Dog Training Basics

Posts Tagged ‘crate training’

 Dogs are pack animals. In the wilderness they creat dens.

Why do we Need Crate Training

Since your dog will be in your home, he’ll have a need to replicate his lair or den, just like in the wilderness. I used to think putting a dog in a crate was cruel. They love darkness and seclusion.

As a new puppy owner, I thought I was being mean when I put my dog in a crate.

So What’s Our Objective With the Crate?

{The aim of crate training is to get your dog to view his crate as a safe haven to be}. {A place to go when he’s tired or take a nap, or to just gather his thoughts and be left alone}. But you have to train him to see it that way.

Getting a dog from a shelter means he’ll have been caged not of his own choice, so he may see his crate as a sort of prison. Your dog may feel threatened by his crate. At least, that’s how my dog Lily saw it (and so did I).

How to Get Your Dog in His Crate Quickly

When would you want your dog to go in his crate on command? Well, one instance would be if you have unexpected guests and you don’t want your dog to get in the way or to jump on them (you may not have gotten around to training him yet not to jump on people). To Get Your Dog to Stop Jumping on People Go to:

http://www.caninehousetraining.com/dogproblems

 HERE’S WHAT TO DO TO TRAIN HIM TO GO IN HIS CRATE:

Put a cookie in your hand. Put the training collar and leash on your dog. Lead him to the crate and then tell him to sit. Once he sits, give him the command to get in the crate!” Quickly toss the cookie in the crate. As he moves into the crate, he’ll automatically release the tension on the leash. Close the door to the crate, and tell him, “Good dog!” as he munches on the cookie.

Sounds sneaky huh? Okay, then what? Next, open the crate door and tell him, “Free!” When he comes out of the crate, rub him while you tell him what a good dog he is. Repeat this exercise, four times. After the fourth time, open the crate door, take the leash and training collar off, give him another cookie and close the crate door.

In 20 minutes, you can return and repeat this exercise. After you’ve done this a few times and see your dog start to ANTICIPATE the command, the next thing to do is only give him the cookie once every third time.

At this point, he’ll likely begin running into the crate before you even tell him to. Neat huh? Not Quite…. You’ll need to tell him, “No!” and pull him out of the crate. No praise. Remember–he can go in the crate on his own when you’re not standing next to him, but as this is a formal exercise, we want him to wait for the command.

Humans may not understand this, but for dogs, they understand quite well. But it’s one of those things that your dog will understand naturally. Believe me. After you’ve brought him out of the crate, he’ll start looking at you for the “Get in the crate” command. Give him the command. Reward him this time with the cookie.

You’ll start to see that he’ll begin looking to you… waiting for that magic command that allows him to dive into the crate and get your praise. (Note: If your dog is more motivated by a toy or something else (No, not the cat!!!) you can use whatever you want.

The key is to use something that motivates the dog. The reason you want to pull forward on the leash instead of just throwing the food/ball/motivator into the crate is so that your dog learns that you are actually making him do it. This is the difference between using food as a motivator vs. using food as a bribe.

If the food isn’t there, you’re going to make him do it anyway. Well, that’s it for Part 2 of our dog training mini course. I hope you got a lot out of it! Remember, if you want a copy of the 316-page ebook, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer” which teaches you every dog training technique for every dog problem there is, I strongly recommend you go to: http://www.caninehousetraining.com/dogproblems

Crate training benefits both your dog and yourself, the loving dog owner.  Your dog will be more loving and affectionate towards family members when he understands his boundaries.

A Crate Makes Housebreaking Easier

Since dogs in general do not like to sleep in their own mess, housebreaking will become much easier.  Dogs will develop better bladder control when confined to dog cages over a specific time.  He will learn when to relieve himself after taking him outside immediately after his release from his cage.

Your dog will learn to get control of his need to eliminate since they do not like to rest in the area where they soil.   Dogs are den animals that like to have their own quiet place and they’ll do everything they can to keep it clean. But remember, Puppies need to go out frequently to eliminate, so do not keep them in the crate for long periods of time.

Destructive Behaviors Are Limited

Dogs naturally enjoy chewing.  Your dog needs to learn the things that are acceptable or not acceptable things to chew on. Since your dog is generally going to chew on something, would it not be better to chew on acceptable toys rather than your chair legs and shoes?  Therefore, by providing safe chew toys in his crate, you will protect your house from damage and also teach your dog acceptable things to chew on in the house.

Dog Crates Protects Your Dog from Household Hazards

A house contains hundreds of potentially lethal objects for your dog. If you let your dog roams freely in the house unsupervised, you are really asking for trouble and you unnecessarily put your dog in danger.  Your dog may not realize that chewing on electrical wires or eating plants or certain foods can potentially be dangerous.

Crate training your dog will bring you peace of mind since your dog will be out of danger when you’re not around to supervise him.

A Crate Makes Car Rides Safer

Your car trips will be safer and more peaceful if your dog is resting contently in his crate. A crate trained dog will eliminate any possible distractions as you drive.

Crates provides you dog security when he desires to rest or be alone.

Dogs are, by nature, den animals and feel secure in small, enclosed spaces. Most dogs will seek out a place in your home that will mimic a den. You will often find them sleeping under a table or desk. Dog crates make excellent dens and can serve as a refuge, a hangout and a bedroom. By simply crate training your dog, you give him the tools to cope with any potentially stressful situations like going to the vet.

Crate training is great for both your dog and you.  So why not buy a dog cage and start you crate training today!

Crate training benefits both your dog and yourself, the loving dog owner.  Your dog will be more loving and affectionate towards family members when he understands his boundaries.

Your Dog Crate Makes Housebreaking Much Easier

Since dogs in general do not like to sleep in their own mess, housebreaking will become much easier.  Dogs generally develop better bladder control when confined to dog cages over a specific time.  He will learn when to relieve himself after taking him outside immediately after his release from his cage.

Dogs, being den animals,  generally like their place clean and quiet.  It is also good to remember that puppies need to go more often, so do not keep them in the crate for a long period.

Destructive Behaviors Are Limited

Dogs naturally enjoy chewing.  Your dog needs to learn the things that are acceptable or not acceptable things to chew on. Since your dog is generally going to chew on something, would it not be better to chew on acceptable toys rather than your chair legs and shoes?  Therefore, by providing safe chew toys in his crate, you will protect your house from damage and also teach your dog acceptable things to chew on in the house.

A Crate Will Protect Your Dog From Household Dangers

Typically, a house contains many potentially dangerous objects for your dog.  You can be asking for trouble when you let your dog roam the house unsupervised.  Your dog may be tempted to chew on lethal objects like electrical wires or poisonous foods or plants.

Proper crate training of your dog provides more confidence that your dog will limit getting in trouble even when you are not around to supervise.

Dog Crates Make Traveling Safer

Containment in a dog crate helps eliminate some possible distractions if you have a very active dog.  A crate trained dog makes your trip more peaceful as your dog rest contently in his crate.

Crates provides you dog security when he desires to rest or be alone.

Dog naturally seek refuge in small enclosed spaces like a den.  Dog crates will provide your dog that nice place to hangout in when needing rest.  Crate training your dog will also prepare him for potentially stressful situations like going to the vet.

Crate training is great for both your dog and you.  So why not buy a dog cage and start you crate training today!

I hope that you understand why you should get a crate for your dog.A lot of families don’t want to put THEIR pet in a crate because it looks like a cage!  First, please don’t refer to  it as a cage.  Think of it as a safehaven that your dog knows he can go to.  Remember, dogs are pack animals, even though we try and forget that!  When dogs were wild they slept together in dens.  The dens made them feel safe from being hunted by other animals.  When they all slept together, there was always a feeling of being safe.  Their little homes were just big enough to be cozy and safe, and to sleep in peace.  That is why they feel so safe in their kennel.  They feel safe and secure and it is a cozy home for them to call their own .  You can also think of it as their own room, just as you have your own room.

When you first got your puppy, it was wise for you to get them used to staying in their crate, especially overnight and when you were not home.If you follow this way of educating them to only relieve themselves outside, it is a fast way.The best way to secure your pet when in the car is by putting them in their crate?When a pet has been securely placed in their kennel for travel, they don’t want to be out of the crate when in the car.  They feel safe and secure.  Of course, while you were training them to go potty only when you brought them outside, the crate bedding that you provided your puppy wasn’t the best and most comfortable.  If your pet is past the training stage, for them to be really comfortable, you should get them a nice comfortable mat to put in their crate.  That is why I am so glad that you found my site about dog crate bedding.

This is just another argument why it is so critical to get a puppy used to a crate when they are little.Puppies will use chew-toys and most anything else to ruin when they are getting their adult teeth.  Giving them a toy to chew on helps, but also having them in their crate while you can’t be with them all the time, really saves on the shoes, couch legs, table legs, and I’m sure you can probably add a few others!

I have a mixed breed dog that I love tremendously, along with every one in the family.  Probably, much like you do with your pet.She’s getting around a lot slower than she once did, since she is older now.  We have put a new mat in her crate and she seems to really enjoy it.  It has a small rim around the outer edge, just enough so she can rest her head on it while looking out of her crate door.  And it is machine washable!  Something you really need to consider when deciding on your dog’s bedding.

While we were researching the dog crate bedding, I found that it was hard to find online.This is the reason that this site is just for bedding for your dog.  If you come back often, you’ll see other articles of information that I have added to this site.  I want to keep it up-to-date for you and everyone else that is looking for bedding for your dog.  I hope you have found this a little helpful.  Please leave a comment if you’d like and share some of your experiences about your dog.  Thank you for stopping by!

Housetraining

No training is more basic for pet owners than that first important lesson: Do it outside!

Teaching your pet to potty outside the home, not in it, usually starts between six and eight weeks of age. Dogs as young as four weeks have been started on housebreaking, but at that age few have the muscular control to succeed.

With any dog training program, trainer patience is just as important as the dog’s temperament. ‘Sit’, ‘stay’ and other behaviors can often be learned in a few days. House training typically takes weeks – sometimes as short as two, often a month or more.

As with other learned behaviors, it helps to watch for signs of the desired actions and enforce and direct them with a voice command followed by praise. In this case that technique works even more to the trainer’s advantage, since all dogs will naturally eliminate. The trick is to get your puppy to do it when and where you want!

Watch for circling or squatting, then pick up the pup, say ‘outside’ and dash outside. Sometimes, the puppy may circle some more, but will often squat immediately. When he starts, say ‘Go potty’ ( or some other unique phrase) in a clear, firm (but not angry) voice. Wait until she is finished and then her praise lavishly.

You won’t always be able to catch the puppy about to begin, but don’t become angry or impatient when the dog potties indoors. It takes some time for your puppy to learn to tell you it’s time to ‘go outside’. It also takes time for the muscles needed to control bladder and bowels to develop control.

Young dogs need to go every 2-3 hours, on average. If you haven’t spotted pre-elimination behavior within that time, take the dog outside anyway. Issue the command ‘Go potty’ and wait. At first, usually, the dog will have no clue what you want.

Especially, even when outside, it helps to wait and watch for the desired behavior then issue the command. That helps the dog associate the command with the behavior. If tyour puppy hasn’t gone after a couple of minutes and a few ‘Go potty’ commands, take it back inside for an hour. Of course, if you spot the pre-elimination behavior in less time, go outside again immediately.

Dogs have a surprising ability to quickly learn what their ‘alpha’ (the leader of the pack) wants. This is almost always accomplished by associating a verbal command with behavior, followed by praise. Punishment is usually counter-productive, and nowhere more so than in waste elimination training. Never rub a dog’s nose in waste.

Paper and/or crate training is preferred by some. A pup can be trained to eliminate on a newspaper, or on one of the chemically treated pads designed for the purpose. Some small breeds that live all day in the apartment may not need to go outside at all.

The technique has a couple of downsides however. Unlike cats, dogs will seldom go in a perfumed litter box. Newspapers (even with the top layer removed after the dog goes) will eventually leave an unpleasant odor in the house.

Also, long before the odor becomes unattractive to humans, dogs can smell their own distinctive aroma. Dogs don’t find the scent unattractive – quite the opposite. So that spot continues to be the problem.

Dogs that are paper trained sometimes will prefer to potty indoors. Sometimes they’ll miss the paper by just an inch, resulting in a smelly mess to clean up.

Once the odor is in the carpet, the dog will continue to seek that spot out as its proper ‘place to go’. This makes training the dog to eliminate outside even more difficult. Best to suffer a few accidents than to create a hard-to-overcome habit.

Providing patience, praise and consistency are key factors to any dog training. Elimination training is the first order of business for you and your dog.

Get more tips and advice on housetraining or dog training at Luvurdog.com/dogtraining