CRATE TRAINING

Crates can prevent problems both with young and older dogs - teaching them a degree of independence and preventing them from becoming over-attached and hence destructive or noisy when alone. They are also invaluable for helping to teach puppies or older dogs with their housetraining.

Why should I use a crate?

Dog crates, cages, or indoor kennels, have become increasingly popular over the years. Previously used mainly by those who show or breed dogs, dog trainers and groomers, they are now commonplace amongst pet owners.

The crate is a most useful way of general puppy training. It allows for a well structured, supervised routine to be established, so the puppy quickly and easily learns the correct habits to live happily in your family.

The crate really comes into its own with toilet-training and is invaluable as protection for the pup when he is left on his own; to confine him when he may get underfoot at busy times; and to take him with you when you travel.

Is it a cage?

Although the crate does have a door with which to shut the puppy in, it is wrong to think of it as a cage. It is not intended as this and the pup should not come to regard it as such. The crate should be thought of as the pup's den - his security, his refuge and comfort. The crate will satisfy his need for a den - a need inherited from his den-dwelling ancestors.

How do I get my dog used to the crate?

Your dog should be introduced to his crate carefully. It is essential he regards it as his base in the house. Put his bedding on the floor of the crate. We recommend the easily washable, virtually chew-proof type of which there are many makes available. Encourage your dog to enter the crate by throwing a few titbits or a toy inside and allow him to go in and get them in his own time. Let him wander in and out for a while to accustom himself to the crate. Initially, every time he goes in he should have a titbit. You can feed his meals in there and also provide a secured water bowl - particularly overnight. It is more settling for the dog if the crate is placed in a quiet corner of a room well used by the family, so that he does not feel isolated. Most people choose the kitchen as the most suitable room.

The crate is not intended for the dog to be left in for hours on end. Two hours is the maximum at any one time, except overnight. Whenever possible he should be out of the crate for well supervised freedom, to play with and be handled by the family.

If being used for house training purposes your dog should always be taken into the garden after eating, when he has just woken up and after a play period before he goes back in his crate. Do not punish him if he has an "accident" in the crate.

Can I leave my dog in the crate when I go out?

An additional advantage of the crate is that it is a safe place to leave the dog in while you are out. You do not have to worry about what he is doing to himself or your house while you are out!

How do I decide on the correct size of the crate?

The choice of size of the crate is very important. There should be enough room for the dog to stand up without his head touching the top, stretch and turn around: therefore if buying for a puppy, remember that he will grow quickly so you do not want to start with a crate that only just fits him.

Conversely, there must not be too much room. The principle behind the use of the crate for toilet-training is that a dog does not like to toilet in the same place as he eats and sleeps. This is something that is instilled in the pup from the first days of his life with his mother. If the crate is too large, the dog will use one corner for sleeping and the rest as a toileting area.

Do I always use the crate?

If using to train a puppy, as he becomes older he can obviously be given more freedom. The door of the crate can be left open so that he can use it as a refuge for sleep or to escape from persistent children. He need then only be shut in at night and when you go out.

Once the pup's routine has become established and he is toilet-trained, the crate could be removed. However, he may miss his crate and you may well consider it a worthwhile long term investment to keep.

Is there anything I shouldn't do?

The crate must always be a secure, safe area for your pup to enjoy: it should never be used as a punishment cell. Neither should it be regarded as a way of leaving the pup alone for long periods.

Are there any other uses for the crate?

Many people find the crate useful in other aspects. Once the dog has become used to it, the crate can be used to transport him in the car. It provides security for him and prevents him jumping about the car - which can be hazardous to the driver as well as a great nuisance. The crate also becomes useful if you want to take the pup away for weekends to friends or to a hotel. It won't be long before the crate becomes the second best friend of both you and your dog.