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Crate training for dogs and puppies
By Barry Gilbert
Crate training is one of the most effective ways of
house breaking any puppy or dog. Crate training is very
efficient, and very effective, since it uses the natural
instinct of the dog to achieve the desired result of a
clean house and a well trained dog.
The concept behind crate training is that a dog
naturally strives to avoid soiling the area where it eats
and sleeps. By placing the dog in the crate, this
instinct is enhanced. The dog will come to see the crate
as its den, and it will try to avoid soiling its den.
The key to successful crate training for a puppy or an
older dog, as with other forms of dog training, is to
establish a good routine. This routine will enhance the
ability of the dog to do its business in the right place,
and avoid eliminating in the wrong place.
It is important to shower the dog with praise each and
every time it eliminates in the established toilet area,
and not to express frustration or anger when the dog
makes a mistake.
It is important to confine the dog or puppy to a small
part of the house, generally one puppy proofed room, when
you are not at home. The room should contain a soft bed,
fresh water and some favorite toys to prevent the dog
from becoming bored and frustrated.
Crate training is different from confining the dog to
one room, however. With crate training, the puppy or dog
is confined to a crate when unsupervised. The idea is
that the dog will think of this crate as its home, and
not want to soil is home.
When crate training, it is important to remove the dog
from the crate as soon as possible after returning home,
and to take the dog promptly to the previously
established toilet area.
When the dog does its business in this toilet area, be
sure to provide lots of praise and treats. It is
important that the dog learn to associate proper toilet
procedures with good things like treats and toys.
It is important to never leave the dog in its crate for
long periods of time, as this will confuse the dog and
force it to soil its sleeping area. The crate is simply
a tool, and it should not be abused by leaving the dog in
it for extended periods of time. If the dog is left in
the crate for too long, it could set back the training
program by weeks if not months.
The dog should only be confined to the crate when you
are at home. Except for nighttime, the dog should be
given the opportunity to relieve itself every 45 minutes
or so. Each time the dog is taken out, it should be put
on a leash and immediately taken outside.
Once outside the house, the dog should be given three to
five minutes to do its business. If the dog does not
eliminate in this time period, it should be immediately
returned to the create.
If the dog does its business during the set time period,
it should be rewarded with praise, food, play, affection
and either an extended walk or a period of play inside or
outside the home.
During the crate training period, it is important to
keep a daily diary of when the dog does its business each
day. If the dog is on a regular feeding schedule, the
toilet schedule should be consistent as well.
Having a good idea of when the dog needs to eliminate
each day will be a big help during the house training
process. After the dog has used his established toilet
area, you will be able to give the dog free run of the
house to play and enjoy himself.
Dealing with accidents during crate training
It is very important to not punish the puppy or dog when
it makes a mistake or has an accident during the crate
training process. If there has been an accident, simply
clean it up. Accidents during house training mean that
you have provided the dog with unsupervised access to the
house too quickly.
The dog should not be allowed unsupervised access to the
home until you can trust her bowel and bladder habits.
If mistakes do occur, it is best to go back to crate
training. Taking a couple of steps back will help move
the house training process along, while moving too
quickly could set things back.
About the Author
Barry Gilbert
Discover How To Slash Your Dog Training Time In Half by
Using Techniques That Give You Immediate Results!
http://www.auctionbusinesssite.com/dogs/
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| Some other articles by Barry Gilbert | |
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