Crate Training
One of the most popular methods used to train dogs is known as Crate Training. A crate is a plastic of wire box that comes in a wide range of sizes. Crate training has benefits for both the dog and the owner.
Crate training works very well because dogs and puppies dont like to go to the toilet where they sleep. Given that crate training requires that your dog sleeps in the crate, your dog will quickly learn how to hold its pee until it is out of the crate.
The crate will serve as your puppies den during crate training. Your puppy/dog will be required to be inside the crate at all times during the training period except when it is let out to play, feed, or go to the toilet. Upon letting your dog out of its crate you should immediately take it outside so it can go to the toilet.
The crate should be big enough for your dog to move around in but not so big that there is excess space (the puppy may use the excess space to pee). A good crate size is about 1.5 times the length of your dog and about 6-7 inches taller than your dog. If your crate is too long for your particular dog you can modify it by simply blocking of one end of the crate. Plastic crates are the easiest to clean and also the lightest so we recommend these over other construction methods.
You should take your puppy to the toilet fairly regularly during the crate training period. As your puppy grows you can reduce the number of times it is let out of the crate each day as it will get used to holding its urges to go to the toilet.
Ideally your puppy should see the crate in a positive light. You can build up this positive association by feeding you dog inside or close to the crate. Also make the crate more enjoyable by putting your puppies most loved toys inside there. To further grow the positive view of the crate, give all your dogs good behaviour rewards to your dog inside the crate.
If you are not in the house its best not to leave your dog locked inside its crate as this might make it feel anxious and afraid. Even if you are in the house its best to let your dog out of the crate once in a while (even if only for a couple of minutes) to ensure your puppy doesnt see the crate as some form of prison.
Crates can be very convenient for transporting your dog or puppy. Crates are useful when travelling in the car with your dog and are required for all air travel.
While crate training dogs and puppies has been proven to be a very effective way of training dogs, it is not universally accepted with some experts claiming that dogs and puppies become too attached to the crate after being locked inside it for a long period of time.
Use the link listed below for more information on dog and puppy training as well as additional information about crate training.
Tags: animals, crate training, dog training, dogs, home, pets, puppy training
dog training | Craig Clemins | 30 March 2009 |
