Decisions, decisions. This will help your housebreaking program, since your puppy has a natural tendency to want to avoid soiling his sleeping area. Not good. There are 5 basic crate types to choose from: wire crates, plastic crates, soft-sided crates, heavy-duty crates and cute crates. Remember, just about any crate is better than no crate at all! Another little crate-buying tip for you budget-minded types: Most people use their crates only during the early training period with their dogs.
Plastic dog crates like these are generally used for small to medium-sized dogs. They are typically made entirely of thick plastic, have a front-facing swinging door and a carrying handle on the top. This type of crate is helpful for dogs who are on the go with their owners. Portable and sturdy, these crates are good for car and plane travel. Here is the ubiquitous dog kennel — the wire crate.
Most are folding, so you can easily move them around the house or into the car. The upsides of these crates are that they come in all sizes, your dog has unrestricted view of the house from within, and they are easily cleaned. Putting a cushion or thick blanket down on the metal bottom tray makes it comfortable for your dog.
A common issue with these crates is often they are too big for the dogs that use them. A roomy crate might just be big enough for your dog to eliminate on one end and curl up for bed on the other, foiling your housetraining initiatives. They are usually made of canvas or nylon, and are therefore more destructible than wire or plastic crates. For already crate-trained or exceptionally calm dogs, a soft kennel is a comfortable, lightweight travel option for dogs of any size.
This type of crate is commonly marketed for giant breed dogs, dogs who destroy their crates, or for master kennel escape artists. Remember: the point of a crate is not to be a prison, but a haven for your dog. If you need maximum security just to keep your dog inside a crate, your dog is not reaping the training benefits a crate is supposed to provide.
This kind of crate is exactly what it sounds like: a dog kennel that doubles as home furniture. The most typical example of this crate is in the form of an end table or credenza. WDJ does not recommend these crates for dog training. They are not portable or easily cleanable, but they are quite expensive.
Find us. Crate training. How to crate train your dog. Dog crates can be a great way to give your pet a safe space and keep them secure in the house at night and even transport them. Sign up to our newsletter. Training your dog to use a crate Our vets have put together some advice on how to crate-train your dog.
Step two — feeding and closing the door Once your dog is happily spending time in the crate without any worries, you can start to feed them their meals in the crate. Step three — increase the time the door is closed As your dog gets used to the door being closed while they eat, you can gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed for. Step five — staying in the crate outside feeding time Once your dog can happily stay in their crate with the door shut after eating and you can step away from their side, you can start to train them to be in the crate outside of feeding time as well.
How to use a crate Once your dog is relaxed spending time in their crate, you can use it for longer periods such as overnight or while you are out. Top tips for crate training Always be consistent and persevere. Never use the crate as punishment. Make sure your dog has access to their crate most of the time so it becomes part of their environment, rather than only going in when you are out.
If your dog starts whining, barking or getting excited while the crate door is closed, try to wait until they stop then reward them for quiet behaviour. If your dog seems stressed or anxious at any point in the training, go back a step. Let your dog out to go to the toilet before putting them in their crate for any period of time to avoid accidents.
Reward-based training Our vets recommend using reward-based training to train your dog. Read more. Clicker training Clicker training can be a great way to train your dog - remember to only used reward-based methods. More info.
0コメント