Dog Training Basics

Posts Tagged ‘dog crate training’

Crate training is hailed by some as an amazing blessing. But others view is as cruel and inhumane, disputing its use as a training tool. It cannot be denied that there have been instances where crate training was done improperly and caused harm, but when done correctly it is an excellent training tool that provides your dog with his own safe environment.

Crate training, when done correctly, is not only  humane, but can even be enjoyable for your dog. Crate training was never meant for caging or confining your dog just because it’s bothering you at the moment and you just don’t want it around. Crates are also not meant to be used hours on end, locking your puppy or dog away and only letting it out when you feel like giving it attention. Care should be taken not to use the crate excessively, but only when you are truly unable to watch what your dog is getting into.

With proper use, there are many benefits to crate training. Dogs will not urinate or defecate in a confined area, so using a crate is an extremely effective way of potty training your puppy. Utilizing the crate will also prevent your dog from getting in trouble when you are away, either by destroying things that will leave their families unhappy or getting into things that could harm or even kill them. A crate can also become a familiar, safe, even comforting place for your dog to be.

Descendants of wolves, dogs are naturally “den” animals. The den, or crate, will make your dog feel more confident and comfortable. Proper use of the crate creates that “den” for them and they will actually be happy to go to it when sent there. It also creates a place your dog knows he can go to for safety when he is uncomfortable of scared. Properly done, crate training will teach your dog that the crate is also his safe zone and when frightened or upset, your dog will go to it for comfort.

Another bonus is that it teaches your dog boundaries and encourages good behavior. You should never use a crate to “punish” your dog for bad behavior, but you can show a dog what its boundaries are, to promote good behavior. Crating your dog when you are not home teaches them where they belong anytime you leave the house. They will become so comfortable with the crate and the known expectation, that they may even go to it on their own when you are away, and stay in it on their own even if the door is not locked.

Despite all the evidence to the crate’s positive results, the dog-owning community remains greatly divided about its use as a proper training tool. Your guiding points should be: 1) purchase the best quality crate possible, 2) it should be neither too large nor too small, and 3) never overuse the crate inappropriately. Proper crate training will help you to rear a well-trained, happy dog that you and the entire family will be love and cherish.

 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

Dog Crate Training

First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. You can watch your dog from a distance to see how long it takes them to calm down and get used to the crate. If he shows any signs of protest, you should not let him outside. Instead, let him settle down first then let him leave after awhile. Do this exercise for a couple of days until he has learned to enter the crate and leave it on his own.

Some people oppose the idea of crate training dogs, because they think is a cruel form of isolation. Still, the benefits to crate training your dog mentioned in this article, and several other benefits that we will not take the time to explore, show this to be a good method for both the owner and their dog.

With appropriate and sufficient training, crate training your puppy or dog will make him see it as his haven instead of an enclosure that makes him feel unsafe and lonely.

Crate training is based on the instinct of the dog to find some security with den nesting places that are isolated from all distractions. For dogs, a den can serve as their home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.

Why You Should Use a Crate

a) There are times when you can not let your dog run around freely and a crate is a great way to keep them with you, while controlling them at the same time.

b) The dog will feel relatively safe inside the crate especially when located in places where they are most vulnerable.

c) They would have a place for solace when they wanted to rest or when feeling under stressed where no one could bother them.

d) A crate could also be used to limit dogs with problem behaviors.

e) It is also a good place for puppies that are still untrained and might cause some trouble within the home such as biting.

f) If your dog has separation anxieties, once they become familiar with their crate they will be able to calm down better.

g) Another advantage is that it keeps the dog safe whenever you bring him outside the home.

h) Dogs feel safe and secure inside their own familiar crate.

i) Crates can enhance training by giving your dog a sense of consistency and guidance for routine activities.

Size Does Matter

The crate should be large enough to accommodate the dog on all fours, to let him lie down comfortably and to give him enough space to turn around without hitting the walls. However, if you also intend to use the crate for travel, the crate should be larger than the regular above mentioned size.

However, when a crate is used for just training purposes, they do not need to be so large that the dog can move around in it and maybe do something undesirable inside it.

Introducing Your Dog to Their Crate

Once you feel your dog is ready for the crate, that is the best time to introduce them to it. After you purchase the right crate for your dog you will need to put it someplace in the home where they will see it often. The first week you should remove the door and just let him explore it at his leisure.

Some dogs will not show any interest in the crate so you may want to perk their interest by putting a favorite toy or treat inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This special treat is a signal to your dog that this a special place just for him, and that will create a sense of safety and security all dogs enjoy.