue dogs as you may not possess a lot of knowledge pertaining to the dog’s history. For all you are aware the dog may have been traumatised during its past by being forced into a crate, or confined to a restricted area & abandoned.

Without intending to you could be asking your dog to relive a nightmare, this is where the magic word in dog training comes in “patience”. You have to be respectful of your dog at all times & be tuned into their way of thinking. You will become accustomed to the signs they display when they are becoming agitated, sad, happy or playful – be sure to watch your dog closely.

When dog crate training, either a puppy or an adult dog, the method is very similar. Initially just simply place the dog crate on the floor, preferably in the location that it is to remain. Pop a lovely, cosy dog cushion inside & an item of your clothing. All dogs love to snuggle up with something soft with their owner’s scent on. Along with these items also place one of the dog’s favourite toys inside the dog crate. Then leave the door open & walk away.

Allow your dog the opportunity to explore the dog crate on its own with no pressure from anybody, pay no attention to the dog crate yourself, pretend it is not even there. This way your dog is not sensing any negative thoughts from you regarding the dog crate; it is so insignificant to you that you have not even noticed it.

Leave the dog crate like this for several days. Eventually your dog will give into its curiosity & feel compelled to investigate, when he/she does praise them & offer them a small reward. The first time your dog feels safe enough to enter the dog crate is an important step forward in the dog crate training regime.Therefore you really need to encourage the dog through praise & attempt to persuade them to possibly sit inside the dog crate, even just for a second. If they complete this task then really accentuate your pleasure with them.

By leaving your dog to its own devices it does not feel forced & will view the dog crate as simply a place to sleep. Dogs are fastidious creatures by nature & so will very rarely relieve themselves in their sleeping area.

If you wish to have the door closed eventually, perhaps overnight if you are potty training a puppy, then incorporate this into your dog crate training gradually by pushing the door further & further shut a bit at a time.

Do not alarm your dog to the fact that you are shutting the door just casually push it closed a tiny bit further each evening. When you have achieved actually closing the door always ensure you are present for the first several times as your dog may awaken & go into a panic if it cannot exit the dog crate.

Above all else, always be mindful of the golden rule never make the dog crate a place of punishment for your dog. The process of dog crate training need not be stressful for you or your dog, the calmer the approach that you adopt the better for both you & your canine friend.

Dog Crates – Discover the Truth

You are bringing home a new family member – this one with four legs, not two – and he will need a place to sleep.

Everyone needs a space to call their own. Managed properly your dog’s crate will become his room, a cosy place he goes for privacy. Think of it like a toddler’s cot or playpen.

What must I know about puppies and dog crates?

Growing puppies alternate between periods of activity and sleeping. As long as you have a regular schedule of toileting, feeding and exercise, your puppy will be happy to use his dog crate for a bed.

Just don’t expect your puppy to stay in his crate unless he is sleeping: remember he needs lots of love and attention. If you intend to keep him in his crate for long periods perhaps you need to re-consider whether you are able to commit to a dog right now.

How will older dogs and dog crates work?

If you have an older dog you think you may like to crate – perhaps you are giving a new home to an older animal from a refuge shelter – you can still happily use a dog crate as a bed.

Let him investigate the crate. Just as with a puppy, put in soft bedding and a treat, and let him get used to things while the door remains open. Once he is accustomed to his crate you will most likely find he will take himself off there to sleep or to get away from noisy children or visitors.

What should I put in my dog’s crate?

Put washable bedding – perhaps a favorite blanket – in the crate to make it comfortable. Put the favorite toy of the moment in as well and perhaps a rawhide bone to chew on.

I have found my dog will happily chew her rawhide bone as she is dropping off to sleep in her crate and again when she wakes. Especially first thing in the mornings this can give me a much appreciated extra fifteen minutes of sleep!

It is a good idea to give your dog some treats when you put him in his crate, to reinforce positive feelings: a little snack before he settles down to sleep would go down well.

If your dog wears a collar make sure you remove it before he goes into the crate. Dogs have choked to death when their collar or Id tags have caught on the crate’s bars. A good idea is also a crate bumper, which is very similar to a cot bumper.

How can using dog crates for beds help toilet training?

Puppies have an instinctive desire to keep their sleeping area clean. Using a crate takes advantage of this and helps your puppy learn to control his bladder between trips outside. He will have accidents, of course, but by using a dog crate as a bed and combining it with a regular toileting, feeding and play schedule, toilet training will be quicker and less stressful – for everyone involved!

Just remember never to use the crate as a form of punishment. If you shout at your dog or smack him and then put him into his crate he will see his crate as a place to be feared: those associations are the last thing you want to create.

How big should my dog’s crate be?

You don’t want your puppy to toddle off into a corner of his crate to go to the toilet, so get a crate with a divider. This can be moved as he grows, and discarded once he is grown and/or completely housetrained.

If you are getting a dog crate as a bed for a dog that is already fully grown, make sure the crate is big enough for him to stretch out, stand up and turn around comfortably.

What type of dog crate should I buy?

A wire crate is a good option if you’re buying a dog crate for a bed. It is a good idea to get a crate bumper for comfort and safety. Many dogs also prefer a covering over the back and perhaps the sides of the crate to give them a greater sense of privacy. This doesn’t have to be expensive: we have a blanket draped over our dog’s crate.

Using a dog crate for a bed doesn’t mean that you can’t be stylish as well. There are many crates that are both comfortable for your dog and will fit with any décor. Check out the wicker-look versions, or the very upmarket Bauhaus, and you will never think of crate and cage in the same sentence again!

If you want a dog crate for traveling by airplane you will need one which is approved by the airlines. These will generally be molded plastic, and are lightweight and portable. Look for a crate which has a carry handle and which you can collapse for storage when you get back home. Always check with the airline you intend to travel with, as their regulations may vary.

Dog crates for beds: “my” place

Some of us initially balk at the idea of putting a puppy or even a grown dog we love very much into what can be perceived as a cage. However, used properly your dog’s crate will come to be seen by him as a place of comfort and privacy: a place of his own to go to when he wants to sleep, or just wants time-out.

Dog Training Crate – Tips To Select The Right Crate For Your Dog

Dog training Crates when used effectively can be very beneficial and less stressful for your dog. When trained correctly, crates provides a safe space for your dog to relax and even better gives you a break. More importantly Dog training crates are proven to be most effective for house breaking a puppy or an adult dog and comes in very handy when you want to travel with your dog.

Selecting the right crate is an important step to creating a new home for your dog. Firstly the crate should be large enough to accommodate your dog. He should be able to stand up, turn around and sit comfortably inside the crate. If you are looking to buy a crate for your puppy, it is prudent to have an idea about how big your dog would be as an adult to avoid buying a crate at every stage.

The most popular crates are made out of plastic or heavy welded steel wires. Plastic crates are commonly referred to as a flight kennels and are useful especially when you would like to travel with your dog. They have a door in the front and ventilation areas along the sides. They are lightweight, portable and can be easily taken apart for storage or travel. Flight kennels are not suitable for keeping your dog for long durations or holding large sized dogs. While buying a plastic crate it is important to select one that is sturdy enough to resist chewing.

Wire Crates are typically referred to as collapsible crates. They offer better ventilation and may work out cheaper. Wire crates provide larger space for the dog to move around. They are available with single door and double doors. They can be easily folded into a suitcase and can be carried. There are many manufactures offering collapsible crates while some of them are be difficult to fold them. So test them before buying.

Dog Training crates are available at most pet stores. Crates could cost anywhere between to 0 depending on the size of the dog and the quality of the crate. Thought the cost sounds high, it is worth it when compared to the long term peace of mind you get from knowing where your dog is and the damaged carpets and torn socks.