The Truth About Crate Training Dogs
Have you ever thought about what ?crate training dogs? mean? To me, it sounds like something I would never voluntarily subject my dog to. As I read about it though, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was actually a training method used for dogs which was based on their innate need for security and protection.
It is said that wolves are the dogs’ ancestors of old. This may or may not be factual but it still stands true that dogs are animals who lived in the open spaces before we adopted them into our homes. In the wild where there are dangers and perils at every turn- these dogs found caves and dens as a shelter and nesting area. This is the foundation of training dogs to use their crates in stressful and overly busy environments
This method greatly helps in house training dogs by containing them in their own area – thus minimizing the possibility of them causing any damage to anyone or anything including themselves. Crate training not only give the dogs a haven from a busy household, it siginificantly decreases inconvenience and stress of their human counterparts. They can put the dogs in the crates during long travels or trips to the vets without much trouble.
Not all animals should be crate trained. Some dogs have had serious trauma in homes before and will get hysterical when placed in a confined box. It is advisable to not follow through if this is the case. Other dogs that are large will break the crate they are contained in and hurt themselves in their panic. There are some pet owners who are still uncomfortable, no matter what facts are presented to them, with the thought of putting their living pets inside a box.
Crate training dogs depends largely on how the dog owner feels about the matter at hand. If a dog in a box is distressing to you then don’t push through with this. However, if you feel that you and your dog will be better off having some space and disciple that crate training can give you, then continue reading this article for helpful tips on the best way to go about doing this.
You need to put the crate in a room where there will be activities and people. Make sure the enclosure you’ve chosen is a good size and put some of his favorite treats and toys inside it. When you guide your dog in, do not close the door just yet. For a few days just pet him and talk to him reassuringly through the crate. Begin feeding him while he is inside. If you feel he is already quite accustomed to the space, close the door for a few minutes while you are in the room. If the dog reacts violently or cries, wait for him to stop before letting him out. It is a new and often frightening experience for the pet so be patient and do not rush him with this.
For crate training to be successful, never use it as a form of punishment to the dog. This should be a place he seeks out to be safe and calm. If the dog is finally accustomed to being alone in the crate, you can try leaving the house in short intervals and see how he reacts to this. If there is no trouble, then you have a crate trained dog in your hands. Now you have freedom from constantly being anxious of your pet’s situation. More than that, your dog has found a haven of peace and security he can go to to escape from all of life’s stress and busyness.
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