Crate training for YOUR companion.
All dogs should have a crate of some sort available at all times.
This crate or small enclosed area simulates their “den” out in the wild.
It’s size should be relative to the size of your puppy, as a rule of
thumb the crate’s width should be no more than twice the length of the
puppy, it’s length no more than 2.5 to 3 times the length of the puppy,
And it’s height should be enough for the puppy to stand up in
comfortably. Yes this is a relatively small area but that is what they
want and need to simulate their “den” in the wild. They need a crate
that is enclosed on all sides with only one entrance to guard. Make sure
that there is proper ventilation.
I have found that the “flight kennel” is the perfect answer.
It is
lightweight, quiet and easy to clean and that can
be important. It however is not as portable as a “wire” crate. The wire
crate can be folded up and moved to another location much more easily.
However, it is noisier, and harder to clean it is also much heavier. You
should put a towel or rug over the top and sides of a wire crate
covering it to give him that “inside” secure feeling.
The crate is essential in the “housebreaking* ” process because
puppies and adult dogs have a natural inhibition not to eliminate in
their sleeping quarters.
You should use the crate during the two most crucial periods for the
pup, at night and when left alone in the house such as shopping times
etc.
DO NOT use the crate as a punishment!
This should be a place where
they feel secure and happy. A place where they can relax and be left
alone for a while. This is an essential piece to their mental
well-being. I have written a “Housebreaking” lesson that is available here
on my site. It teaches the complete, fast, and humane method I
developed over 37 years of experience and Housebreaking of HUNDREDS of
puppies large and small. Included is the method and the total email and video
support. I will answer any questions, clarify any concepts. Keep you on schedule
and generally support you and YOUR Dog in the housebreaking process.
There is also a questionnaire that I will send you, and you return it to
me electronically so that I can design a ONE-ON-ONE housebreaking
program for YOU and YOUR Dog.
My normal charge for this class is $60.00 but for an introductory price
for this new website I am going to make it available for FREE. That is a
100% discount!
There is a lot of information on the subject of housebreaking on the net
and also a lot of MISINFORMATION. It is scattered here and there.
Get it now and get the proper method all in one place with total unlimited E-Mail
support! Do you have any questions or even a comment reach out and I will be glad to connect with you.
Introducing a pup to his new den is very important.
Do NOT just “stuff” him in there the first time.
Get a treat that they really like
and making sure that they see you do this, toss the treat to the back of
his den and then walk away.
Let the pup go inside in his own time, don’t hurry him. Do this several
times, the repetition of him seeing you toss the treat to the back of
the den will motivate him to go into the den. Then “bait” the den
anytime he is not looking. That way he can “hunt down” a treat in his
den. This will motivate him to go in and out on his own volition.
So far we have been talking about using the crate with very young
dogs. My adult dogs love their kennel, “Den”. I have one a couple of
feet from my computer area and it almost always has a dog in it. The
door is open and they come and go as they please. The rule is when they
are in their den they are to be left alone. It is their self-imposed
time out. They really do love their crate, kennel, “den”
Click the immage to select the offer..
If you are in the market for a crate,kennel, DEN I suggest the following for small pups in the 5-15 pounds range.
You pups maximum hight for this kennel is 13 inches.Such as Boston Terriors, French Bulldogs and Minature Pinschers.
A bit larger DEN would be for dogs in the 30-50 pounds andno more than 18 inches tall.
Such as Basset hounds, Cocker Spaniels and corgis.
Moving on to an larger dog you will want the 24 inch high kennel for the 70-90 pound dogs. Such as Boxers,Golden Retrievers and Labrador retrievers.
For those very large companions a X-Large Den is in order, this is for the 90-125 pound. Such as German Shepherd and the Wrottweiler,
This looks like a very good training method. I will be contacting you for more info.
Hey ,
I think this is an excellent solution for young puppies,
The question is what happens in a situation where you adopt a more mature dog that used to be caged in a dog shelter.
Would not this cause him panic attacks?
how i make my dog feel relaxesed without the snacks and treats.
Okay, this is where one-on-one training becomes even more important. In a undo, redo situation as in the one you described. There are many factors that have to be taken in consideration to develop a proper Re-training, reconditioning of your dog. As an adult, your dog already has the physical capability of controlling his urination and defecation. Now our task is to recondition the animal to realize that the only place to relieve himself is out doors.
If however, the dog does not have any housebreaking issues but has confinement and separation anxiety issues a different approach is indicated. To develop a proper training program for this situation I would need to know many things. Such as, the breed of the dog, the age of the dog, the sex of the dog, is he/she neutered, how long were they in the shelter, what was their situation before the shelter etc. After I have gathered most of the pertinent information then and only then can I design a training program for YOU and YOUR dog.
I’ve taught both of my dogs to go into crates. It is very nice to have them go in, and be comfortable that they sleep. All I say is load and they go in and wait for me to fasten the door. Its very helpful when someone comes in that is afraid of dogs. I also go to dog trails and use a soft crate, lite weight and easy to set up and fold down. I also store them in a car.
These are very nice to have around.
Thank you for the insightful comment. It is true that dogs sleep more soundly when the feel secure in their “den”. Make sure to remember the rule, that if they are in there crate they are to be left alone. Thanks again, if you have any questions or comments reach out to me and I will be more that happy to connect.
I’m wondering on the kind of crate to get for traveling. I’ve seen both the wire, and the flight crates, used in cars. Which one do you recommend for cars? I want to keep them as safe as possible.
I would choose a flight crate! It MUST be secured to the vehicle with I-Bolts and Ratchet straps.