Proper kennel training promotes well behaved and well adjusted dogs.
Kennel training, otherwise known as crate training, is a positive way to raise a well-adjusted dog. The concept of kennel training is adapted from the natural denning instinct of wolves, the wild cousin to domesticated canines. When used correctly it eliminates unwanted destructive behaviors, aids in housebreaking and provides a safe place where your dog can retreat to for privacy. The kennel is also good for traveling with your pet, and is useful in cases of illness or injury.
Instructions
1. Purchase a crate to fit puppy's anticipated adult size, blocking off excess while still small.
Select a kennel or crate. Crates are typically wire enclosures with removable metal floor pans, or molded plastic enclosures, both with latching doors. You should purchase one large enough for your pet to stand erect, turn around, and lie fully outstretched inside. For large breed puppies that will need several sizes, it is more economical to buy a crate for their anticipated adult size. Use a partition to adjust the interior of the crate as they grow. Crates that are too large will undermine housebreaking, as puppies can potty on one side and lie down in the other. Dogs are social animals so the crate should be placed in a quiet corner of a room the family spends much of their time.
2. Introduce your puppy to the crate. Begin by leaving the kennel door open, allowing the puppy to enter and exit at will. Encourage exploration by using food, treats or toys to lure the puppy inside. Always use lots of praise and never force a puppy or rush it. Some puppies are more curious than others, so this step can take a few minutes or several days. The earlier you start your puppy the better. Introducing dogs older than six months may take longer, and require more positive reinforcement and encouragement.
3. Use a crate whenever the puppy cannot be supervised to prevent bad behaviors.
Give a command. Once the puppy has become comfortable with the crate, use a command like "kennel" or "go to bed" every time it enters. Then close the door for five or 10 minutes at a time while remaining in the same room. Ignore whining or complaining behaviors, and praise the puppy when it is quiet. Let it out only when quiet and praise it. Repeat this process several times a day, increasing the length of time, also leaving the room and going outside. Once your pet can stay quietly in the crate for 30 minutes, you can begin to use it for short periods throughout the day. Think of the crate like a child's playpen and use it frequently for brief periods whenever the puppy would otherwise be unattended.
4. Crate your puppy when you leave. Begin taking short trips under two hours at a time. Keep your departure simple, and put your pet in the crate 10 to 20 minutes before you leave. This will minimize the associate with you leaving and the kennel. When you return, say nothing to your pet. Take it directly outside once it is quiet and withhold enthusiasm until your pet has had a chance to potty outside. Then lavish it with praise. This helps to eliminate accidents resulting from initial excitement, and to prevent associations between crating and being left alone.
5. Crate your puppy overnight. Once the puppy has been accustomed to various intervals throughout the day, with you home and away, you can kennel it at night. Put the crate in your bedroom, or in a nearby hallway, so that you can hear if the puppy needs to go outside. When housebreaking, pick up all food and water two hours before bedtime. This helps to minimize the need to potty overnight. As your pet begins sleeping comfortably through the night, you can then move the crate to a preferred location. You will continue to use the kennel or crate method for at least the first two years, or until you dog is fully mature, whichever comes first. The age of maturity varies from breed to breed but ranges between two and four years. Beyond that the kennel should always remain an option for your dog to retreat to at its own will.
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