Howdy, fellow dog lovers! You’ve made the decision to welcome a new puppy into your home, or maybe you are thinking about making the leap to being a new pet parent.
We commend you on doing research to figure out how to properly care for your pup. You are on the right path to being a responsible dog owner.
First, let’s set the stage with background information on why a dog is hardwired to respond well to a dog crate, or a kennel. Dogs are pack animals, but they are also den animals. Take a look at wild dogs and wolves. In the wild, they make their home underground in a den. They feel comfortable and safe in an environment that mimics a den. A dog’s crate does not feel like confinement to them, it feels like a safe haven. To do this, we must ensure that they never develop a negative association with their crate. Leaving them in a crate confinement situation for too long can create a negative feedback loop that is hard to reverse. A crate doesn’t mean you can leave them alone all day.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of crate training
- Crate Training: Your Dog’s Fortress of Security:
- A pup’s crate should feel like its own little fortress of security. It should be a safe space they can retreat to when they need a break. The world can be overwhelming, not only to a puppy but to adult dogs too, and they should have somewhere that offers them a sense of comfort and security when they need it most. This sense of security can also help alleviate separation anxiety and provide a cozy den-like environment that appeals to their innate instincts. If they have a comfortable place to hang out when you leave, they will be more relaxed and less prone to creating bad habits when you leave the house.
- Reduce Destructive Behavior:
- We have all seen the images of a house torn to shreds when the owner leaves. Most of us dog owners have experienced it firsthand. A great way to combat this issue is through a crate-trained dog. Crate training helps curb destructive behavior in dogs by allowing your furry friend to have a designated area of their own where they don’t have access to your shoes, tables, and trash cans. My dog loves to get into the trash whenever she has a chance. Dog crates confine your little angel to a space that feels comfortable for them and lets you rest easy, knowing your house is safe while you are gone.
- Potty Training: Using a Dogs Instinct:
- Potty training can be tough for new dog owners, but learning to crate train your dog may be the missing link in your journey of house training your pup. Dogs have an innate instinct to keep their living spaces clean. It comes from their instincts as a den animal. They will do whatever they can to make sure they don’t pee or poop in their den or, in this case, their crate. You can use this to your advantage, but make sure you don’t abuse this advantage.
- Typically a puppy can hold their pee for one hour for every month old they are. So if they are 4 months old, they can hold their pee for 4 hours. This is a rule of thumb, not a concrete fact. Don’t leave a 2-month-old puppy alone in their crate for 4 hours; force them to pee in their crate. This will start a negative association with the crate.
- You can use this rule of thumb as your advantage in your toilet training adventure. Put your 2-month-old puppy in their crate for an hour and a half and then immediately take them outside. They will need to go pee, and you can start to train them to only pee outside. You control when they go to the bathroom and reinforce good things in their behavior. This leads to the next section.
- The Power of Positive Reinforcement:
- All of us at Bullibone are firm believers in the power of positive reinforcement. Crate training is a magical tool to use for positive reinforcement – but how can you tell if a dog is happy? The first step is to create a positive experience around your dog’s crate. When you reward your dog for good behavior inside the crate it creates a positive experience. Give them their favorite cute dog toys inside their crate. Lay down and pet them when they are in their crate. Make the crate somewhere they associate good vibes with. Done properly, crate training dogs results in positive vibes!
- Once this is established, don’t let the crate become punishment or have any negative association whatsoever.
- Safe Space: A Haven for an Adult Dog Too:
- Although a puppy sees enormous benefits from early crate training, an adult dog can also benefit from it. Take the same steps to create a positive association with the crate, and it will provide older dogs with a sanctuary to escape the chaos of everyday life. They love to have a sense of solace in their own little corner of your home. Thunderstorms and other loud noises can be especially bothersome to older dogs, and a kennel acts as a refuge when those Fourth of July fireworks start lighting up the night sky.
- Choosing the Right Crate: Your Pooch’s Personal Penthouse:
- Hopefully, you are all sold on the benefits of crate training by now, so let’s explore the different options. You can find a wire crate, a plastic crate, or even a wooden decorative crate. Take into account your dog’s size, breed, temperament, and needs when selecting the right crate. You may need a stronger material if you have a big, powerful dog.
- I have a Great Dane and needed to find a tall crate for her to stand in. I looked at many options but decided to use wire crates because she is also very powerful. Take measurements and ensure the crate you select will allow your pup plenty of space now and as they grow.
- Crate Training: What to Do and What Not to Do:
Do:
- Create an inviting space with comfy bedding and enrichment toys for dogs.
- Let your pup acclimate through gradual increases in time alone
- Always use positive reinforcement
- Make the crate a safe place
- Create an exciting vibe with treats and rewards early on
- Leave the crate door open when possible so your dog can always have access in and out
Don’t:
- Ever let the crate be used as a form of punishment
- Leave your pup in the crate for too long
- Try to rush the process. It takes time. Be patient.
A crate can be a remarkable tool in your arsenal for dog training and pet health. As a pet owner, you want to have the best possible solutions for success in your journey with your new friend and crate training is a tried and true approach.