Dog in a crate?
Kennel crates are becoming increasingly popular. Despite this, many owners still have a negative attitude towards them. For those unfamiliar with the purpose of a crate, using one may seem like forcing the dog to be confined. In reality, a properly introduced kennel will be a safe place for the dog where it can rest and relax. It is useful for owners of dogs that have trouble calming down, destroy items in the house, and it also works well for anxious dogs. It is also a safe way to transport your pet in a car. However, before you start using a kennel crate, you need to choose the right one for your dog.
Which crate to choose for your dog?
Manufacturers offer a wide selection of metal and fabric crates in various sizes. Choosing the right option doesn’t have to be difficult. First and foremost, you need to select the correct size.
How big should the crate be?
A dog in a crate must be able to lie down, stand up, sit, and turn around freely. It’s important to also have space inside for a water bowl. However, the crate should not be too large, so the dog doesn’t run or jump inside it. If you worry that you will have to buy a bigger crate as your dog grows, you can choose an option with adjustable space inside. This is essentially a type of metal gate that limits the puppy’s space. Over time, it can be moved and completely removed when your pet grows to the full size of the crate.
Metal or fabric crate?
Besides the size of the kennel, the material is also important. Metal crates are definitely more durable, so they are suitable for dogs prone to destruction. However, they have a less enclosed form than fabric ones. This can easily be remedied by covering the metal crate with a blanket. This will increase the comfort of using the crate for the dog and provide a sense of security. The advantage of fabric kennels is their light weight, ease of carrying, and the fact that they don’t make rattling noises that can stress the dog. However, due to their softness, they are more prone to damage, easier to escape from, and do not protect against injuries in a car accident. The choice of crate should therefore be based on the size of the dog, its temperament, as well as the main purpose and place of use.
How to introduce the kennel crate?
Choose a place for the crate
Once you have purchased the right crate, it’s time to introduce it to your dog. You must remember to proceed very slowly at every stage, at a pace that does not cause stress to your pet. Start by placing the kennel in its intended spot. It should be a quiet place with minimal noise. A hallway right by the front door is not a suitable choice. You can put a blanket with a familiar scent inside, but the dog’s current bed should remain in its place. This will give the dog the option to choose where it wants to rest. You should never force it to enter the crate. In the first stage, allow the dog to get acquainted with the new object at its own pace. When you notice that your pet is sniffing the crate and staying nearby without signs of stress, you can try encouraging it to enter by placing small treats inside. At this stage, the crate door should remain open. The dog decides when it wants to come out.
Treats for the dog in the crate
The next stage can begin when the dog freely enters the crate with all four paws and starts spending more time there than just quickly eating the treats. Then you can give the dog a larger natural chew inside the crate. Food will be a positive stimulus that helps the dog get used to the kennel. Chewing the chew leads to relaxation, which is what the crate should be associated with for the dog. If at first the dog takes the chew outside the crate, don’t be discouraged. Allow it. Consistently repeat the attempts. Over time, you will reach the stage where the entire chew is eaten inside the crate. Perhaps after such a meal, the dog will relax enough to fall asleep there.
Closing the kennel crate
You can stop at this stage, but it’s worth continuing training until the dog learns to stay calmly in the closed crate. At first, the closure should last only a short moment. You can do this when the dog is busy chewing the chew. Open the door before the first signs of stress appear. Gradually increase the time the door is closed, but always make sure the dog remains comfortable. If it feels stress and associates the crate negatively, it may be necessary to go back to the previous stage, which will prolong the whole process. When the dog no longer reacts to the closed door, you can start leaving the room. Here, it’s also important to return before the dog feels stressed. Gradually extend the time of your absence.
The dog stays in the crate
Only when the dog feels completely comfortable in the closed crate can you try leaving the house. Do not leave it alone for a long time right away. At this stage, recording the dog to check its reaction to your absence can be helpful. This is the final stretch to success, but it doesn’t mean you can speed up. Extending your absence should still be done very slowly. Only when you are completely sure that the kennel crate has become a safe haven for your dog can you start using it for its intended purpose. It works perfectly, for example, during cleaning, visits from guests, renovations, and other stressful situations for the dog. For these occasions, it’s also worth training the dog to enter the crate on command. This can be done when the dog stays in the crate without stress for a longer time or at any later moment. Commands should not be introduced before the dog willingly enters the crate on its own, as following the command would be stressful for it.
Summary
A kennel crate is a useful piece of equipment in a home with a dog. Introducing it can take several months and is a process that varies individually for each dog. Remember that all actions should be within your pet’s comfort zone; otherwise, it will become discouraged with the crate and the whole process will be much more difficult. However, if you ensure everything goes properly, the crate can become a very helpful tool in working with your dog.
Tags:
