This post contains affiliate links.
Crate Training
A den for your dog.
Many people look at a crate as a jail for dogs. This is absolutely not true! Dogs are den animals; a crate to them is their own little place in the world where nobody bugs them! Once a dog becomes used to a crate, he will go there when he’s been scolded, when he’s tired, or when he just wants to get away from it all! If only we had something like that!
Plastic Crate or Wire Crate
Which one is best?
If you haven’t purchased a crate for your puppy yet, get one large enough to do him when he’s full-grown. Now you have to decide, plastic crate or wire crate; which one is best?
Your crate will become your most important housebreaking tool. A dog will not likely mess in his crate because he doesn’t want to sleep in his mess. If your dog is alone all day, your crate will prevent destructive habits such as chewing. The cost of a crate is negligible compared to the cost of replacing your good leather shoes, a new couch, or your flooring.
Begin crate training by making your dog’s crate comfortable. Put a blanket or towel in and some of his favourite toys. Leave the door to the crate open while you’re at home, so he can feel comfortable about going in and out. At bedtime put him in the crate and close the door. I have already discussed the use of articles of clothing with your scent on them, as well leaving a radio or the TV on at a low volume can give him comfort. If pup cries or whines, bury your head under the pillow and ignore him, he will settle down eventually!
It’s not unusual to discipline children by sending them to their room. If you send your dog to his crate as a form of punishment, he will come to fear and dislike his crate and you will lose this valuable asset. If you know you can’t supervise your pup because you’re busy making dinner or such, put pup in his crate with a favourite toy or chewy and give yourself an opportunity for success instead of conflict. As long as pup is getting lots of quality time and physical play, short time out’s in a crate are far less destructive than the confrontation you will have with him for getting into stuff, messing in the house, etc.
It is not necessary to provide water in the crate, as long as your dog is not overheated. Water in a crate can be spilled, making for a wet bed. Also if your dog drinks too much he will be uncomfortable until your return. Make sure your dog has had a drink and a trip outdoors before locking him up for longer periods.
Another helpful tip, for evenings especially, is to offer your puppy ice cubes instead of water to cool him. Your puppy will consider this a treat and it will help cool him and quench his thirst without adding volume to his bladder. Puppies love to chase “scubes” around the house and the little bit of melted water on the floor is easy to clean up.
Your dog’s crate is also the safest way to transport him in your vehicle. He is secure, making driving safer for you and everyone else on the road. In the event of an accident, your dog will take less of a beating if he’s in his crate, and you will not be subject to scratches and bites from a panic stricken animal. A crate is just one of many tools used by responsible pet owners!
Exercise Pens aka X-pens are another wonderful training tool that is covered next!
Exercise Pens, also known as X-pens
Like a playpen for a child but for your dog
If you have never seen an “X-pen” before, you can best relate it to a playpen for a child. They are usually constructed of eight panels 24” wide ranging in height from 24” to 48” high. They are available with or without gates. They are extremely useful for dogs of all ages, but especially puppies! They provide a safe enclosure for your pup (or adult dog) that is larger and more open than a crate. It allows the dog to be safely out of the way, yet still feel like part of the pack. You can provide your pup with food, water, safe toys, and chewies; also with small pups, their small crate will fit inside the x-pen. X-pens fold flat, which makes them wonderful for travelling as well! When I travel with our girls for breeding, I take an x-pen in the motel room with me, that way she’s not bleeding all over the motel room. I just place a sturdy tarp underneath and provide a blanket for her to sleep on. X-pens are also great outdoors WITH supervision! They are NOT escape proof, although dogs that are raised with them will not usually attempt to get out. X-pens are a wonderful asset to your puppy raising experience; however they should not replace crates or crate training! Personally I would never raise a pup without one again! Exercise Pens are usually available in larger pet retail outlets. If you have a preferred pet supply dealer, inquire in advance of your puppy’s arrival and likely you can have one set up when he gets there! Longlines will be covered next!
This post contains affiliate links.
