Crate Training a Dog

Some Good Reasons to Crate Train your Dog

The size should be proportionate to the the dog’s dimension.

The crate must be big enough for the dog to stand in it and comfortably turn around.

It shouldn’t be too big or it might defy its purpose.

For a puppy, if you don’t want to buy a transitional crate, it would be better to reduce the size by placing a divider or a plastic box inside to limit the available space.

Pad the inside with a soft bedding, it could be an old blanket, a cushion or shredded newspaper.


DOG CRATES ARE NOT CRUEL

The crate is generally very well accepted by dogs because it satisfies their burrowing instincts.

Once they get used to it, the crate becomes their bed, house, relaxing place and safe haven.

A dog will look for his crate when is tired or stressed.


CRATE TRAINING A DOG FOR HOUSEBREAKING

Any puppy, properly trained by his mother, will carefully avoid soiling his sleeping quarters and therefore his crate.

Encourage your pet to use the crate, make it inviting with food, toys and soft bedding.

Once he has elected it to his private place, close the door for increasing period of time, never rushing and causing discomfort to your pet.

In no time you’ll be able to leave your dog alone in his crate when you can’t supervise him.

As soon as you allow your dog out of the crate take him to his toilet spot or for a walk.

If he eliminates, praise him and carry on with the walk.

Supervise your dog when he is outside the crate, if you catch him in the act of eliminating on your favorite carpet, say “No!” and quickly take him to his toilet area.

Don’t waste your time in reprimands if you discover the crime after it was committed: it will only convince your pet you routinely go mad for no apparent reason and you are not trustworthy.

Crate training a dog will become an effective and humane way to control your pet.



HOW LONG CAN A DOG STAY IN A CRATE?

After 3 months, if your puppy has had enough exercise, attention, a regular feeding schedule and proper house training he can stay in his crate during the day for a couple of hours.

The good news is that by the time the puppy is six month old, he should be able to sleep through the night in the crate

Even adult dogs shouldn’t routinely be crated for too long.

How long is too long? It largely depends on the temperament and age of your dog.

If your pet becomes depressed or overactive, reduce the amount of crating hours.

Have a look at this page to figure out what could be the perfect arrangement when you have to be gone for many hours at the time.


CRATE TRAINING A DOG FOR TRAVELING

Traveling with your pet will be easy and pleasurable if he is crate trained.

All airlines companies require that dogs travel in a kennel.

If your dog is already used to it, even long trips won’t be stressful.

Once arrived, it will be easy for your dog to stay in an unfamiliar environment if he has access to his cozy little den.

If you are a guest, you won’t break a long time friendship because your dog destroys the heirloom carpet.

When you can’t supervise your puppy, he will be in his private quarters, sheltered from dangers and temptations.


CRATE TRAINING A DOG IS AN EFFECTIVE ANSWER TO MANY BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

A thunderstorm, fireworks, the owner's absence can be stressful for your dog and can result in typical anxiety behavior: door scratching, obsessive barking, furniture chewing, eliminating in inappropriate areas.

The judicious use of the crate can help you curb your pet anxiety, providing to your dog a place where he will feel safe and to you, peace of mind.


WHAT IS THE CORRECT SIZE CRATE FOR A WHIPPET ?

A medium-large size dog crates will do for most adult whippets.

When choosing a crate don't refer only to maker instructions about the weight of the dog, keep in mind that whippets are taller then most dogs of the same weight and might therefore require larger crate to stand and turn around.

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