Have you ever wondered what “crate training dogs meant? It seemed like an inhumane form of torture for punishing canine disobedience. Reading up on it though, it might surprise you to find out that its actually a nesting method for dogs based on their primal need for security.
They say dogs and wolves are from the same family, sharing the same behavioral instinct for self-preservation. Dogs may very well have descended from the same line as wolves. This would mean that before they were pets,they lived in the wild. They would use safe dens and lairs to shelter them from all the dangers that abound in open spaces. This is the guiding principle of training dogs to utilize their own crates when they feel threatened or simply stressed out.
Many who use crate training can attest to its stress relieving effects for the canine. This also helps in house training the dogs by keeping them in check within a limited area. This will protect the animals from harming themselves, other people and things around the house. Going to the vet or travelling for long distances will not anymore be a problem with a crate trained dog safely tucked in his enclosed space.
Not all dogs can be crate trained. There are pets who have experienced severe trauma in the past with confined boxes. They will be difficult to calm down, thus making this method of training virtually useless. Some of the larger dogs panic when the door closes in and they break the crate altogether. And many owners are just uneasy with having living animals stuck in such an enclosed space.
Crate training dogs depends largely on how the dog owner feels about the matter at hand. If a dog in a box is distressing to you then don’t push through with this. However, if you feel that you and your dog will be better off having some space and disciple that crate training can give you, then continue reading this article for helpful tips on the best way to go about doing this.
Look for a good site to place the crate in. It has to be in a room where people will be in like the living area or the bedroom. Purchase a good sized crate and put the dog’s favorite play things inside. As the dog makes its way in the crate, do not immediately shut the door. Stroke him and speak to him reassuringly for a few days. Feed him while he is in the box. When all seems alright, start closing the door for several minutes. Make sure you are still in the room wehere he can see and hear you. If the dog cries and gets upset, wait for him to settle down before opening the door. Do not rush the process. It is a little scary for the pet so you need to be patient in introducing the concept to him.
Never use this as a form of punishment for the dog. He should associate the crate as a calming and safe place for him to be in. If the animal is not getting upset being left alone in the crate, leave the house in short periods to gauge his reaction. If everything works out, you have accomplished the important task of crate training your dog. This will free you from worrying about your pet all the time. Moreover, you have given your dog his own special space of peace from the world.
