We believe that a crate is an essential part of a dogs life. I don't understand why some people view crates as such a negative thing. Dogs need a secure place where they feel safe and can rest peacefully. In the wild, they have a den. The den, is the dogs' place to rest and escape the stress of the environment around them. Without this place, dogs become overexcited and stressed among other things.
Puppies, absolutely need a crate. What would happen if a two year old child was left alone in a house unsupervised? Do you think they might get into dangerous and destructive situations? Why would a puppy be any different?
When introduced properly, the crate has countless benefits. We start crate training our pups as soon as they are able to run around and eat solid food. We start by leaving a small crate in their secure puppy area with the door left open and some nice bedding inside. Almost emmediatly puppies run in to explore the new "play house" and will bring their toys inside as well. Within a short time, we find the puppies all cuddled up together inside the crate for a nap. This now has become their new den. They sleep in there almost exclusively now and never pee or poop in it. Instinct has taught them this not me.
As they get older, I can now start closing the door for periods of time while they sleep. Knowing they will not soil their den, I now control where and when they relieve themselves. Housebreaking is snap from here. I also have a safe place for my pups to rest when I can't supervise them. I know they cant destroy my sofa and possibly choke on something or get injured in the process. Traveling with my pups becomes much easier now that I can bring their personal den with us everywhere we go. As a pup matures he loves his little spot more and more. Even when not told, they will often go lay down in their crate. It is a positive part of the rest of their life.
Although much easier when introduced as a pup, it is never too late to crate train your dog. You have to make it a positive experience though. You cant just shove a dog in a crate one day, shut the door and expect in not to freak out! You need to start by making it fun. Hide some treats and toys in the crate and get the dog to like going in and out. Leave the door open at first. When you get it to the point where the dog likes to check out the crate and goes in on his own, you are ready to introduce closing the door.
The first time you try closing the door be sure the dog goes in on their own free will. Praise them, give them a treat and shut the door. Your energy and body language right now is key. You should have a big smile on your face and praise the dog with happy enthusiasm. Feeling guilty, sad, anxious or anything other than happy, positive energy can set the whole thing back!
Walk away and let the dog be. He may whine a little or bark, you must ignore this and stay out of sight. When he starts to relax and quiet down, go back in there. In a happy and proud demeanor, praise him and open the door. Keep it short and positive in the beginning and work your way up to slightly longer periods of time. Overnight should be the longest stretches and only a few hours at a time during the day.
TIPS:
1. Use the correct size crate for the dog. Too big is almost as bad as too small. The dog should be able to stand up and turn 360 degrees without touching the top or sides. Much larger and he won't feel as secure.
2. Try to tire the dog out a bit before closing him in the crate. He will relax much faster this way.
3. Never use the crate to correct or discipline a dog. Dogs do not know about "time-out" like kids do.This will just give them a negative feeling about the crate.
4. Keep the crate in a quieter area of the house at first. Kids running and screaming around the crate will make it harder for the dog to relax.
If introduced properly and viewed as a positive thing by you, your dog will instinctively view the crate as a positive thing and enjoy it for the rest of his life. Below are some other good crate training articles....
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