By Jennie Brass, Assistant Resort Manager
Everybody needs a space to call their own, a refuge for a little peace of mind, a place to just relax and unwind. This isn’t just a human concept, it also applies to our canine companions as well. One of the simplest solutions for this need is also amazingly versatile in its uses. Ah, the power of crate training!
Ash and Parker relaxing at work between activities—the flash disrupted their naps.
Most dogs thoroughly enjoy being in a snug space where they can be curled up and feel secure. Crates establish an area that can be their own, where they can nap with less intrusion. Many dogs who grow up with crate training will pad right into the open door unbidden and be discovered happily snoozing away the afternoon. The key is introducing this tool properly.
Though they can be introduced at any age, the easiest stage is puppyhood where an owner can utilize the many benefits to start establishing good household manners. Keep in mind: the best way to avoid troublesome habits is to not allow them to begin in the first place. A crated puppy has no access to chewable items, can’t make a huge mess around the house, and if the crate is used properly can help with housebreaking. This does not mean closing the puppy in the crate for lengthy periods of time. Frequent potty breaks and play sessions will still be needed. But a properly sized crate can serve as a safe zone when the owner cannot keep their eyes glued on a mischievous bundle of fur. If crating at night and when not home continues past those troublesome destructive stages while training continues many common pitfalls can be avoided altogether. But remember, the crate is never a punishment zone!
Right away as a pup Ion relaxed in his crate.
For puppies the crate needs to have a pleasant association, it should feel secure and homey. Offer treats inside the crate with the door open, speaking in an encouraging voice. Have the crate in a relatively quiet room, out of the way of main traffic, and not in your bedroom! Puppies will tend to fuss when getting used to being left in their new place. Place a blanket or towel over the crate to decrees visual stimulation and let them fuss. They will soon learn that crying will get them no attention. Only let them out of the crate when they are quiet, yes this is hard but if you give in the puppy learns to train you. Obviously, young pups will need to overnight outings, try to anticipate this and let them out before they make a mess in their crate. At first avoid fluffy beds and blankets in the crate as they will be hard to wash. As potty training gains success you can add the nice comfy bedding. If you are introducing a puppy to a household with pre–established pets the crate can also serve as a tool in acclimatizing them to the new arrival. It will take some time for a bond to form, you can utilize the crate be allowing a safe sniffing barrier between pets and also to allow some time for you and the older pets without the intrusion of the puppy.
Ion in our wire sided crate at a local dog show.
Adult dogs can be introduced to crates through a similar method of placing treats inside the open crate and letting them build a positive association with it. Meals can even be fed inside the crate to build that homey feeling if the dog needs extra encouragement. When the dog is relaxed and happily munching a good treat you can close the door for a moment, drop more treats in to keep it pleasant, then reopen the door before the dog stresses. Always try to keep below the stress zone. Most dogs will acclimate in no time without issue provided the crate is the right size. Even if you are introducing an older adopted dog to your household with another pet you can use the crate to allow acclimation as suggested above. Remember that your first pets will need time to get used to the new arrangement, space and time will lead to bonding.
Crates come in many sizes and types. It is important to consider this when selecting a model. A dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the crate. When potty training a pup try to find a crate system that will allow the accessible size to grow as your pup does. A few wire models do this effectively. The reason for this is that dogs do not like to be filthy, if they don’t have enough room to avoid the mess they are less likely to do it. Crates come in the traditional hard sided (plastic), wire crates, and soft sided (fabric). Hard sided crates are essential if you intend to travel on a plane with your dog. These are also best for dogs who tend to dig at things or are hard on their belongings. Because they are solidly constructed they are more durable, however they do not collapse for easy transport between places. Wire crates frequently fold up into a flat package that is heavy but easy to swing into a trunk or move from room to room. These crates are great for dogs who might occasionally push or dig at the door. Soft sided crates are light and portable, however it should be noted that dogs can break out of them by digging through the fabric or unzipping the zipper door. You should evaluate where you will be using the crate and how your dog behaves in it.
Soft sided crates make it lighter to show multiple dogs, but only if they can be trusted to not try to escape.
There are many reasons beyond simple housebreaking that makes crates wonderful for a dog to be used to. Dog shows, like the ones I attend with my performance dogs, would be impossible without the ability to crate my dogs. While I walk the courses and get familiar with things they are chilling in their crates happily awaiting their turn to run. They also come to work with me on a daily basis, without crate training this would not be possible. Groomers and vets often need to place dogs inside crate like environments for periods of time. If a dog is already used to a similar situation they will be less stressed. Some injuries and illnesses require mandatory rest… ever tried to keep your dog quiet when they don’t want to be? A doctor may be able to explain to a human patient about bed rest, but a vet can’t explain to your dog why he can’t play fetch for the next week. A crate will help to restrict activity in a critical situation.
The boys on the way home after a show.
Crates are a versatile tool in dog training and just plain dog ownership. When introduced properly, dogs love the security they feel in them. In some cases they even can open a wider world by allowing your dog to travel more with you in comfort and security.
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