Using a dog crate is a
humane and effective way to begin training your new puppy. A
crate gives your pet a place where he can feel secure, and
is often a place of refuge for him. In addition, it gives
you a place to put the puppy when you cannot watch him
closely, such as at night or while you are at work.
By instinct, dogs will search out a den-like place to feel
comforted and secure. Sometimes lying under a table will
work, but the closeness of a crate is usually best. This den
instinct stems from their relative, the wolf. Wolves make
cozy dens in caves or holes dug in the ground. It is the
place they return to for comfort and security in times of
danger. It is the place in which they sleep, eat their meals
and raise their young. Domesticated dogs still have the need
for a den of their own for the same purposes that the wolves
use them.
Your puppy’s crate does not need to be big. Your dog needs
to have enough room to stand, turn around and lay down in
it. If the crate is too big, your dog will be tempted to use
one end as a bathroom. Place a washable blanket and a few
favorite toys in there, and your dog will enjoy being in his
new space. You may even reward him for going into the crate
by giving him a treat. Some owners begin using the command
"kennel" once their dog enters the crate. The dog will not
understand the connection at first, but will eventually
learn to associate "kennel" with going into his crate.
Another way to help your dog feel at home in his new crate
is to place his food and water bowls in there during meal
time. This will not only feed his body but also his wolf
instinct to eat in his den. The goal is to make the crate as
inviting of a space as possible for your dog. While he is in
the crate for extended periods of time you can place a water
bowl in there for him as well. Some pet stores carry water
bowls that attach to the sides of the crate to help prevent
spills.
Puppies are naturally curious, and left to their own devices
will explore every square inch of your house if left
unattended. This leads to accidents on the carpet and
chewing of furniture and other household items. The crate
comes in handy for times when you cannot keep a close eye on
your puppy, such as over night. Placing your puppy in a
crate over night is not cruel as long as you handle it in a
positive way. He may howl and carry on for the first couple
of nights, but you should try to not give in to his
complaints. He will eventually settle down and go to sleep
in his new room.
If you must crate your dog for a few hours, be sure to
offset that with plenty of exercise and attention. A long
walk or a romp in the yard will help exercise his muscles as
well as exert some of the pent up energy he will have. Dogs
love attention and affection from their owners, so make him
feel loved and accepted. Just letting him out of his kennel
and ignoring him will not help create a lifelong bond. If
you find you don’t have the time for your dog and use the
crate to contain him quite often, then perhaps you should
rethink having a dog
Use of a crate can become cruel when it is over used and or
used as a means of punishment. If you come across your dog
engaged in inappropriate behavior, it is okay to reprimand
him. However, some owners will yell "NO" and drag the dog to
the crate and leave him in there. The dog will be confused,
and will associate the crate with being in trouble. As a
result, the dog will not want to be in his crate and it will
not longer be a comforting and safe place to him.
Your dog will enjoy being in a crate if it is used sensibly
for house training. It is a humane and loving way to keep
your pup under control until he has learned the rules of the
house.
