Crate Train Your Therapy Dog
It is easier to crate train your therapy dog than you might think. Dogs, foxes, coyotes, wolves – all like to use a den for sleeping and caring for their young. Your therapy dog is no different. If you introduce your dog to crate training correctly he will feel secure in his crate. It quickly becomes a place to go for peace and quiet, a place he can go to get away from noise and stress. It should be respected as such. If you have children teach them to leave the dog alone when he is in his crate.
What is a crate? It is a container made of wire, plastic or mesh. Crates come in all sizes from the very small to enormous!
Which size is right for your dog? Your dog should be able to stand in the crate and have enough room so that his back doesn’t touch the top and when he lies down there is enough room to stretch out. If you have a puppy you can block part of the crate and slowly expand that as he grows.
Where can you find a crate? Crates can be found at pet stores, online pet catalogs, department stores… just about any place that caters to animals.
Why should you use a crate? There are a number of reasons to crate or, if you prefer, kennel your dog. It will keep him safe when you aren’t around. You will have peace of mind knowing your dog isn’t getting into trouble or wreaking things in the home. House training is much easier. It is familiar to him if he goes to an unfamiliar place or travels with you. If you have an accident on the road, a crated dog is less likely to get loose or be flung from one part of the car to another.
How do you crate train your dog? If you are slow, careful and kind you can quickly and easily crate train your dog. The first thing to do is make sure the crate door will not shut. Remove it or tie it back in such a way that the crate remains open. You can feed your dog in the crate but dogs are messy when they drink so don’t leave a water bowl in the crate. Pad the bottom with soft bedding or, for housetraining purposes, paper. Be sure to take your dog, especially a puppy, outside for elimination as soon as he has finished eating and as soon as he wakes up since puppies will eliminate soon after eating and waking.
Begin crate training as soon as you get your dog. Start crate training by tossing a tasty treat inside and when he goes in to get the treat, praise him. Repeat this until your dog doesn’t hesitate entering the crate. When he enters with no hesitation close the door. Leave it closed for few seconds and, as long as he isn’t whining or scratching, open it and allow him to exit. Praise him. Duplicate the entire procedure: treat into the crate, dog entering, close the door, wait a few seconds to a couple of minutes and then opening the door, gradually keeping the door closed for longer and longer periods of time. Never open the door if your dog is whining, scratching or in any other way, demanding to be let out.
Don’t abuse the use of the crate. It is for your dog’s security and comfort, not his prison.
Want to find out more about Crate Training Your Therapy Dog, then visit www.therapydogtrainingtips.com on how to choose the best crate training tips for your needs.
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