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Crate Training A Dog
Crate training a dog comes in really handy in lots of ways. Let's look at how it can make your life easier, and make your Golden Retriever feel more secure at the same time.
What Is Crate Training?In my opinion, crate training dogs is the best way to keep your home and your sanity intact.It's a terrific way to housebreak your puppy without having to constantly clean up messes. It also keeps dogs of all ages from using everything in the house as a chew toy. With patient, loving training (the best kind!), your dog will learn to enjoy spending quiet time in his crate. This can considerably lower the noise level in a busy household. Crate training a dog serves many other purposes, as well: - Teaches anxious dogs to sleep when you're away.
- Lets you take your dog's home with you wherever you go.
- Helps a dog learn to calm himself when he gets all worked up. "Time-outs" are as good for young dogs as they are for young children.
Every dog deserves his own private space--a place where he can escape from the hectic pace of human life.Your Golden Retriever doesn't look at his crate as a cage he can't get out of. Instead, he thinks it's a place where humans can't get in! It's his very own little hideout, his home within your home. He's a den creature, after all, and this little den is just his size.
Where Should I Put The Crate? Crate training a dog is more effective if you keep the crate in a room of the house where the family spends a lot of time.Dogs are social animals and need to feel a part of their "pack" (that's you!). He'll be comforted hearing your voice, watching you while you're doing things, and smelling you nearby. What about at night? Letting him sleep in your bedroom gives your dog the added security that he can keep an eye on his pack all night.
Types of Dog CratesPortable dog crates come in several styles:
- Collapsible dog crates usually consist of a folding dog crate made of wire, with a solid tray in the bottom. They're the handiest type of dog travel crate.
- Wooden dog crates aren't quite as portable as the wire type, but if they blend in better with your home décor, go for it!
- A plastic dog crate is usually required for transporting your pup on a plane.
- A wire dog crate that doesn't collapse is lightweight enough to move from room to room in your house, letting you keep your new puppy company.
- Are you worried about crate training a dog on a tight budget? Used dog crates of all types and sizes can be found at a huge discount on Craigslist.
Rules of Crate TrainingHere are some basic Do's and Don'ts of crate training a dog: - Don't ever leave him crated all day long.
- Do remove all collars before crating your dog. That keeps him from catching his collar on the crate and strangling himself.
- Do put a towel under the crate, between the crate and the floor. This will keep the crate from rattling when your pup steps into it.
- Don't reward barking and whining by letting him out. That only trains him to bark and whine more! Wait until he's quiet again before you open the door.
- Don't put newspaper in the crate. You're trying to teach him not to go in there! Actually, paper training can be used in conjunction with crate training, but with a few cautions.
- Don't put towels or bedding in with your new puppy or adult. A stressed animal may shred anything within reach. Best just to skip it for the first month or so.
- Do practice crating while you're home with your pup. Otherwise, Puppy Pete will think you're leaving him every time he goes in his crate.
- Don't put your dog in the crate and leave the house until he's used to it and regards it as his den.
Crate Training ProblemsCrate training a dog is truly one of the greatest training tools ever invented. Used correctly, as any tool should be, it's humane and effective.But just like anything else in life, if used incorrectly, it can be a cruel tool. You'll be doing your furry friend a great disservice if you: - Leave him in his crate too long
- Don't exercise him sufficiently
- Fail to introduce the crate properly, causing him to dread the crate rather than to see it as the safe haven it should be
On The Home FrontWhen you aren't able to closely supervise a new canine companion, you can keep him safely out of trouble and busily enjoying chew toys in his crate. Crate training a dog comes in especially handy on the days when you need to:- Clean out the basement or garage without worrying about what your dog is getting into
- Work in the yard (without your dog's help!)
- Provide a dog-free zone for guests
On The Road Again It's also really handy to be able to use a collapsible dog crate in the following situations:- In motel rooms
- In homes of people with allergies
- In homes where disagreeable dogs reside
- In the back seat of your car (Don't let your puppy drive, like this one!)
Once you get your Golden Retriever used to his new home-away-from-home, you'll wonder how you ever managed without a crate.Check out these tips on crate training puppies (or getting any new dog off to a great start). And if you've been wondering whether crate training an older dog can be a successful venture, you'll be happy to know it's definitely never too late!
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