Crate Training
Why use a crate?
Crate training with Kingdom Elite K9 in Indianapolis, Indiana can be beneficial in many different scenarios. There could be an emergency situation that comes up, like surgery. Crate training can help prevent stress in these situations. Dogs may be required to be on crate rest when recovering from surgery. As they wake and rest, dogs are less likely to have complications from stress and anxiety, by not being able to settle down if they are previously crate trained.
Crate training also comes in handy during everyday life. Crates help dogs learn to self soothe, or deal with their anxiety, during situations that cause high stress, like unfamiliar company, fireworks, thunderstorms, or maybe even home remodels. What about new puppies that need to potty often and love to chew? Crates give them a safe place to be where they are not getting into anything they are not supposed to be in. Kingdom Elite K9 located in Indianapolis offers top-of-the-line professional crate training for your dog.
What is a crate?
A crate is an indoor dog house that you can use to manage your dog in a variety of situations. Understanding that dogs are den animals. It makes sense that they need their own sanctuary that is just large enough for them to fit inside and feel secure. This provides a safe place to rest and relax, not just for your puppy, but for you as well.
Types of Crates: There are a variety of different types of crates, but the most common are plastic and wire.
Plastic crates: This is a high-impact sturdy plastic crate that involves a swinging metal door with a lock. These crates are well ventilated on the sides and back. Because this type of crate is more “enclosed”, it gives more of a “den-like” feel for the dog. These crates come in various sizes ranging from about $30 to $150.
Wire crates: These crates are made from a 6 or 8-gauge wire, that is completely open mesh on all sides. Some even have 2-door access. Some larger crates also have a divider that you can adjust the size of space so that as your puppy grows, it can too. These crates have a removable plastic tray that can be easily cleaned and are collapsible making it easy to store and travel with. You can purchase specific covers separately to cover the crate, which can help with crate training and give more of the “den-like” feel. They come in a variety of sizes and range from $30 to $175 depending on the size and strength of your crate.
Choosing the “right” crate for crate training:
Bigger is not better when it comes to choosing a crate for crate training. Remember: dogs are den animals so you just want to provide enough space for your puppy/dog to sit, lay down, and turn around. This will also help your puppy to keep from eliminating in the crate. Most dogs do not want to sit or lay down where they relieve themselves. In turn, this will also help with housetraining. When you let the puppy out of the crate, take him/her directly outside to potty.
Tips for Successful crate training:
Make your puppy’s crate training a POSITIVE experience!! Try feeding them meals or treats in their crate so crate time feels like a reward. Toys are also acceptable for crates but remember to only give toys that your puppy will not destroy, as these can become swallowed and/or lodged creating a very big problem. I personally like to take toys out at night or when I am not home, or until I am able to trust that my puppy/dog will not swallow them.
Beginning training can feel overwhelming or “cruel” but don’t let this get to you! Your puppy will adjust! Remember just like people and kids, every dog is different. Adjusting to the kennel might come quickly, some might take longer. Don’t give up, it just takes time. With that being said, there are some things that you can do to help your puppy adjust. “Bird caging” for example, you can cover the crate with a blanket to help with your puppy’s nerves but be careful with puppy/dogs that like to chew the blankets. You can also have some background noise, music, or TV. Location is also important. You do not want to isolate your puppy. Place the crate in a common but neutral location. Where the crate is not in the way but also close enough that your puppy feels safe.
Common mistakes with crate training:
Remember that we want your puppy’s crate training experience to be POSITIVE!
Punishment (Do not use the crate for punishment)
Whining (Do not let the puppy out for whining, this only teaches the puppy if it whines, it gets out. Instead, wait till the puppy quiets)
Escape (If it escapes once, it will try again. Sometimes purchasing a metal carabiner helps keep them from being able to open the lock.
Wrong location (Not isolated but not in a heavy traffic area)
Unintentional actions that cause stress (beating the sides of the crate, yelling)
