Thursday, March 28, 2013

Fido's Great Escape: An Overview Of Crate Training Dogs

By Emmanuel Palmer


What exactly is crate training dogs? It sounds like something you do to a bad doggie for doing a no-no on the living room carpet. But its not. Crate training is actually based on the principle of the dogs' innate need for security.

It was said that dogs shared the same ancestors as wolves. While I cannot be absolutely sure on the validity of that tidbit, it is a definite fact that dogs were once animals that lived in the wild. Their earlier canine forefathers utilized dark and secured lairs as their dens. This was there protection from all the dangers that were out in the open space. It is on this principle that crate training is based on.

This method greatly helps in house training dogs by containing them in their own area - thus minimizing the possibility of them causing any damage to anyone or anything including themselves. Crate training not only give the dogs a haven from a busy household, it significantly decreases inconvenience and stress of their human counterparts. They can put the dogs in the crates during long travels or trips to the vets without much trouble.

Not all dogs can be crate trained. There are pets who have experienced severe trauma in the past with confined boxes. They will be difficult to calm down, thus making this method of training virtually useless. Some of the larger dogs panic when the door closes in and they break the crate altogether. And many owners are just uneasy with having living animals stuck in such an enclosed space.

Crate training dogs hinges on how the dog owner essentially views the matter. If thinking of your dog in a box makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to push through with this method of training. However, if you believe that this will be advantageous to you and your dog's personal space, you will find some helpful tips on how to go about doing this in the next paragraph.

You need to put the crate in a room where there will be activities and people. Make sure the enclosure you've chosen is a good size and put some of his favorite treats and toys inside it. When you guide your dog in, do not close the door just yet. For a few days just pet him and talk to him reassuringly through the crate. Begin feeding him while he is inside. If you feel he is already quite accustomed to the space, close the door for a few minutes while you are in the room. If the dog reacts violently or cries, wait for him to stop before letting him out. It is a new and often frightening experience for the pet so be patient and do not rush him with this.

Never use this as a form of punishment for the dog. He should associate the crate as a calming and safe place for him to be in. If the animal is not getting upset being left alone in the crate, leave the house in short periods to gauge his reaction. If everything works out, you have accomplished the important task of crate training your dog. This will free you from worrying about your pet all the time. Moreover, you have given your dog his own special space of peace from the world.




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