Dog
Proper Use of Dog Crates
The dog crate, dog cage, or indoor kennel is an enclosure with a door where a dog is kept inside for security or transportation.
There is a common misconception that putting dogs into dog crates is cruel, but this is far from the truth. Dogs are actually denning animals which means that when they relax, dogs naturally like to choose an enclosed space. For example, wolves and wild dogs like to burrow holes to sleep in the wild. Just like we have our own bedroom in a house, dogs need somewhere in your home that they can call their own. Dog crates can provide this environment as somewhere to retreat to and feel safe.
Reasons for owning a dog crate
- A safe haven/den area where your dog can go for some ‘me’ time.
- Toilet training a puppy.
- Isolation after an injury/treatment.
- Short trips in the car.
- Displaying them at a dog show.
- A place to hide away when visitors come.
- Allows you to take your eyes off the dog for a period of time.
What size should the dog crate be?
Crates should be large enough to allow your dog to lay on its side without being cramped in, sit up without hitting his head on the top of the crate, and able to turn around standing up. If between sizes or in doubt always go for a bigger crate rather than a smaller one. However, If the crate is too large, it can encourage your dog to defecate on one side and sleep on the other. If you are thinking of buying a crate for a puppy, try to use the standard size of an adult dog in their breed to predict the size you will need, this can be a lot trickier to predict in crossbreeds.
Types of Dog Crates
Plastic Dog Crates
The disadvantages are that they take up a lot of space and do not fold for storage. They also don’t provide a lot of ventilation in comparison to metal cages.
Wire Dog Crates
Wire dog crates can either be fixed in place or can be folded down flat. They are lightweight, very strong when constructed with appropriate bracing, excellent airflow, and vision for the dogs.
Soft Dog Crates
Soft dog crates are easily folded lightweight and can be easily erected anywhere and transported you need them and provide a little home for your dog immediately. However, they shouldn’t be used for travel or dogs that are prone to chewing or digging.
Crate Training
Start crate training as soon as possible, when your dog is a puppy preferably. Older dogs will require more time and patience to train. Puppies will generally avoid defecating where they sleep, and so crates teach young puppies to hold it in. However, you shouldn’t leave them for too long and take them outside to defecate frequently. You should use the crate up to around the 10/12th month stage. It’s likely your dog will not immediately take to the crate and they will require careful introduction and patience in order to ensure that they see it as a good place to be.
- Make sure the crate is comfortable, be sure to place a soft blanket or bedding inside along with some water. You could also place some unwashed clothing that you have worn so that the scent comforts your dog.
- Start off by leaving the crate open with your dog’s toys inside. Therefore if they want to play they will have to interact with the crate in order to retrieve them. You can also do the same but with treats instead.
- As the days go by, move the toys and/or treats further back into the crate, so your dog has to walk further inside of it.
- Eventually you will find that your becomes comfortable enough with the crate that they will nap inside. Once they do so, gently close the crate door being careful not to wake them. Open it once again when they wake up, and be sure to praise them.
- However, if you find that your dog doesn’t take to sleeping the crate you can try feeding your dog inside the crate instead. You should open the crate door as soon as they are finished eating.
- Build up the amount of time that the dog spends inside of the crate with the door closed gradually. Eventually you will find that they will fall asleep inside of the crate while the door is closed.
- Once your dog becomes more comfortable, gradually spend longer periods of time away from the crate until you no longer hear barking or crying.
Handy Tips
- Never ever use the crate as punishment or discipline your dog inside the crate. The crate should be seen as a safe haven for your dog and not a negative environment.
- You can cover the crate’s back and sides with a sheet in order to give the dog a more secure feel, also preventing drafts.
- Your crate should be placed in an area away from too much heat and cold draughts, near to where the dog can clearly see you.
- Always try and exercise your dog, feed them, and make sure they’ve gone to the toilet before they spend a period of time inside the closed crate.
- Put your dog in the crate both before you leave them on their own for a while and when your around the house too. This is so they don’t associate being put into the crate as you leaving them, creating separation anxiety.
- Don’t keep your dog in the crate for over 3 hours.
- Make sure they have a favourite toy in easy reach inside the crate, it’ll keep them distracted.
- Remove the collar and tags from your dog if leaving them for a longer period of time in case they get caught on the crate.
- Do not let your dog out of the crate if they are barking or whining, if you do so they will see this as a way to get out of the crate. Simply wait for around 10 seconds after they stop to then let them out.
- It’s important for your dog to be comfortable with you entering the crate with your hand etc. but you should let children and possibly adults know that space is the dog’s and they should respect it.
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