Crate Training: A Guide for Dog Owners
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Crate training your dog is one of the most beneficial activities you can perform. Knowing that your dog is both safe and comfortable when being contained provides a peace of mind that results in a better relationship with your pet. Many dog owners perceive crates as mere confinement, but with proper training, a crate becomes a sanctuary for your dog. We wrote this FREE guide on crate training to inform dog owners that a dog crate should be the dog’s dwelling, not just a cage. Veterinarian Dr. Jessica Milford and Editors Misty Weaver and Jaime Simpkins guide you through the key areas of crate training your dog. Our Crate Training book includes informative chapters on topics covering Crate Selection, Bathroom Training, Making the Crate Fun, Locating Your Crate, and much more. Each chapter includes helpful tips and ends with a real story from dog owners that experienced the benefits of crate training. To view Crate Training, click here (PDF). To download click here and select “save as”. |
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| This free book guides you through the process of Crate Training your dog. With easy to read chapters, the book helps you introduce the dog crate in your home and crate train your dog. Download your copy here. |
Excerpt: Chapter 1: Introduction to Crate Training
I remember the first time I saw a dog crate. I was at an obedience course, and the people sitting next to me had their dogs in what appeared to be a cage. I didn’t like the look of it at all, and thought it even seemed a bit cruel to lock dogs away like that.
Fast forward a few months, and I entered my dogs into an agility competition. The competition grounds had underground irrigation so I wasn’t able to push my tie out stake into the ground, and there wasn’t anything else to which I could securely tie my dogs. I very reluctantly borrowed a large crate from a friend and allowed my dogs to become familiar with it.
During the competition, I put my dogs in the crate when they were not competing. Imagine my surprise when they were quite happy to go into the crate and then quickly settled down for a nap. They actually seemed more relaxed than when I had them tied to a stake. Not only were my dogs happy, but I enjoyed the event more because I didn’t have to constantly watch them to make sure they weren’t being disturbed by an over-affectionate child or a loose dog that had wandered up to say hello.
I now understand that a crate is actually beneficial for a dog because it allows him to have his own den, or safe place where he can retreat when he is tired or needs some “down time”. He will feel secure in his crate, and you can also relax, knowing he is safe from harm and that he can’t get into mischief. My home décor now includes two large crates. My dogs sleep in them at night, so I don’t need to worry about them chewing on shoes or scratching the couch. I still use crates during dog events and I also take them on vacation so my dogs have somewhere familiar to sleep.
A crate is one of the most useful items for any dog-owning household. However, like many useful tools, crates must be used appropriately. Even if you can’t read this entire book (which I strongly suggest as it is a small investment with a tremendous payoff ), please pay attention to the following tips:
- Patience: Introduce your dog to his crate slowly, and allow him to become familiar with it. Never push him into his crate or do anything else to make him afraid of it. Nobody likes being forced into something they are apprehensive about. Your dog is no different. Take your time and it won’t be long before he goes into his crate of his own accord when he wants a bit of peace and quiet.
- Comfort: Make sure your dog enjoys his crate. Put a comfortable mat on the floor for him to lie on, and give him treats while he is in there so crating is always a positive experience for him.
- Clean: Keep the crate clean. If your dog accidentally soils his bedding, take it out and wash it. Clean up any spilled food or treats and mop up any water spills. Th is just makes it more pleasant for your dog when he’s in the crate.
- Exercise and Attention: Dogs are social animals and don’t enjoy solitary confinement. If he has plenty of time with you and lots of exercise and affection when he’s out of the crate, he won’t mind spending some time in there. Even so, never leave him in the crate for more than a few hours at a time.
- Consistency: If you are using the crate for toilet training, keep your schedule consistent. Your dog should be able to rely on you to take him out to the toilet on a regular basis.