Crate Training Dogs Encourages a Sense of Well Being

Most dog experts emphasize the value of crate training dogs.  The benefits are many, but there is one common hurdle that needs to be overcome – the view of pet owners that the crate is more like a cage and is inhumane.  The truth is actually quite different.  When used correctly to train your dog and not to punish, you will find that your pooch becomes quite attached to its crate.  The reason has to do with your dog’s innate nature.  Though domesticated for centuries our canine friends have the same genetics as wild dogs and in those genes is the desire for a safe, secure place to find shelter and rest.  In the wild dogs dig dens or find other suitable shelters.  In our homes a crate functions in much the same way.  Therefore, crate training dogs actually enhances their security and comfort level.

The first benefit of crate training dogs is to help them feel safe and content.  For times when you are at home experts suggest you leave the door to the crate open and place a chew toy or soft blanket in it.  Dogs get stressed just like their masters do and you’ll notice the signs in your dog.  It is common for our pooches to retreat to their crate at such times to unwind.

The crate will also help your dog feel secure when you are away.  A dog left to itself may feel responsible for the entire house if it has not been crate trained.  A loud passing vehicle, the neighbors making noise, or the mailman dropping letters in the box might threaten the dog and cause anxiety which leads to barking and misbehavior.  However, if you establish healthy authority in your home as the “alpha leader” or “leader of the pack” that is responsible for the home and its environment then your pet will only feel responsibility for its crate and won’t be threatened by these occurrences.

The second benefit of crate training dogs is to assist in house breaking.  Dogs don’t like to mess their living space so your puppy will learn to wait if left in its crate overnight or while you are away.  Simply make sure your dog has a chance to be outside just before going into the crate and let them out promptly in the morning or when you return home.

Crate training dogs is actually quite easy.  It’s best to have the crate in place when you bring the dog into your home.  Start by placing it in the crate for short periods of time, along with a toy or two, while you are home.  If the dog whines assure it verbally that everything is okay, but don’t give it too much attention or you’ll encourage such behavior.  If it barks firmly reprimand it, but without anger.  When the dog settles down leave it in the crate for increasingly longer periods of time to allow it to grow comfortable there.

While around the house place the dog in the crate and when it settles down walk out the door without saying anything.  Be gone for a few moments and then return without fanfare.  Build up this pattern and soon your dog will be comfortable in its crate with you coming and going.  Again, make sure your dog spends time in its crate while you are home so being placed in the crate isn’t necessarily a signal you’re about to leave – which may produce a negative association.

When your puppy and growing dog handles the crate well be sure to offer lots of praise when he or she is let out.  Crates for dogs come in small crates to extra large crates.  Get one that fits your dog and begin crate training for dogs immediately.  It will help your canine friend become a well-behaved, contented part of your family.

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