 Positive
crate experience for your dog: Most dogs quickly choose a small area, such as a corner of a
room, in a dog bed, or on or under a couch, where they go to
relax. The key to making the crate the dog’s favorite retreat
and sleeping area, is to associate the crate with as many
positive and relaxing experiences and stimuli as possible (food,
treats, chew toys, bedding) and to place the dog in its cage
only at scheduled rest and sleep periods. You must therefore be
aware of the dog’s schedule, including it needs for exploration,
play, food, and elimination, so that the dog is only placed in
its cage, when each of these needs is fulfilled. You must then
return to the dog to release it from its cage before the next
exercise, feeding or elimination period is due.A radio or television playing in the background may help to
calm the dog when it is alone in its cage, especially during the
daytime. These may also help to mask environmental noises that
can stimulate the dog to vocalize.
When the pup is in his crate, remove all collars. Some dogs
have choked to death when their collars snagged on the wire
door/windows.
- The puppy should not be left in the crate for long periods
of time. A basic formula is used to determine an average time
limit for the length of crate time: 1 hour for every month in
age, plus 1 hour. For example, an 8 week old pup should not stay
in the crate for over 3 hours. The only exception is when the
pup goes to sleep for the night. Most pups will be OK for about
4-6 hours in the beginning.
 Crate
Objective: The
focus is to teach your dog to want to be in their crate. Food or
puppy treats are great incentives!
You can start by feeding your pup in the crate and feeding it
often to make the experience a pleasant one. Putting the food in the
crate (a particularly tempting meal would be best, shutting the door
(crate door) and then leaving the pup outside the crate is a great
way to get your puppy to want to be in the crate. When they are pleading to get in, let them in! Shutting the pup
in the crate and feeding them through the door is another great way
to get them used to being in their crate with the door shut.
Let them out after a few minutes and ignore them. Now you are
teaching the puppy being in the crate is almost better than being
out! You can provide a special "puppy toy" when they are in the
crate. This toy is to be used only if the puppy goes into the crate
for encouraging the puppy to enjoy being in his crate.
What type of crate
confinement area is best:
- A metal, collapsible crate with a tray floor works very well, as
long as the crate is large enough (adult size for adults and
puppy size for puppies) for the dog
to stand, turn, and stretch out.
- Some dogs feel more secure if a
blanket is draped over the crate. A plastic traveling crate or a
homemade crate can also be used.
- Playpens or barricades may also
be successful as long as they are indestructible and escape
proof.
Where should the
crate be located:
- Dogs are social animals, an ideal location for the crate is
in a family room, kitchen, den, or
bedroom. A place where the family spends time.
- PLEASE do not place your puppy in a isolated laundry, furnace room or the
basement.
- Keep the crate out of direct sunlight and away from drafts.
Place it in a cool area near with "human activity".
- Make
sure you can hear the pup while he is in the crate. If the room
is warm, it is even warmer in the crate. Dogs do not sweat as
humans do, the only way they can regulate body temperature is thru panting. If
you see your puppy/dog panting in the crate, the puppy/dog is
hot and can "over heat" .
- Keep the A/C on during the summer and
use a fan occasionally to circulate the air in the room where
the crate is kept at night.
- In the evening the crate should be in a bedroom so there is still
some social contact between you and your puppy, you should be
able to hear
your pup when he asks to be let out.
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