First you will need to help them get used to the crate, before you begin locking them in. You could walk away from him or watch him as he calms down inside. Remember this is for training so if he begins to act up you should not let him out. Be patient and let him calm down and then you can let him out. You will need to do this process several time until they learn to enter and leave the crate by themselves.
Some people oppose the idea of crate training dogs, because they think is a cruel form of isolation. Still, the benefits to crate training your dog mentioned in this article, and several other benefits that we will not take the time to explore, show this to be a good method for both the owner and their dog.
With appropriate and sufficient training, crate training your puppy or dog will make him see it as his haven instead of an enclosure that makes him feel unsafe and lonely.
This type of training is based on the idea of a den or nesting place where dogs can go in order to feel safe and secluded. Dens are what dogs naturally seek for in a home. Through proper introduction and selection of the right techniques, the dog will not be threatened by this approach to training.
Benefits of Using a Crate
a) For occasions when the dog cannot run around freely, placing them in a crate will be a good choice for controlling their movements.
b) Dogs will begin to feel secure inside the crate and appreciate the safety zone it provides when they are in an unfamiliar place.
c) They would have a place for solace when they wanted to rest or when feeling under stressed where no one could bother them.
d) A crate could also be used to limit dogs with problem behaviors.
e) Puppies respond well to crate training as a way to teach them potty training skills and what not to chew on or to not bite people.
f) If your dog has separation anxieties, once they become familiar with their crate they will be able to calm down better.
g) It could secure the dog whenever the owner has to bring him outside.
h) It increases his confidence due to the security it provides.
i) Crates can enhance training by giving your dog a sense of consistency and guidance for routine activities.
Size of the Crate
You will need to choose a crate that allows the dog enough room to stand up and lie down comfortably, without him hitting his head or body against the walls or door all the time. However, if you also intend to use the crate for travel, the crate should be larger than the regular above mentioned size.
If you are using the crate for training only, it should follow the guidelines that was just mentioned, since a larger crate would give him enough room to do unwanted things in the crate.
How to introduce the crate to the dog
The best time to introduce the crate to a dog is when you feel that they are ready for it. After you purchase the right crate for your dog you will need to put it someplace in the home where they will see it often. Let him explore his crate first for the first week with the door removed.
If he does not show any sign of interest, try leaving some of his favorite treats inside. Once he becomes more familiar with the crate, try feeding your dog inside it. This will condition his mind that the crate is for him and he can safely go inside it without fearing any harm.
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