Crate Training



What is a dog crate?

A dog crate is a cage made of wire or molded plastic. Its purpose is to provide confinement for reasons of
security, safety, housebreaking, protection of household goods, travel or illness. You may think that putting
your pet in a crate is mean or inhumane and might cause your pet to resent you or to be psychologically
damaged. However, dogs view the world differently than people.

   As your dog sees it, the crate is a room of his very own - a "security blanket". The crate helps to satisfy the
"den instinct" inherited from his den-dwelling ancestors and relatives. Your pet will feel secure, not frustrated
once accustomed to his crate. Your pet wants to please you and you want to enjoy him. The crate can help
you achieve a better relationship with your pet by preventing unwanted behavior when you aren't available to
supervise him.

The advantages of using a crate

You can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed
and that he is comfortable, safe,  and not developing bad habits.
You can housebreak your pet more quickly by using the close confinement to motivate your pet to wait until
taken outside, since canines naturally avoid soiling their den.
You can travel with your pet without risk of the the dog getting loose and becoming lost or interfering with safe
driving.
Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of den of his own to which he can retreat when tired or stressed.
Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to problem behavior.
Since he can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he has his familiar "security blanket"
along, your pet can be included in family outings, instead of being left behind alone.

Purchasing a crate

Crates can be purchased at pet stores, department stores, and from pet supply catalogs. Look for a wire
crate that includes a removable metal floor pan. Plastic crates can also be used, although some dogs will
chew the plastic. For your pet's comfort, look for one with a smooth floor. Purchase  crate large enough for
your pet to stretch out on its side and to sit or stand erect. If you have a puppy, it is more economical to buy a
wire crate that will accommodate him as an adult, then partition it to the right size. A movable wire or
pegboard partition can be made or purchased. Too large a crate can undermine housebreaking because
your pet may eliminate at one end of the crate and lie down at the other. For bedding, use an old blanket or
buy a washable crate pad. Depending on size and construction, a new crate may cost $40 - 150. This is a
bargain compared to the cost of replacing a sofa, woodwork, or carpeting.

Where should I put it?

Dogs are social animals. Place the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time - kitchen. family
room, etc. The top of the crate can serve as extra shelf or table space. At night, move your puppy's crate into
your bedroom so you can hear him if he needs to go out.

Crating a puppy

   A young puppy should have no problem accepting the crate as his place. Crying at first is caused, not by
the crate, but by adjusting to an unfamiliar household. Do not reward barking or whining with attention! If you
are sure he doesn't need to eliminate, ignore him until he is quiet, then praise him or take him out of the
crate. Do not leave meals in the crate or feed your puppy immediately prior to confining him. Most puppies will
spill water left in the crate. Do leave a safe chew toy in the crate for your pet. Close your pet in the crate
whenever he must be left alone or can't be closely supervised by a responsible person.

   Never crate your pet longer than you know he can wait to eliminate.. If you occasionally must be gone
longer than this, place the crate with the door open in an enclosed area such as a bathroom or laundry room.
Place newspapers on the floor of the room to facilitate clean-up. Your puppy should soon stop eliminating
overnight and then may be crated in his regular place.