Let me see if I've got this right: you've been the proud owner of a new dog for almost one month now, and you're telling me that you just can't see the advantages of crate training dogs. And yet, you complain that Boomer is constantly running after the cats, with the kids in hot pursuit. He jumps on the sofa, and he's even made your bed part of his territory. Whatever portion he's not using is all yours. He's generous that way.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks to me like your pooch is putting you through your paces right now, rather than the other way around. It didn't take long for Boomer to have it all figured out, did it? He acts like he owns the place, and your home looks like a war zone. Mayhem rules. The brand new book you were hoping to start reading tonight ... gone. Maybe he buried it in the garden, like he did your wallet last week!

The Crate as Jail Sentence

And yet you cringe at the idea of getting a crate for Boomer. The poor little guy just got sprung from jail, and you just don't have the heart to put him behind bars again. But here's the thing: you're looking at the whole crate and kennel thing backwards. Let me give you a canine perspective, and an expert one at that, on exactly what a crate means to a dog.

I spent the first nine months of my life in something that would not qualify as a crate: a cage ... dirty, smelly, and no way out. I don't know what we'd all done wrong, but the man would come and scream at us and sometimes grab one of us and shoot him. That, my friend, was jail.

My Own Crate, My Private Den!

Later, after the Humane Society rescued us, my new mom and dad took me home. They got me a big crate with a nice bed in it. I thought 'Here we go again', but guess what? They left the door open! It took a little while, but then I realized that I could come and go as I pleased. And something strange happened. I fell in love with my crate. It was all mine. Nobody else was allowed in. The cats could sit and stare at me all they liked - but they couldn't come in ...

It felt cozy and safe, I guess sort of like the dens we would dig out before we came to live with you. Incidentally, did you know that dogs don't like to soil their dens? So why not use a crate to help housebreak your dog?

My Secret Tips on Crate Training a Dog

Dogs and crate training are made for each other, as long as it's handled properly. Let me give you some basic tips on crate training a dog so that he associates his crate with something pleasant. First, make sure everybody respects the boundaries of your dog's new domain. He's the only one allowed in. Remember to leave the door open at first, so he's not scared. Boomer will quickly grasp the lair concept.

Use his crate to teach him the house rules and for behavior training, or simply when he gets overexcited. Just make sure to associate time outs with something positive. Never send him in there to punish him. Sitting next to him while he's crated and talking to him gently will reinforce the fact that you're not mad at him. It's just time to relax. Just take it one step at a time.

Got Kennel, Can Travel

And for Boomer's next trip to the vet, a crate offers a safe mode of transportation. It will restrict his movement if he should ever strive to take control of the car and also offers protection in case of accident. A crate is also a great way to control his movements when you are visiting friends who may not appreciate having a dog let loose to roam around at will. You will be able to enjoy the event without worrying about your best friend, knowing he is safe in his small piece of real estate.

If he should ever have to fly, an airline regulation kennel likely won't spook him as much once he's used to a crate. These few dog kennel training tips will also come in handy should you decide to enroll your pet for day care at a local dog kennel while you're working.

He will at least have learned the basics of dog kennel behavior, and the kennel staff will ensure that he is properly socialized. He'll quickly be making new friends and having the time of his life. As far as Boomer is concerned, herein lies one of the main advantages of crate training dogs ... and to think that it all started with a crate!

Amber, Dog Training Star


Amber has been sniffing out top secrets from expert dog trainers & behaviorists in order to help you understand & communicate with your best friend. Being a dog whisperer is truly the key to stress-free dog & puppy training.

(c) Copyright Amber, DTS. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
 

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