Dogs can find comfort having their own place to relax and sleep.
Domestic dogs are descended from wolves. Wolves are territorial animals who live in dens. Even though the dog has been domesticated to live with people, there are some wolfish features to the dog. One such feature is the enjoyment of a den-like space. An American Kennel Club-approved crate can provide the dog with this space, providing comfort and protection. The AKC crate training methods enable a dog owner to take charge of housebreaking and overall behavior of the dog.
Explanation
An AKC style crate is a metal cage tall enough to allow a dog to stand on all four paws without hitting his head and wide enough to allow the dog to completely turn around without touching the walls. The crate includes a soft floor the provide a comfortable place for the dog to lay down. The American Kennel Club states that the kennel should be placed in a quiet place and used as a training tool. The dog should associate the kennel or crate as a safe haven and the crate should provide a positive environment.
Advantages
An AKC crate can provide an anxious dog with a place to calm down. The crate also creates a sleeping space and helps with elimination control. Owners who use crates find that they have faster housebreaking success and less damage. The crate can also double as a place to store the dog's toys when the dog is not in the crate. The crate can also be loaded into a vehicle for the safe transportation of a dog or if the dog is required to stay with a dog sitter.
Use
Crate training is most commonly used to assist in housebreaking. In most cases, a dog will not eliminate where they sleep. The crate is used to contain the dog until the owner can take the dog out to eliminate and reinforce the action of eliminating outside. The crate training method is also used to help anxious dogs become more calm and less destructive when the owners are away. The dog associates the crate with positive experiences and is comfortable in the safety of the crate. Crate training can also be used to calm a hyperactive dog.
Training
The crate should never be seen as a negative place for the dog. The dog should not be punished while being trained to use the crate. The crate is left open, allowing the dog to explore the crate. Once the dog is comfortable remaining in the kennel and entering the kennel on command, the door can be closed, but the owners should remain close and praise the dog heavily. As this becomes more familiar, the owners may leave for short periods of time and return praising the dog. This will become second nature to the dog.
Cautions
Do not leave collars or leashes on the dog when he is in the crate. Do not rush crate training. This is counterproductive and may result in a dog who refuses to enter the kennel. Do not leave the dog in the kennel for an extended period of time. Dogs require exercise, food and water.
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