Crate Training Dogs

Even though to humans,crates seem to be cruel and unusual punishment,crate training dogs can actually be quite beneficial to you and your dog.Proper training with a crate sets the perameters as to what is and what is not acceptable.

To a dog a den is his home,his place of refuge from the elements,a safe place to rest or to raise a family.It is the equivalent to your livingroom.To your dog a crate mimics a den that he would naturally tend to inhabit.If you have ever observed a dog that did not have a crate you would probably notice that the dog tended to sleep underneath tables or beds.This isn't just to keep from being stepped on.A crate lets him relax and let his hair down so to speak.

With that in mind we humans can use that to our advantage to help crate train our pets.Dog crate training has many benefits,obedience,the beginnings of house breaking,helping to deter destructive behaviour,learning to travel safely,and privacy for your dog.

It has been said before many times and still remains true that your dog looks to you to be the pack leader.They are pack animals after all and need to have a clear heigherarcy.Dogs like to have structure in their lives.Crate training a dog can be a crucial element to defining that structure and your role as the top dog in the pack.

Crate training a puppy can be and is a great way to start puppy potty training.Dogs do not like to go where they sleep.It makes sense, you would not want to go in your livingroom either would you?Confining your puppy for a short while in his crate encourages him to hold his urine.This presents a perfect opportunity to help house break him.The key is to immediately take him outside so that he can relieve himself.Heeping on plenty of praise that he is a good boy will go a long way towards your ultimate goal.

Crates work much better for housebreaking than say confining your dog to a small room.He would most likely just go potty at the other end of the room,defeating the whole purpose.

Whether they are adult dogs or young pups,dogs love to chew.It is their natural instinct and healthy for their teeth.But allowing your puppy to roam loose can have devastating effects.Puppies,just like little kids, tend to find the one thing that you don't want them to find.The one thing that could really hurt them.No one wants to see their dog get electrocuted from chewing on an electric cord or die from eating something poisonous.This is where crate training your puppy comes in handy.The peace of mind you have knowing that your little pup is safe from harm for a short while is worth whatever effort it takes to get him used to his dog crate.

Crate training dogs can help when it comes time to travel.Whether it is a family vacation or simply a trip to the local vet,the use of a dog crate can mean the difference between a safe arrival at your destination and a disatorous trip.I have seen too many dogs and puppies loose in the car,many of them trying to drive the car for you.With proper dog crate training you will avoid unfortunate incidences.

Just like you,they need to have a special place to relax.Some place comfortable and quiet.Crate training dogs helps define that special space that is all their own and that is how it should stay.

How long it takes to crate train a dog is a tough question to answer because it truly depends on several factors.Every dog is different and each will learn at their own pace.Some pick up on what you want quicker than others.Some breeds can just be plain old stubborn.The amount of time that you have to devote to the process also plays a pivotal role in deciding how quickly your pup takes to his crate.Obviously the more time that you can invest in your relationship with your dog the better and faster the learning process may be.

You can probably stop your crate training efforts when your dog comfortably enters his dog crate on his own,you feel confident that he knows the proper place and time to potty and won't go off looking for something to chew on every time he is left alone.

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