It’s hard for us to believe that crate training can be beneficial for dogs. As humans, we see the crate as a cage. We wouldn’t want to be in there, and we wouldn’t put anyone we love in a cage.
If you’re reading this, chances are you love your dog.
However, we have to remember that even though dogs are a part of our family, they are not human. They don’t always think the way we do. We probably wouldn’t enjoy chewing on sticks or peeing on trees, either, but that’s what their instincts tell them to do.
If crate training is done right, they will welcome the crate and view it as a den. It is meant to be your dog’s safe space, somewhere they can go when they feel overwhelmed. It’s a place for them to calm down and have quiet time.
Additionally, crate training can be a huge help when it comes to curing dogs of separation anxiety and house training.
The Humane Society agrees that dogs possess a natural instinct to search for a quiet place when they feel stressed. If no one tells them how to handle their anxiety, they’ll find less-than-ideal outlets, such as chewing on furniture, digging at doors, or barking excessively. This is especially true when you aren’t home and available to offer guidance. By crate training, they know exactly what to do and where to be when you aren’t there.
The American Kennel Club points out that crate training is a helpful potty-training tool because dogs do not want to go to the bathroom where they sleep. If your dog makes a mess in the house while you’re out, crating them may be the solution.
There are some important tips to keep in mind while crate training your pup:
- Make sure you choose the right crate.
Wire crates are the most popular choice, and unless your dog needs to be fully enclosed, they work just fine. Make sure you choose the right size. The dog’s crate should not be too small, but having too much room can be a problem, too. Namely, your dog will have a corner in which to use the bathroom.
We recommend a crate with inserts that allows you to adjust the size. That way, one crate can last from puppyhood to adulthood.
- Start slow and be positive.
Do not put your dog in the crate for eight hours on the first day. Take it slow. Give them a few days to explore the crate before shutting the door. Then shut the door for a few minutes. Reward calm behavior in the crate. Slowly work your way up to a few hours at a time, and make sure you don’t leave them in the crate for so long that they soil themselves.
- Be patient.
Depending on your dog’s age and temperament, crate training may take 6 days, or it may take 6 months. Just know that it’s worth the time and effort to give you the peace of mind that comes with a crate trained dog. It’s also worth it to your pet, who will have a calm and quiet place of their own in your home.
To be absolutely sure you succeed in all of your crate training goals, it’s best to hire a trainer. For all of your North Carolina dog training needs, there is no better choice than Sally Said So! Our in-home training is backed by vet referrals, and, more importantly, client referrals.
Contact us today for all of your North Carolina crate training needs!