A dog crate is one of the most valuable training tools available to pet owners. Not only does it satisfy the dog's need for a "den," it can stop the dog from engaging in destructive chewing and can help with housebreaking. With proper use, a crate makes it much easier to monitor and regulate the dog's habits, decreasing the opportunities for mischief and increasing positive interactions between pet and owner.
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Selection
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Choose a crate that will be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around once it has reached its full adult size. If your puppy seems lost in his new home, block off one end to reduce the amount of available space. Wire crates are easier to clean than plastic ones and offer a greater view of the surrounding environment; however, hard plastic crates are preferable for those who plan to travel with their pets as they are sturdier and offer greater protection to the dog. For occasional use or as a portable solution, there also are soft sided crates, though these are not recommended for dogs that are not already crate trained.
Initiation
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When you bring home the new crate, set it in an area of the house where people will congregate. Place a soft towel or blanket inside the crate, along with a few dog toys. Leave the door open and drop small treats inside throughout the day. When the dog enters to retrieve the biscuits, offer her lots of praise. Within a few days, the dog should be walking calmly into the crate and may even spend a few minutes investigating the surroundings.
Extension
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Once the dog is comfortable entering the crate, place his food bowls near it. Offer the dog his meals beside the crate. The next day, move the bowls in front of the door. The day after that, move the bowls all the way inside the crate. When the dog is freely entering the crate to eat, start closing the door as soon as he has finished eating. Begin with a "door shut" time of two minutes and increase the crate confinement gradually until the dog has been held in the crate for 10 minutes after meal time.
Separation
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As soon as the dog is able to dine in the crate without displaying signs of unease, begin placing her in the crate for short periods of time while you are home. Encourage the dog to enter the crate, offer her praise and a small reward, and then shut the door. Sit nearby for five minutes without speaking to the dog. Then leave the room for five minutes. Return and sit near the crate for five minutes more and then release the dog. Repeat this conditioning several times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you are out of the room. Once the dog has adjusted to 30 minutes alone in the crate, you can begin to leave her in the crate while you are out of the house or overnight.
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