Tuesday Training Byte: To crate or not to crate (train)

Prior to 1986 I had owned several dogs including a couple of purebred breeds. However, in 1986 when I purchased my first Rottweiler, the breeder recommended getting a large Pet Porter kennel- a plastic crate like those used for shipping dogs by air. Having a crate made housebreaking infinitely easier with my new puppy. But I also discovered that it really helped matters when I added a young adult dog. To this day, I feed all of my dogs in their crates. All but one dog sleeps in their crate. Getting a dog used to a crate is easy by tossing a few treats in there and praising the dog for entering on their own. While we watch a movie, the indoor dogs are crated with a long-lasting chew bone and maybe a toy. My dogs know the routine and what time is movie time. They get in their crates and stand there waiting for their bones. During the day I leave the crate door open and the dogs choose to take a nap in there. Crating a puppy when you cannot supervise prevent him from soiling in the house or chewing things inappropriately. Having a crate also means that the dog has his own home when you travel, making it less stressful. Here are some tips on helping your dog enjoy his crate:

1. Dogs are den animals so may prefer their crate to be in an out of the way corner.

2. Having a crate cover helps your dog feel more secure.

3. Do not let anyone bother the dog while he is crated.

4. Be sure to have some yummy butcher bones or stuffed Kong toys in the crate.

5. Do not crate your dog for long hours or for punishment.

6. Make it a game for the dog to go in and right back out on command.

   Pictured is my silly boy, "Gregor" relaxing in his crate (Champion Von Knopf's Gemstone Gregor, CGC, TKN).