THE BENEFITS OF CRATE TRAINING AND HOW TO DO IT
Are you planning to bring home a puppy soon and curious about the benefits of crate training? Maybe you're wishing you'd hopped on the crate training bandwagon sooner, and you're trying to find out how to crate train your older dog.
Crate training is commonly seen as harsh or unnecessary, yet nothing could be farther from the truth! A crate offers your dog protection, security, regularity, and routine—all of which are important for a happy and well-adjusted furry friend.
Crate training from day one is recommended by most trainers for all pups for a multitude of reasons. Don't panic if you missed out on crate training in the beginning. It isn't too late. Senior dogs can be trained to utilize and even like their crates. Crates provide owners peace of mind, keep pets safe, and help learn other desired habits.
Let's look more closely at the benefits of crate training and how to crate train your older dog or puppy.
1. CRATE TRAINING HELPS IN HOUSE TRAINING YOUR DOG
The number one argument for crate training a dog straight away is how much easy house training becomes. Dogs, by nature, do not like to make a mess in the same room where they sleep or spend time.
By putting your dog in a crate at night, while you're not home, or any other time you can't actively monitor and respond to their toilet requirements, your dog will learn better bladder and bowel control rapidly. They will learn to notify you when they need to go. Of course, you should be realistic about how long your pup can go without a toilet break in order to set them up for success.
2. KEEP YOUR DOG (AND HOME) SAFE WHILE YOU'RE AWAY
Without a kennel, you must continually monitor your puppy to ensure their safety. Even with the most meticulous dog-proofing, your house is riddled with potential hazards. Wires and tiny things can swiftly lead to major mishaps.
Moreover, where will your puppy be if you are asleep, going away for a few hours, or even cooking supper and can't offer your dog your complete attention? A container will come in handy to give safety in this situation.
Crates also keep your house secure and prevent your dog from engaging in frequent behavior issues such as destructive chewing. When you cage your dog, they can't act out, and while they're out, you can focus all of your attention on teaching them with positive reinforcement. With enough work and instruction, your dog may no longer require a crate!
3. PROVIDES A MENTAL BREAK FOR YOUR DOG
Some young canines simply can't seem to turn themselves off. They're brimming with energy and will simply go, go, go. This can be troublesome because dogs, like babies and toddlers, can become overtired and begin acting out if they have been stimulated or active for an extended period of time.
My dear friend was in this position. She couldn't figure out why her one-year-old rescue would suddenly begin showing negative attention seeking behaviors, even though she knew he'd been properly exercised and all of his requirements were addressed. It found out that this was a dog that needed to be crated and taught how to relax and take a break. This really improved his demeanor.
Some dogs can check out and snooze on the floor from a young age, but for many dogs, this is a talent that must be taught. Providing them time in a box to rest their minds and bodies will help them learn.
4. PROVIDES A SAFE HAVEN FOR YOUR DOG
By integrating a crate into your dog's life, you are giving them a constant safe haven and refuge. When your dog grows acquainted with their crate, they will see it as a secure haven. Many dogs go into their crates on their own when they need to relax or are feeling stressed.
5. EASIES TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG
Traveling becomes much simpler when your dog is used to spending time in their kennel. If you cage your dog while traveling, you will not only avoid whining and pain in transportation, but you will also help them adjust to a new environment. My own dogs are frequently agitated when we travel to see family or stay in a rental. They know their areas and acclimatize much more easily because they brought their cages and dog beds.
6. IMPLEMENTS ROUTINE AND PREDICTABILITY IN YOUR DOG'S DAY
Crate training your dog can help you prevent problems such as separation anxiety and leaping up when you or visitors get home. It helps them to know what to expect when putting into their crate is part of the ritual every time you leave the house. Many dogs will enter their cage on their own when they observe you preparing your belongings to depart, or at night about the time everyone else goes to bed.
7. GETS THEM READY FOR UNAVOIDABLE CRATING AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFE
Another advantage of crate training a dog is that it prepares them for inevitable crate time. This might occur at a groomer, vet, or when traveling. If kids are familiar with crates before they need to use one, it will reduce their worry and concern over the experience.
CRATE TRAINING A PUPPY
Ideally, you should be ready to begin crate training right immediately. Prepare the crate ahead of time for your puppy's first day and night at home.
Pick a crate that allows your puppy to turn around and sleep down comfortably. You don't want them to pee or defecate in the crate and then lay next to it. To save money, buy a crate that will accommodate them till they reach adulthood and partition it with a large box or plastic bin.
While putting your dog in his or her kennel, try to use a consistent word or command. This makes it easier to instruct them to go to their place when needed.
Be reasonable in your expectations; dogs under 6 months old should not be confined to their crate for more than 3-4 hours at a time. Puppies will also require plenty of attention, stimulation, and exercise before being placed in crates.
When you are unable to provide close supervision to your puppy, they should be kept in their crate.
Do not interact if they are whining in their box and have recently relieved themselves. If they haven't used the restroom in more than an hour, take them out immediately.
If your puppy whines at night, take them outdoors right away. Do not join in play, and do not lavish them with pets or attention. You want them to understand right away that you will take them out to pee or defecate throughout the night, but that's all! Throughout the night, avoid using treats or food.
If you have a wire crate, a towel over the crate might help them settle at night or throughout the day.
Never use the crate as a punishment; you don't want the box to have a bad relationship with you.
Whenever your dog constantly requests to be let out, you can add a towel, blanket, or bed to their crate to make it more cozy and enticing.
If your dog is housebroken and well-trained to behave in the house without chewing or acting out, you may let them use the crate whenever they want and cease crating them whenever you sleep or leave. This happened with our lab at the one-year mark, although there is a broad range of normal.
CRATE TRAINING AN OLDER DOG
You may need to train an older dog to utilize a crate in some instances. This might happen if you adopt an older dog or if your older dog suddenly begins chewing or displaying other undesirable tendencies.
Several of the same tactics as described above will be used to crate train an older dog. Always avoid making the container a negative space. If your older dog already has a bed, favorite toy, or blanket, keep it in their crate with them. To get older dogs on board with abrupt crating, you may need to provide more positive reinforcement in the form of goodies.
Just as with a dog, keep your expectations in check. You should only confine your dog after they've gotten enough exercise and mental stimulation. They should not be left in their crate for long periods of time, or all day and night. This might imply hiring a dog walker or altering your routine.
When elderly dogs are left at home without a kennel, they may drink as much water as they need and seek other sources of stimulation. Be conscious of their heightened and changing requirements if you suddenly need to kennel them.
