Friday, July 24, 2009

Crate Training Dogs Is A Good Thing

By Geraldine Dimarco

Have you ever thought about what crate training dogs mean? To me, it sounds like something I would never voluntarily subject my dog to. As I read about it though, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was actually a training method used for dogs which was based on their innate need for security and protection.

It is said that wolves are the dogs' ancestors of old. This may or may not be factual but it still stands true that dogs are animals that lived in the open spaces before we adopted them into our homes. In the wild where there are dangers and perils at every turn- these dogs found caves and dens as a shelter and nesting area. This is the foundation of training dogs to use their crates in stressful and overly busy environments

Crate training is highly effective in house training dogs wherein you contain them to a place that you can feel safe leaving them in. The puppies in the crate will not be in danger of inflicting harm on them, other people or furniture in the house. You can go on long trips without much difficulty because your dog is tucked happily away in his crate. Remember, crates are his nesting area so there is no need to worry about feeling inhumane towards the dog.

Not all animals should be crate trained. Some dogs have had serious trauma in homes before and will get hysterical when placed in a confined box. It is advisable to not follow through if this is the case. Other dogs that are large will break the crate they are contained in and hurt themselves in their panic. There are some pet owners who are still uncomfortable, no matter what facts are presented to them, with the thought of putting their living pets inside a box.

Essentially, crate training dogs is dependent on the owners sentiments on it. If thinking about your dog inside a closed box just freaks you out; its alright, do not attempt to do this anymore. However, if you believe that you and your dog could do well with discipline and a little space then read on to see how to crate train your dog the best way.

Find a spot that is close to where people would be hanging out often. Ensure that the crate is a comfortable size that can hold the interesting things for the dog to play with. When he is inside, do not close the box just yet. Talk to him and pet him through his crate. Feed him inside. When it seems alright, start closing the door of the crate for several minutes while you are still in the room. If the animal starts to whimper and complain loudly, let him quiet down first before you let him out. This is of course a little frightening for the little pet so do not hurry him this whole process.

Remember, more than anything, this should be a place that the dogs go to de-stress and calm themselves from a busy household. Never use this as punishment for whatever mistakes he might have done. When he is comfortable alone in the crate already, leave the house for short intervals and assess his response to the new arrangement. If there is no big incident, then you can pat yourself on the back for a job successfully accomplished. You are now an owner of well deserved free time and a crate trained dog.

About the Author:

>
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

0 comments: