Some dog owners see crate training as cruel and unusual punishment, but this is far from the truth.
If your dog is appropriately crate trained, they will see their dog crate, as a refuge and both of you will be much happier.
Not only is your dog crate a refuge but an important tool in dog training as well.
If you have never used a dog crate then you are in for a treat.
There are many different types of crates on the market and purchasing the right size is key to success.
A cost effective approach is to purchase a dog crate that will grow with your puppy as they age.
The important thing to remember here is that the crate should allow your dog to get up, turn around, and stretch out without being too large as to allow them to curl up in one corner.
The issue you will run into in buying a growth crate is that it may not offer your dog the security he or she needs with an open back.
To solve this, try hanging a towel or small blanket over the movable panel.
This will give the appearance of being small and more of refuge for your pup.
Before introducing your dog to their crate, you need to set it up with a soft bed, blanket, and perhaps a toy and small bowl of water.
Make it as cozy as you can.
Keep the dog crate door propped open so your dog can come and go.
Once you have done all this, it is time for your dog to meet the crate.
Ensuring you as the dog owner possess the right mindset and the initial introduction is the most critical part to dog crate training.
The crate is never used for punishment in fact; when your dog is properly crate trained, they will run to their crate when they have done something wrong.
You never want to bang on the crate to get your dogs attention, as this will cause behavioral issues down the road.
Instead, your feelings and training toward the dog crate should always be positive.
For the new pup, in the right sized crate, will help you in housebreaking, as dogs naturally will not soil where they sleep.
Housebreaking using a dog crate can take as little as 7 to 8 days to be successful.
For the new pup however, they will need to relieve themselves quite often.
During those first few days when they initially arrive home taking your new pup outside about every half hour is common.
It will gradually become longer so do not plan to leave a new puppy in a crate for extended periods.
By the time your dog reaches six months old, you should be able to safely leave them in their dog crate for up to 8 hours at a time.
Any longer regardless of age will cause problems in the future.
Dog crates also offer dog owners the peace of mind knowing their dog will not tear up the house while they are out.
There is nothing more frustrating than coming home from work or from an errand to find the couch in shreds with stuffing hanging from your dog's mouth.
For the smaller dog, a dog crate adds the safety they need from being accidentally tramped on from the kids or a house full of people.
Dog crates also make it possible to safely transport your dog when traveling either by car or plane.
Overall, properly crate training your dog is an essential part of their wellbeing and safety.
With the variety of dog crates available to pet owners there is sure to be the perfect match for your dog and your house.
If your dog is appropriately crate trained, they will see their dog crate, as a refuge and both of you will be much happier.
Not only is your dog crate a refuge but an important tool in dog training as well.
If you have never used a dog crate then you are in for a treat.
There are many different types of crates on the market and purchasing the right size is key to success.
A cost effective approach is to purchase a dog crate that will grow with your puppy as they age.
The important thing to remember here is that the crate should allow your dog to get up, turn around, and stretch out without being too large as to allow them to curl up in one corner.
The issue you will run into in buying a growth crate is that it may not offer your dog the security he or she needs with an open back.
To solve this, try hanging a towel or small blanket over the movable panel.
This will give the appearance of being small and more of refuge for your pup.
Before introducing your dog to their crate, you need to set it up with a soft bed, blanket, and perhaps a toy and small bowl of water.
Make it as cozy as you can.
Keep the dog crate door propped open so your dog can come and go.
Once you have done all this, it is time for your dog to meet the crate.
Ensuring you as the dog owner possess the right mindset and the initial introduction is the most critical part to dog crate training.
The crate is never used for punishment in fact; when your dog is properly crate trained, they will run to their crate when they have done something wrong.
You never want to bang on the crate to get your dogs attention, as this will cause behavioral issues down the road.
Instead, your feelings and training toward the dog crate should always be positive.
For the new pup, in the right sized crate, will help you in housebreaking, as dogs naturally will not soil where they sleep.
Housebreaking using a dog crate can take as little as 7 to 8 days to be successful.
For the new pup however, they will need to relieve themselves quite often.
During those first few days when they initially arrive home taking your new pup outside about every half hour is common.
It will gradually become longer so do not plan to leave a new puppy in a crate for extended periods.
By the time your dog reaches six months old, you should be able to safely leave them in their dog crate for up to 8 hours at a time.
Any longer regardless of age will cause problems in the future.
Dog crates also offer dog owners the peace of mind knowing their dog will not tear up the house while they are out.
There is nothing more frustrating than coming home from work or from an errand to find the couch in shreds with stuffing hanging from your dog's mouth.
For the smaller dog, a dog crate adds the safety they need from being accidentally tramped on from the kids or a house full of people.
Dog crates also make it possible to safely transport your dog when traveling either by car or plane.
Overall, properly crate training your dog is an essential part of their wellbeing and safety.
With the variety of dog crates available to pet owners there is sure to be the perfect match for your dog and your house.
Source...