A crate provides a doberman with a safe, warm den for the dog to relax. Crate training also provides peace of mind for the owner who doesn't have to come home to a destroyed, chewed-up house. A crate should be made of high-quality materials with a flat floor that can be removed and easily cleaned. The size of the kennel is the major factor because there should be just enough room for the doberman to stand, lay down and walk around comfortably. Crate training is beneficial for the dog and owner if it's done properly.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Toys
- Dog bed
- Water bowl
Instructions
Purchase a crate with a room divider measuring 42 inches by 30 inches by 31 inches. The crate should fit a full-sized doberman because a small dog will grow quickly. Use the room divider to block off the unused space as the dog grows. Set the crate up in a dark corner of a room where family is frequently present.
Add chew toys to the crate. Provide the dog with enough to keep them occupied while they are in the crate. Provide a comfortable bed or blanket for sleeping. Leave a bowl of water inside if the dog will be left for more than a few hours.
Teach the doberman a simple command for entering the crate. Phrases such as "crate up" or "kennel up" can be used. Use the command and throw in a toy for the dog to chase. The doberman eventually will understand that the command means go in the crate. When the doberman is released from the crate, he should immediately be told "outside" and taken out to relieve himself. Never use the crate as a punishment because the puppy will fear the crate and training will not be successful.
Clean and disinfect the crate regularly to avoid bacteria growth. Remove all food residue daily if the doberman is fed inside the crate. Remove the bottom tray and clean it well if the dog has an accident inside.
Leave the crate up once the doberman grows up and has proven that he can be left out unsupervised. The dog will use the crate as a safe place to go and relax if he was trained properly.