Crate Training

Does your dog have a place she can call her own?


One of the most important skills for a new puppy or dog is learning to settle quietly in a crate. There are plenty of practical situations in which your dog might need to be crated, especially in a situation where temporarily you are not the primary caretaker. For example, when your dog is:

• Being boarded or with a petsitter
• Recovering from a veterinary procedure
• Visiting the groomer

It's also important to consider situations in your home when having a quietly kenneled dog is invaluable:

• Children or grandparents visiting
• Home remodeling or repairs
• Hosting large gatherings

Aside from providing a secure place that keeps your dog and potential visitors safe, a kennel trained dog has the added advantage of a space to call his own, where he can relax and request space from others in a polite way.


Both of my dogs love their crates, but especially Oliver. He stores all of his favorite things in his kennel. Here is what I found when I took out his dog bed to wash it. (I now check his kennel weekly for hidden items.)

Treasured possessions stored in a favorite place

Oliver is a socially anxious dog. He enjoys engaging with people, but gets easily overwhelmed. In addition to carefully supervising and managing him, I help him choose to settle in his kennel after a short and positive experience engaging with visitors. It didn't take long after we began this routine for him to start choosing, on his own, to retire to his kennel. All guests are asked to respect his space if he is in his kennel, and this helps Oliver to feel ever more comfortable in social situations.


Dogs that live with other animals, children, and in generally busy houses can all benefit from the stress-relieving effects of having their own space. (Keep in mind that some dogs may still need your help to make choices that relieve their stress, such as cueing them to their kennel when you notice that they need the down time.)


Additionally, kennel training is an essential part of management when it comes to puppy-raising. Puppies are ninjas. They can scoot away, have a potty or chewing accident, and return to the room before you have noticed their absence. I can set my puppy up for house-training success simply by keeping her in a safe space when I can't absolutely keep my eyes glued to her.


Part of my work involves work with rescue dogs as well. It seems that there is a higher prevalence of separation anxiety in dogs that have been re-homed, although any dog can develop this behavior issue. One of the most impactful things that a foster or adopter can do for their new dog is to teach him that he can feel at ease without having to be glued to the side of his person. Planful and positive separation through the use of a kennel can help prevent separation anxiety. It's important to remember that your dog should not only be able to be kenneled safely when you are out, but also for short periods of time when you are home.


The video below explains:

• How to set up a kennel
• Rules for crate training
• Exercises to help your dog love his crate

 
Crate Training from Fetch Dog Training on Vimeo.


Have you experienced a situation in which you were thankful your dog was crate trained? Share your stories below!