Crate Training a Dog

Crate training a dog can be quite a rewarding experience. They come in a variety of styles and materials and choosing the best for your dog can often be a bewildering experience, but all have the same purpose and that purpose is to furnish your dog with a space for him to feel secure and at home and to protect your home from your dog when you are not around.

The reason that crate training is effective for housebreaking your dog is that it takes advantage of his natural denning instincts. Dogs naturally live in confined areas and when at home they seek an area that is secure and comfortable for sleeping and resting.

The crate should be only big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfortably. You don't want a dog sized hole in your crate if there is a possibility that he will grow, so measure your dog before buying a crate.

There are people who feel that it is cruel to crate a dog as such because it is this - rather than the length of the crate - that seems to bother the dog.

The practice of putting a dog in a crate or some other type of confinement for a long period of time may be over a number of years though. It was common in the days when dog collars were first used and dogs were first let free to roam the house at will, just as they please today.

This practice may continue in some households today, although as dogs are rather more modern these days, there are other means of restricting a dog's movement. Dog collars and leashes can often be used to restrain the dog for short periods if no running is to take place. Leashes can also be used when the dog is being housebroken, although it is probably best to use a crate with the dog confined in it.

If you intend to put out extended periods of time with your dog, it may be better to allow the dog some time to exercise on his own should you not feel tired by the end of the walk. A tired dog is far less likely to exhibit destructive behaviours.

If your dog displays any tendency towards separation anxiety, remember that although this may be a simple case to handle considering the circumstances, you may be fulfilling your end of the deal with regards to your dog's exercise.

If you go away for extended periods of time each day and your dog follows you then the odds are that, although your dog is going to enjoy his own personal time, it is not going to be so much fun for him as when you were out in the factual world.

If you want to use dog training to overcome separation anxiety, then a nice way to quiet your dog is to leave and return immediately after each departure. Be sure not to reward your dog for this behavior, as you may well make your dog more anxious by stroking him in an affectionate manner pre-empting your departure.

Although challenging, it is possible to use dog training to bend a dog's ear toward the idea of separation. This is useful information for those of us with busy lives or those of us who take our dog along when we travel. If your dog is anxious or stressed out by your leaving routine, it is not really your absence that is the problem. It is your habit of preferentially giving so much attention before you leave and returning.

The contents of this article do not constitute a veterinarian's diagnosis of your pet's illness. They are suggestions from the dog's owner based on her experiences and ideally, with the help of a qualified veterinarian, tested and approved by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, should help your pet feel more at ease with your absence.

If you are able to modify your behavior, then, in addition to solving this particular phobia, you may be able to help your dog move on with his or her life. A happier dog is a healthier dog so let your dog be your best friend.