The Benefits of Kennel / Crate Training
In my opinion, crate training your dog is one of the most important tools in the overall obedience and facilitates several other training obstacles we may encounter.
Not only do we put a baby in a crib to prevent roll outs,but we also do it to contain a child to encourage rest and we may put them in a playpen while we cook supper or need a break from constant watching every move. Another great use of a playpen for our family was to use as a temporary bed if we had to travel or visit relatives or friends.
Training your dog to sleep in a kennel helps in the house breaking process, reduces the occurrences of separation anxiety, prevents unattended injuries, reduces property damage and produces a more well adjusted pet. All these factors as well as the fact that the dog travels with his own bedroom, makes it easier to find appropriate and willing pet sitters. Another benefit is car travel. Your pets legally have to be properly constrained in a moving vehicle in most jurisdictions and it is simply safer that way, whether in a kennel or in a seat belt restraint.
Five Tips for Crate Training
- While house breaking, the size matters. The dog should only have enough room to turn around in a circle and lie down. Usually the dog will not soil where they sleep unless they absolutely have to. Remember, 10 week old puppies have small bladders and should go out every 40-60 minutes and withhold food and water for 2 hours before bed. Put a box or some kind of divider in the crate to limit space. Make sure Pup can’t get trapped.
- If Pup is having anxiety being left alone at night, start with crate in the bedroom. Teach Pup the “Quiet” command as you go. Eventually move the crate to the door, outside the door, down the hall, until you have it where you want it. I have also used Walkie-Talkies to give Pup the “Quiet” command once the crate is out of the room and he decides he wants to play at 3 o’clock in the morning.
- Make sure Pup won’t chew up bedding in the crate. If he has a tendency to chew, leave the bedding out until the teething subsides. Know your dogs chewing habits and how heavy a chewer he is and provide safe chewing toys and treats while in the crate. Never leave pet unattended with items that can allow large pieces to chip off or toys that can cause choking.
- Choose from a travel type plastic vari-kennel, a steel cage type kennel, high end wooden decorative furniture kennels and even collapsible playpens.
- Use the kennel when you can’t watch a young puppy like a hawk. They like to get into everything and to prevent the pup from learning unwanted behavior, kennel him when you need a break. You will be better focused after 15-20 minutes and then you can provide the attention Pup needs.
