How To Lure Dogs Into Kennels?

How to Introduce Your Dog to His Kennel or Crate – dummies,”articleState”:,”data”:,”slug”:”home-auto-hobbies”,”categoryId”:33809},,”slug”:”pets”,”categoryId”:33964},,”slug”:”dogs”,”categoryId”:33967},,”slug”:”training”,”categoryId”:33982}],”title”:”How to Introduce Your Dog to His Kennel or Crate”,”strippedTitle”:”how to introduce your dog to his kennel or crate”,”slug”:”how-to-introduce-your-dog-to-his-kennel-or-crate”,”canonicalUrl”:””,”seo”:,”content”:” A kennel or crate can help your dog feel safe and comfortable in his new home, because you’re providing the security of a den.

Whether it’s a plastic crate, a wire kennel, or a portable wire enclosure — sometimes called an exercise pen — your dog needs somewhere to feel protected and private. \n Dogs feel safest when they can rest without feeling they need to watch their backs. Your dog probably wants to be near you, so situate the crate in a room where your dog can at least hear, if not see you, when he’s resting.

\n One good choice for a doggie den is a plastic crate with solid sides and a door that you can leave open or closed. \n Make sure the den is comfortable and soft, and, especially if the kennel is all wire, cover the floor, and perhaps the top with a blanket.

\n To introduce your new pooch to his room, get his attention with a treat or by leading him to the den by him leash. Toss a few treats into the den and step back. Don’t force your dog to go inside the den, and don’t shut the door after him if he goes in on his own. If he goes in to get the treat, praise him, but stay back.

\n Let your dog know his den is a safe spot, not jail, and even you won’t grab at him while he’s in there. Talk softly and pleasantly to your dog as he explores his new den. Hide treats inside the den periodically, so that he gets the message that he may find something delicious inside his safe, comfy spot.

• N Young puppies can quickly learn to accept the den, but can stand to be in it only a few minutes at a time at first.
• Even if your pup is whining and crying, don’t make a big deal about it, or risk increasing your pup’s anxiety.
• Put him in the den, shut the door, stay nearby, talk casually but reassuringly to him, and then let him out again.

\n Increase the amount of time your dog spends in the den just a few minutes at a time over a period of a few days. Pretty soon, your puppy gets used to the routine and recognizes the den as something safe and predictable. \n In the case of an older dog that has neither been in a crate before nor had any bad experiences with the crate, not forcing the issue is an important attitude for you to take.

1. Just leave the den door open and let your dog adjust at his own rate.
2. N If your dog’s first experiences with his den are filled with positive associations like pleasant calm interaction and plenty of yummy treats, you can set the stage for a happy home.
3. Description”:” A kennel or crate can help your dog feel safe and comfortable in his new home, because you’re providing the security of a den.

Whether it’s a plastic crate, a wire kennel, or a portable wire enclosure — sometimes called an exercise pen — your dog needs somewhere to feel protected and private. \n Dogs feel safest when they can rest without feeling they need to watch their backs. One good choice for a doggie den is a plastic crate with solid sides and a door that you can leave open or closed. \n Make sure the den is comfortable and soft, and, especially if the kennel is all wire, cover the floor, and perhaps the top with a blanket. \n To introduce your new pooch to his room, get his attention with a treat or by leading him to the den by him leash. Toss a few treats into the den and step back. Don’t force your dog to go inside the den, and don’t shut the door after him if he goes in on his own. If he goes in to get the treat, praise him, but stay back. \n Let your dog know his den is a safe spot, not jail, and even you won’t grab at him while he’s in there. Talk softly and pleasantly to your dog as he explores his new den. Hide treats inside the den periodically, so that he gets the message that he may find something delicious inside his safe, comfy spot. \n Young puppies can quickly learn to accept the den, but can stand to be in it only a few minutes at a time at first. Even if your pup is whining and crying, don’t make a big deal about it, or risk increasing your pup’s anxiety. Put him in the den, shut the door, stay nearby, talk casually but reassuringly to him, and then let him out again. \n Increase the amount of time your dog spends in the den just a few minutes at a time over a period of a few days. Pretty soon, your puppy gets used to the routine and recognizes the den as something safe and predictable. \n In the case of an older dog that has neither been in a crate before nor had any bad experiences with the crate, not forcing the issue is an important attitude for you to take. Just leave the den door open and let your dog adjust at his own rate. \n If your dog’s first experiences with his den are filled with positive associations like pleasant calm interaction and plenty of yummy treats, you can set the stage for a happy home. “,”blurb”:””,”authors”:,”primaryCategoryTaxonomy”: },”secondaryCategoryTaxonomy”:,”tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy”:,”trendingArticles”:null,”inThisArticle”:,”relatedArticles”: }, }, }, }, }]},”hasRelatedBookFromSearch”:true,”relatedBook”:,”image”:,”title”:”Dog Training For Dummies”,”testBankPinActivationLink”:””,”bookOutOfPrint”:true,”authorsInfo”:”\n Wendy Volhard is internationally recognized for her contributions to dog training. At the heart of her teaching is the “Motivational Method” for people who value dogs as companions. Mary Ann Rombold Zeigenfuse, LVT, has been working with dogs and their owners for over 40 years. She runs Best Friends Obedience in Lexington, KY. Wendy Volhard is internationally recognized for her contributions to dog training. At the heart of her teaching is the “Motivational Method” for people who value dogs as companions. Mary Ann Rombold Zeigenfuse, LVT, has been working with dogs and their owners for over 40 years. She runs Best Friends Obedience in Lexington, KY. “,”authors”:,”_links”: },”collections”:,”articleAds”:, ]\” id=\”du-slot-6322193d0482c\”> “,”rightAd”:” “},”articleType”: },”sponsorship”:,”brandingLine”:””,”brandingLink”:””,”brandingLogo”:,”sponsorAd”:””,”sponsorEbookTitle”:””,”sponsorEbookLink”:””,”sponsorEbookImage”: },”primaryLearningPath”:”Explore”,”lifeExpectancy”:null,”lifeExpectancySetFrom”:null,”dummiesForKids”:”no”,”sponsoredContent”:”no”,”adInfo”:””,”adPairKey”:},”status”:”publish”,”visibility”:”public”,”articleId”:197480},”articleLoadedStatus”:”success”},”listState”:,”objectTitle”:””,”status”:”initial”,”pageType”:null,”objectId”:null,”page”:1,”sortField”:”time”,”sortOrder”:1,”categoriesIds”:,”articleTypes”:,”filterData”:,”filterDataLoadedStatus”:”initial”,”pageSize”:10},”adsState”:,”adsId”:0,”data”:, );(function() )(); \r\n”,”enabled”:true}, return null};\r\nthis.set=function(a,c) ;\r\nthis.check=function() return!0};\r\nthis.go=function() };\r\nthis.start=function(),!1):window.attachEvent&&window.attachEvent(\”onload\”,function() ):t.go()};};\r\ntry catch(i) })();\r\n \r\n”,”enabled”:false}, ;\r\n h._hjSettings= ;\r\n a=o.getElementsByTagName(‘head’);\r\n r=o.createElement(‘script’);r.async=1;\r\n r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv;\r\n a.appendChild(r);\r\n })(window,document,’https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-‘,’.js?sv=’);\r\n “,”enabled”:false},,, ]}},”pageScriptsLoadedStatus”:”success”},”navigationState”:,,,,,,,,, ],”navigationCollectionsLoadedStatus”:”success”,”navigationCategories”:,,,, ],”breadcrumbs”:,”categoryTitle”:”Level 0 Category”,”mainCategoryUrl”:”/category/books/level-0-category-0″}},”articles”:,,,, ],”breadcrumbs”:,”categoryTitle”:”Level 0 Category”,”mainCategoryUrl”:”/category/articles/level-0-category-0″}}},”navigationCategoriesLoadedStatus”:”success”},”searchState”:,”routeState”:,”params”:,”fullPath”:”/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/dogs/training/how-to-introduce-your-dog-to-his-kennel-or-crate-197480/”,”meta”:,”prerenderWithAsyncData”:true},”from”:,”params”:,”fullPath”:”/”,”meta”: }},”dropsState”:,”sfmcState”:,”profileState”:,”userOptions”:,”status”:”success”}} A kennel or crate can help your dog feel safe and comfortable in his new home, because you’re providing the security of a den. One good choice for a doggie den is a plastic crate with solid sides and a door that you can leave open or closed. Make sure the den is comfortable and soft, and, especially if the kennel is all wire, cover the floor, and perhaps the top with a blanket.

To introduce your new pooch to his room, get his attention with a treat or by leading him to the den by him leash. Toss a few treats into the den and step back. Don’t force your dog to go inside the den, and don’t shut the door after him if he goes in on his own. If he goes in to get the treat, praise him, but stay back.

Let your dog know his den is a safe spot, not jail, and even you won’t grab at him while he’s in there. Talk softly and pleasantly to your dog as he explores his new den. Hide treats inside the den periodically, so that he gets the message that he may find something delicious inside his safe, comfy spot.

• Young puppies can quickly learn to accept the den, but can stand to be in it only a few minutes at a time at first.
• Even if your pup is whining and crying, don’t make a big deal about it, or risk increasing your pup’s anxiety.
• Put him in the den, shut the door, stay nearby, talk casually but reassuringly to him, and then let him out again.

Increase the amount of time your dog spends in the den just a few minutes at a time over a period of a few days. Pretty soon, your puppy gets used to the routine and recognizes the den as something safe and predictable. In the case of an older dog that has neither been in a crate before nor had any bad experiences with the crate, not forcing the issue is an important attitude for you to take.

How do I get my dog used to boarding kennels?

Before your holiday – Before your pet goes off to boarding, it’s crucial that you ensure their vaccinations are up-to- date, including your Bordetella vaccine, which protects your dog from kennel cough. You should also do your research to find a suitable kennel for your dog, which provides high standards of care and has good reviews from customers.

If you put anyone, a dog or person, into a new environment, it can take some getting used to. To avoid causing your dog any unnecessary stress, it’s a good idea to take them on a visit to the kennel they’ll be staying at. You can expose your dog to the environment, let them meet the staff that will be taking care of them and get used to the sights and smells of the kennels.

If your pet will be boarding for an extended stay, it might be a good idea to arrange a short overnight stay, to really help them get accustomed to the kennels. Finally, pack your dog a suitcase! If your dog is on special medication, make sure to pack it and let the kennel staff know how to administer it properly.

• It would also be a good idea to pack a couple of extra days’ worth of medication in case for any reason, you are delayed in picking your pet up.
• If your dog has any dietary requirements, make sure to give the pet boarding staff enough food for your furry friend’s stay.
• A change in diet can make your pet ill or cause them further stress, so supplying food for the staff is another way to keep your dog’s stay uninterrupted.

Another way to reduce your pet’s stress is to pack an item of your clothing, with your scent on it, for your dog to have in their kennel. This will serve to keep them calm if they start to experience separation anxiety.

What to do if your dog refuses to go in his crate?

Crates 101: A Guide to Crate Training – Squat and Pebbles enjoying an afternoon snooze together Humane Society – Crate Training Crating philosophy Crate training uses a dog’s natural instincts as a den animal. A wild dog’s den is his home, a place to sleep, hide from danger, and raise a family. The crate becomes your dog’s den, an ideal spot to snooze or take refuge during a thunderstorm.

The primary use for a crate is housetraining. Dogs don’t like to soil their dens. The crate can limit access to the rest of the house while he learns other rules, like not to chew on furniture. Crates are a safe way to transport your dog in the car.

Crating caution! A crate isn’t a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated.

Never use the crate as a punishment. Your dog will come to fear it and refuse to enter it. Don’t leave your dog in the crate too long. A dog that’s crated day and night doesn’t get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious. You may have to change your schedule, hire a pet sitter, or take your dog to a doggie daycare facility to reduce the amount of time he must spend in his crate every day. Puppies under six months of age shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can’t control their bladders and bowels for that long. The same goes for adult dogs that are being housetrained. Physically, they can hold it, but they don’t know they’re supposed to. Crate your dog only until you can trust him not to destroy the house. After that, it should be a place he goes voluntarily.

Selecting a crate Several types of crates are available:

Plastic (often called “flight kennels”) Fabric on a collapsible, rigid frame Collapsible, metal pens

Crates come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores or pet supply catalogs. Your dog’s crate should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around in. If your dog is still growing, choose a crate size that will accommodate his adult size.

Block off the excess crate space so your dog can’t eliminate at one end and retreat to the other. Your local animal shelter may rent out crates. By renting, you can trade up to the appropriate size for your puppy until he’s reached his adult size, when you can invest in a permanent crate. The crate training process Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s age, temperament and past experiences.

It’s important to keep two things in mind while crate training:

The crate should always be associated with something pleasant. Training should take place in a series of small steps. Don’t go too fast.

Step 1: Introduce your dog to the crate Place the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate. Take the door off and let the dog explore the crate at his leisure. Some dogs will be naturally curious and start sleeping in the crate right away. If yours isn’t one of them:

Bring him over to the crate, and talk to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is open and secured so that it won’t hit your dog and frighten him. Encourage your dog to enter the crate by dropping some small food treats nearby, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, that’s okay; don’t force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If he isn’t interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.

Step 2: Feed your dog his meals in the crate After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding him his regular meals near the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate.

If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, place the food dish all the way at the back of the crate. If he remains reluctant to enter the crate, put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place the dish a little further back in the crate. Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while he’s eating. The first time you do this, open the door as soon as he finishes his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until he’s staying in the crate for ten minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving him in the crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry in the crate, don’t let him out until he stops. Otherwise, he’ll learn that the way to get out of the crate is to whine, so he’ll keep doing it.

Step 3: Lengthen the crating periods After your dog is eating his regular meals in the crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine him there for short time periods while you’re home

Call him over to the crate and give him a treat. Give him a command to enter, such as “kennel.” Encourage him by pointing to the inside of the crate with a treat in your hand. After your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat, and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for five to ten minutes, and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, and then let him out of the crate. Repeat this process several times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you leave him in the crate and the length of time you’re out of his sight. Once your dog will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight, you can begin leaving him crated when you’re gone for short time periods and/or letting him sleep there at night. This may take several days or several weeks.

Step 4, Part A: Crate your dog when you leave After your dog can spend about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house.

Put him in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe toys in the crate. Vary at what point in your “getting ready to leave” routine you put your dog in the crate. Although he shouldn’t be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving. Don’t make your departures emotional and prolonged—they should be matter-of-fact. Praise your dog briefly, give him a treat for entering the crate, and then leave quietly.

When you return home, don’t reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low key to avoid increasing his anxiety over when you will return. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when you’re home so he doesn’t associate crating with being left alone.

Step 4, Part B: Crate your dog at night Put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and you’ll want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside.

Older dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so they don’t associate the crate with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer, although time spent with your dog—even sleep time—is a chance to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

• Potential problems Whining.
• If your dog whines or cries while in the crate at night, it may be difficult to decide whether he’s whining to be let out of the crate, or whether he needs to be let outside to eliminate.
• If you’ve followed the training procedures outlined above, then your dog hasn’t been rewarded for whining in the past by being released from his crate.

If that is the case, try to ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, he’ll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse. If the whining continues after you’ve ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate.

If he responds and becomes excited, take him outside. This should be a trip with a purpose, not play time. If you’re convinced that your dog doesn’t need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining. Don’t give in; if you do, you’ll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants.

If you’ve progressed gradually through the training steps and haven’t done too much too fast, you’ll be less likely to encounter this problem. If the problem becomes unmanageable, you may need to start the crate training process over again. Separation Anxiety.

Attempting to use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety won’t solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Separation anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures.

You may want to consult a professional animal-behavior specialist for help. *** The information in this post comes from the Humane Society website. For more information visit the organizations page at http://www.humanesociety.org

Is it bad to force my dog into his crate?

Crate Training Your Dog | The Anti-Cruelty Society Crate training is a wonderful tool to help keep your canine companion out of trouble when you’re not around. If introduced correctly, a crate can provide your dog with a safe, comfortable place to relax. The Benefits of Crate Training:

Crates provide your dog with her own personal safe space Limits your dog’s access to the house while she is in the process of housetraining and learning the “house rules” Prevents your dog from chewing things she shouldn’t Crates are a safe way to transport your dog in the car

Before you begin crate training your dog, note the following about the use of a crate:

Time in the crate should be thought of as a pleasant experience. Crates should not be used for punishment or behavior modification. Do not leave your dog in the crate for extended periods of time. Crate training should be done in small steps- do not go to fast.

Selecting a Crate As far as sizing goes, a dog should be able to comfortably and easily stand up, sit down, lay down, and turn around in a crate. Crates come in three types: wire which folds flat and has better ventilation, plastic which is cozy and approved for airline shipping, and cloth which is lightweight but can be shredded by dogs who want to get out.

We suggest you try a plastic or a wire crate before buying a cloth crate. Introducing Your Dog to the Crate Place the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time. Place a soft towel or blanket in the crate. Gently lead your dog over to the crate while speaking to her in a soft, happy tone of voice.

Make sure the crate’s door is securely opened and let your dog begin to explore the crate. Place some yummy treats around and inside the crate to encourage your dog to enter. If your dog refuses to go inside the crate, that is okay, do not force your dog to enter the crate.

Instead, continue tossing the treats inside the crate until she is comfortable enough to enter. If your dog does not seem interested in the treats, try tossing her favorite toy inside the crate. Repeat until your dog seems comfortable around the crate. Make sure to praise your dog when she is around the crate.

Feeding Your Dog Meals Inside The Crate Begin to feed your dog’s meals to her inside the crate. Feeding your dog inside or near the crate will help create a positive association with the crate. If she is reluctant to enter the crate, place her meal as far inside the crate as she will go without being anxious or scared.

Place your dog’s meal further inside the crate each time until she is able to comfortably enjoy her meal while in the crate. Once your dog is able to enjoy her meal while inside the crate, try gently closing the door while she eats. In the beginning, open the door just before your dog finishes eating.

With each time, delay opening the door a little longer until your dog is able to stay in the crate for a few minutes after eating. If she begins to whine or bark, you have increased the time too quickly. Next time, leave the door closed for a shorter amount of time and begin again.

• If your dog does begin to whine or bark while in the crate, do not let her out until she stops.
• This will prevent your dog from learning that whining and barking is the key to getting let out of the crate.
• Leaving Your Dog In The Crate For Short Periods Of Time When your dog is able to eat her meals in the crate without any fear or anxiety, you can begin to leave her in the crate for short periods of time while you are home.

Call your dog over to the the crate with a treat. Encourage your dog to enter by pointing inside the crate with a treat in your hand. Once your dog enters, give her the treat, praise her, and gently close the door. Sit by the crate for about 10 minutes and then leave the room for a couple minutes.

Return to the crate, sit quietly for a few minutes, and then let your dog out of the crate. Repeat this process for several days, leaving your dog for a few moments longer each time. Once your dog is able to go 30 minutes inside the crate without whining or barking, you can begin to leave her crated while you’re gone for short periods and/or let her sleep in her crate during the night.

If you plan to leave for a short period of time, make sure that you leave one or two chew toys in your dog’s crate for her to enjoy. It also may be helpful to give her a frozen stuffed Kong or other enrichment toys to keep her mind busy while you are gone.

Toss a treat into the crate; close the door and praise your dog as soon as she goes into the crate; drop in a couple more treats and then open the door; do this 10 times Toss a treat into the crate; close the door and praise your dog as soon as she goes into the crate; feed a treat about every three seconds for 10 seconds; open the door; do this 10 times Repeat the above, giving a treat every three seconds for 15 to 20 seconds. Do this at least 10 times, or until your dog is relaxed Repeat the above, giving a treat every five seconds for 20 to 30 seconds. Do this at least 10 times, or until your dog is relaxed Continue to gradually build duration while increasing the interval between treats; when your dog is relaxed in the crate for about five minutes while getting a treat about once per minute you can add distance Toss a treat into the crate; close the door and praise your dog; drop in a couple of treats and take one or two steps back; give your dog a treat after about 15 seconds (if you need to approach to give the treat, back up again after); give a treat every 15 seconds for about one minute; open the door; do this 10 times Repeat the above, moving three steps from the crate; do this 10 times Repeat the above, giving one treat every 15 to 20 seconds for two minutes Continue to gradually increase distance, alternating with increasing duration

Leaving Your Dog In The Crate Overnight When introducing your dog to being crated overnight, keep the crate in your room. Remember, puppies often have to eliminate during the night. By placing the crate near you, you will be able to hear if your dog begins to cry or whine.

This will also prevent your dog from associating the crate with social isolation. Do not take the crate out of your room until your dog is able to sleep comfortably through the night. If you would like information from an Anti-Cruelty Society Behavior Specialist regarding this behavior topic, please call 312-645-8253 or email,

: Crate Training Your Dog | The Anti-Cruelty Society

Will boarding kennels take reactive dogs?

Do you have a reactive dog and are looking to board him? As an owner of a reactive dog myself, I know how stressful the idea of boarding your sensitive and problematic pup can be. But chances are, at some point you’re going to have to find a solution for those emergency trips when you need to leave town.

And yes, you deserve to take a dog-free vacation now and then too! For many reactive dogs, boarding at a reputable facility can work out just fine, so long as your pup is properly prepared and you’ve done your research choosing a boarding kennel that understands how to handle reactive residents. In this guide, we’ll take you through how to find an appropriate boarding kennel for a reactive dog, how to prepare your dog for boarding to ensure a smooth transition, and explore alternatives for those dogs who just can’t handle the boarding environment.

This Info is Great for Non-Reactive Dogs Too! A lot of these selection criteria and boarding considerations apply to non-reactive dogs as well, so even if your pup is a perfect angel, consider employing the tips provided below before boarding your fur kiddo!

Should you ignore your dog crying in crate?

· Too Much Time In The Crate – A crate isn’t a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. For example, if your dog is crated all day while you’re at work and then crated again all night, he’s spending too much time in too small a space.

1. Other arrangements should be made to accommodate his physical and emotional needs.
2. Also remember that puppies under six months of age shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time.
3. They can’t control their bladders and bowels for longer periods.
4. · Whining If your dog whines or cries while in the crate at night, it may be difficult to decide whether he’s whining to be let out of the crate, or whether he needs to be let outside to eliminate.

If you followed the training procedures outlined above, your dog hasn’t been rewarded for whining in the past by being released from his crate. Try to ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, he’ll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse.

1. If the whining continues after you’ve ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate.
2. If he responds and becomes excited, take him outside.
3. This should be a trip with a purpose, not play time.
4. If you’re convinced that your dog doesn’t need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining.

Don’t give in, otherwise you’ll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants. If you’ve progressed gradually through the training steps and haven’t done too much too fast, you’ll be less likely to encounter this problem. If the problem becomes unmanageable, you may need to start the crate training process over again.

· Attempting to use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety won’t solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Separation anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures.

You may want to consult a professional animal behaviorist for help.

Do some dogs never get used to crates?

Keep in mind that every dog is different, and some may not be able to handle being crated for that long, especially if they are young, elderly, or have medical or behavioral issues. It’s also important to gradually increase the amount of time the dog spends in the crate so it can adjust and feel comfortable.

Do dogs like being in a kennel?

Dogs love to be cozy. Their bodies are designed to keep them warm, so they often seek places that feel the best for them. That means curling up under blankets or on your lap for some dogs. For other dogs, it means snuggling up inside a crate that offers plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable.

Why is PETA against crates?

© iStock.com/Steve Goodwin No matter what a pet shop owner or dog trainer might say, a crate is just a cage, and putting dogs in crates is just a way to ignore and warehouse them until the guardian finally gets around to making time for them. Crating is popular because it is convenient.

1. But this inappropriate practice deprives dogs of the opportunity to engage in some of the most basic activities, such as walking around, stretching out to relax, and looking out a window.
2. Obviously, it prevents them from relieving themselves or indicating the need to relieve themselves as well.
3. Crating began as a way for people who participate in dog shows to keep their dogs clean, but they did not take into account their dogs’ social, physical, and psychological needs.

Dogs are highly social pack animals who abhor isolation and crave and deserve companionship, praise, and exercise. Forcing dogs to spend extended periods of time confined and isolated simply to accommodate their guardians’ schedules is unacceptable. Crate training does not speed up the housebreaking process. Regardless of the training method, puppies do not develop full bladder control until they are about 6 months old. It is counterproductive to crate young puppies in the hope that they will “hold it.” They are physically incapable of doing so and will be forced to urinate in their crates after experiencing great discomfort while trying not to soil their beds.

1. Puppies who repeatedly soil their crates often lose the urge to keep their crates clean, which in turn prolongs and complicates the housebreaking process.
2. Puppies who are born and raised in crate-like structures in pet shops and puppy mills can experience severe anxiety and develop fearful or destructive behavior if they are confined to crates.

They may even injure themselves while trying to bite or scratch their way out. Studies have shown that long-term confinement is detrimental to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. Animals caged for extended periods can develop eating disorders and anti-social and/or aggressive behaviors, or they can become withdrawn, hyperactive, or severely depressed.

1. PETA does not oppose keeping a dog in small area if it is in the dog’s best interests (e.g., when cage rest is ordered by a veterinarian or when confinement will keep the dog safe during travel).
2. In such cases, guardians should always take steps to ensure that dogs are provided with bedding and the opportunity to relieve themselves and that they are given access to water, fresh air, food, and other basic requirements.

For people whose work schedules force them to leave their canine companions at home during the day, there are numerous humane alternatives to crating. PETA supports humane, interactive dog training, which promotes and teaches guardians effective ways to communicate with their animal companions.

Committed caretakers who successfully complete training and continuously practice with their dogs have no excuse for imprisoning their well-behaved companions while they are away. For those who cannot make it home during the day, PETA recommends hiring a reputable pet service or soliciting a reliable person, perhaps a neighbor, to take dogs out for midday walks.

A “doggie door” that provides access to a secure, fenced yard gives dogs a way to relieve themselves and can prevent boredom. Having an animal friend can also alleviate boredom and loneliness in dogs. Click here for more tips on how to help keep your animal companion healthy and happy.

Why are dog crates illegal in Sweden?

Dogo’s philosophy – Every dog is an individual and even if we include crate training in our New Dog training program, evaluate your dog and decide what is best for them. As there are claustrophobic people, not all dogs learn to enjoy their crates. Even if you don’t want to crate your dog it is important to teach your dog to stay alone in a room.

Dedicate a living room to your dog and similar as with crate training, teach your dog to stay alone, relax, and fall asleep in the living room. Crate training can be cruel if it’s done inappropriately. Leaving your dog in a crate throughout the entire date is animal cruelty. Please provide a puppy-proofed area if you need to leave your dog alone for longer than a few hours.

Crate is not a place for your dog when you are at home. Dogs need interaction. Crating a dog for extended periods of time can result in a poorly socialized, aggressive, or hyperactive dog. We believe that Sweden and Finland have passed laws to prevent misuse of the crate and depriving dogs of social interaction, physical activity, and basic needs.

1. Caitlin 2021-01-04 at 11:15 am – Reply Crate training is not common or widely accepted in Australia at all. The majority animal warfare organising in Australia consider it abusive and actively discourage anyone from using it. So your are factual wrong if you say it is used in Australia. It is a American practice, 30 years being member of different dog clubs/associations and I have never meet anyone who uses crates in Australia. Vets advice against it. Even when had a dog needing surgery when vet talked through treatment plans given they adviced against one course as dog would need to be crated for weeks which was considered too cruel. Dog live outside or roam the house freely that is the norm in Australia not crates. Never seen a crate in real life.
2. Becky Heiner 2021-10-03 at 4:13 pm – Reply Anyone who actually spends time doing enrichment activities with their dogs like training, dog sports, dog shows, hiking, even taking their dogs in the car knows the value of crate training. Many forms of transportation are not possible without a crated dog. The problem is, like the author of this article, people who don’t really understand dog behavior just throw their pets in a crate for the first time and leave for an hour. Of course the dog is distressed! Also, this poor pup missed out on the most important 16 weeks of its life with no socialization. Adoption of puppies in similar situations by well meaning folks who do not have the knowledge and skills to train a dog is a recipe for disaster and many times the dog ends up in rescue again. When we take in a pet, it is our responsibility to understand their needs and help them live by our (reasonable) rules. There is nothing wrong with crate training when it is done correctly. It can prevent puppies from chewing on things that are harmful to them. It opens up a new world of possibilities, for example, my dogs love agility. The sport would not be possible for them if they couldn’t rest quietly in a crate between runs. Even transportation to events is much safer in a crate than loose or seat belted in a vehicle. That said, leaving a dog for hours alone in a crate regularly is not responsible ownership. This is not an all or nothing proposition. I believe the claims about Europeans not crating dogs is exaggerated. Every European I know who competes in dog sports crate trains and in Europe, agility fills the stands like football does here.
3. Elizabeth 2022-10-25 at 2:16 pm – Reply Becky Heiner – You’re just repeating verbatim the accepted canon that dog “trainers” give out as reasons for crating dogs. It’s all nonsense, and makes no logical sense at all. Crate training is not “training”. If your dog is in a crate, then you are not training it. All you’re doing is shutting down the dog’s behaviour, and that is NOT training. It is illegal in Finland and Sweden for a reason – because it is cruel. The only acceptable alternative is a pen with wire sides such as you see at dog shows, with plenty of room, like 30 sq feet for the dog to move around in, or a closed room. Anything smaller is cruelty. Not only psychological cruelty, but physically – it can cause problems with joints, and digestion, not to mention self-harming. Dogs do not need a crate to rest or to sleep. What absolute garbage. People who “crate train” do not know how to train a dog. This is not training. Training requires close contact between the dog and its owner, for most of the day. That’s called responsibility. Try it sometime.
4. crate is a controversial tool worldwide, yet so helpful when it comes time to educate your puppy! Using a crate prevents the

Are dog crates illegal in Europe?

Do We Crate Too Much? Crates are a normal part of life for many North American dogs, often used during potty training and even through adulthood when guardians are at work. But did you know in some parts of Europe crating dogs in the home is actually illegal? During my journey as a trainer my use of crates has evolved considerably.

In my 20 years of working with dogs, competing and titling in multiple sports, I have been blessed to share my life with many dogs, all of whom I have crate trained. But what dogs have taught me—and what they continue to teach me—is that they are individuals and just because something is accepted as a normalized practice for dogs doesn’t mean it’s ethical or the right decision for all dogs in all situations.

Dogs vs. Wolves Most justifications for using crates center around the idea that dogs naturally like crates because they are den animals descended from wolves. But as modern dog trainers and dog people, we have evolved our understanding of dogs. We know that dogs are not wolves.

We know that anyone who talks about “dominance” and “alpha” or “pack dynamics” is relying on outdated ideas about dogs and dog behaviour and is not someone we want near our dogs. Though wild dogs might sleep in dens, they don’t close each other into locking boxes. There are valid reasons to crate our dogs, but there isn’t anything natural about it.

Khara Schuetzner, MA, CPDT-KSA, CNWI, Chair of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) says, “It does not make sense to say ‘den animals.’ possibility for why dogs love crates is the quiet down-time to nap, similar to us going to our bedrooms.” Though many dog trainers still recommend regularly using crates, concern over how they are used is growing.

• Jill Breitner, dog trainer and author of the Dog Decoder App would like to see trainers stop using them.
• It’s a cage so don’t sugar-coat it,” she says.
• When and why do we make it normal to put dogs in cages?” She says that many owners leave their dogs in them for way too long because they don’t have the time or energy to do what it takes to teach house manners and “since they’ve been given the okay by a huge contingency, they feel justified.

One can’t teach house manners when they’re locked in a cage. Trainers are doing what they learned without thinking critically about this.” Illustration by Michelle Simpson Cultural Differences Jill isn’t alone in her concerns. Dog crates are much more commonly used in the United States and Canada than they are in other parts of the world. Across much of Europe and in Australia, dog crates don’t tend to be part of the daily life for adult dogs, nor is it common or culturally accepted for dogs to be left in crates for long periods of time.

1. In Finland and Sweden, it is actually illegal to keep dogs crated overnight or while guardians are away at work.
2. In both of these countries there are exceptions made if there is a veterinary reason for a dog to be kept confined while in recovery, or while at a dog show/competition, as well as for travel but dog crates are not a regular part of life for dogs.

Eva Bertilsson, dog trainer and owner of Carpe Momentum in Sweden, explains: “In Sweden, we’ve never really had the tradition of crating dogs overnight and definitely not for going to work. Instead, people secure the area where the puppy will be by removing items the puppy should not get to, and/or putting up gates around areas where they don’t want the puppy to have access.

1. It’s the same as with small children—people typically remove move unsuitable items and block access to certain areas.
2. We don’t really have a tradition of using playpens for babies either,” Eva continues, also noting that Swedish animal welfare laws regulate living conditions for all animals with requirements for space and comfort.

“This cultural backdrop somewhat sets the stage for how dogs are kept and how I work to support dog guardians,” she says. In Sweden dogs are generally recognized as part of the family and treated culturally much more like children and not left alone for long periods of time.

“Many dogs also go with their owners to work or stay at doggie day care,” Eva explains. “Puppies under four months of age cannot be left alone for more than short periods of time anyway according to law, and, also, with older dogs, there are regulations limiting how long the dog can be left alone. In addition, there seems to be a tradition of reasonable general awareness about the need for gradually teaching dogs to be home alone, just as there is a reasonable general awareness of dogs’ needs for physical and behavioural activities.” If dogs in other parts of the world with homes and lifestyles similar to our own aren’t being crated, why are North Americans so obsessed with crating our dogs? Unfortunately, I see crates being overused and misused by new and busy pet guardians who are overwhelmed with the responsibility of a dog or puppy.

Potty Training A primary reason that most people start crate training their dogs as puppies is to aid in potty training. Crate training can be effective and helpful for short periods of time when you can’t supervise a puppy, but they have to be used correctly. “Crates are useful for house training but only if your puppy’s bladder and bowel capacity are not exceeded,” explains Helen Prinold, M.Sc.

1. Animal Behaviour CPDT-KA, CDBC, Certified Fear Free Professional and Chair of the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
2. It’s important that puppies never be made uncomfortable if crates are part of the potty-training process.
3. If you have a puppy, you don’t want to leave them in for more than two hours because they are still housetraining,” says Helen.

If you aren’t going to be able to get your puppy out to potty every two hours she says, “it’s better to have a crate with a confinement area for a potty break.” This might look like a larger X-pen (essentially a playpen area for dogs), or a room designated as a puppy-safe space that has the crate with the door open for puppies to go in and out, giving the puppy the opportunity to move around freely and play as well as sleep and potty.

This is similar to how puppy training looks in Sweden. “If people have a crate at home, it’s typically used as any other dog bed, functioning as a den with the door open (the door can also be removed altogether). If people need to restrict the dog’s space, gates or play pens or secure rooms are quite commonly used and allow for room to stretch out, move around, and shift between resting areas,” explains Eva.

Destructive Tendencies Crates are frequently used as management tools for dogs who have a tendency to do damage in the home. Instead, Zazie Todd, PhD author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, recommends having a dog-proof (or puppy-proof) room where you make sure nothing is left out that could harm the dog or cause a problem if they chewed it.

This keeps your dog (and your home!) safe while giving your dog freedom to move around while you are away from home and unable to supervise. If you are going to use a crate as part of ongoing management of your adult dog in the home, ethically the time the dog is crated needs to be limited. “Dogs shouldn’t be crated all day.

Although there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule for how long a dog should be left in a crate, four hours is a rough maximum,” says Zazie. “We support graduated transition out of crating in the home and into the dog being comfortable home alone and having free run of the house,” such as being let out in a smaller room unsupervised, notes Helen.

• This doesn’t mean doing away with crates entirely.
• Shifting to having a crate with the door open so dogs can self-select versus being forced in can be very helpful.
• A crate with the door always open can become a safe space for your dog to go if they are finding things a bit stressful or just want some peace and quiet.

In this case, the crate can be a cozy place to relax, and a place where you won’t disturb them. The dog can go there if the kids are being noisy or there are guests over,” suggests Zazie. In some instances, limited crate training is the best strategy for the safety of a dog who might chew or eat things they shouldn’t have but it’s important to remember crating a dog doesn’t actually shift a dog’s mental and emotional state.

Jill notes that guardians “can’t teach dogs manners, or how to relax on their own if they spend much of the time in a cage. It’s a crutch.” She continues that “dogs are frustrated and/or shut down when left in crates too long.” Essentially when crated your dog is contained but not learning. A dog with separation anxiety that is confined to a crate while their guardian goes to the store might be unable to damage the home, but that doesn’t mean the underlying anxiety has been addressed.

In this situation crates are a Band-Aid not a long-term solution. Zazie also urges people crating their dogs to consider whether the dog is getting enough exercise and enrichment. Unfortunately, frequently busy dog guardians use crates as a way to confine their dog instead of adding much needed enrichment and exercise into their dog’s day which could eliminate boredom-based destructive behaviour. Illustration by Michelle Simpson Crating As A Skill Set When used properly and on a limited basis, crates can keep dogs safe when they are healing from an injury or surgery as well as when they are young puppies. Crates can also be useful for feeding time in a multi-dog household to prevent any resource guarding.

• The goal of crate training should always be to give your dog positive associations with the crate by keeping crate training sessions short and pairing crate time with treat-stuffed toys.
• Even if crates aren’t used regularly in your home, crating is a skillset that every dog should have.
• Helen says that the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers advises it is “in the dog’s best interest to be taught how to handle being crated.” She recognizes that crate training is part of modern life and dogs might be crated at a show, vet, groomer, or at a boarding kennel.

Zazie notes that even if you don’t plan to regularly crate your dog, in the case of a natural disaster such as a wildfire, earthquake or hurricane, dogs might need to be crated if the family was evacuated to a shelter. You don’t want that to be your dog’s first exposure to crating.

“Better to have their first experience be a positive one taught at home,” concurs Helen. Similarly, even though crates are infrequently used in Sweden, Eva advises crating being a skillset that all dogs have. “Since it’s likely that the dog will need to be crated in some situations in its life (like car rides, competitions or veterinary rehabilitation), I generally suggest doing preparatory training to teach the dog to be comfortable entering and being in a crate or other small confined area,” she says.

Shifting Priorities Dog guardians and dog trainers alike should be thinking much more critically about when, why, and how we use crates and the overall ethics of doing so. When dogs are crated their movement is limited. This is why dogs recovering from surgeries, such as a routine spay or neuter or extensive orthopedic procedure, often must be crated when not supervised to prevent reinjuries during healing.

• That kind of physical restriction might be necessary for some surgical recovery but isn’t enjoyable or even comfortable for healthy dogs.
• Yes, dogs can be taught to settle in their crates, and some dogs do enjoy sleeping in them, but no dog wants to spend hours on end in a crate.
• Will some dogs tolerate it? Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s ethical of us to ask of them.

There are definitely alternatives, they just take more effort. “Before the crate laws were in place, it definitely happened that I recommended using a crate as a temporary helping aid under certain conditions, typically if owners wanted to confine the dog but still keep it close (for example while eating, or in the bedroom), if gates didn’t work due to the dog climbing or jumping out, and if there was a risk of people getting irritated, annoyed or angry with their dogs,” says Eva.

1. In those situations, I nowadays have to work even better with antecedent arrangements, setting dogs and guardians up for success.
2. Enrichment toys, reinforcing settling behaviours, and teaching the dog to be comfortable behind a closed door.” What’s Right For Our Dogs We know more now about dogs than ever before so it makes sense that our relationship to crating would also shift and evolve.

When I first began training dogs, I thought nothing of crating my dogs. Now, I have stopped attending classes and seminars where it was required that my dog be crated when not working. Several decades ago, it was very common for trainers to use coercion or pain when training dogs.

• Now almost all trainers know there are far better and more humane ways for dogs to learn.
• For those of us who strive to live more intentionally and compassionately with our dogs, our understanding of dogs and training should always be evolving, and that includes how we use crates.
• All in all, there are so many things we can and should do for our dogs to keep them and ourselves safe and comfortable—with or without crates.

Hopefully that can be where our main focus lies,” says Eva. For more on crating, read ‘A Trainer’s Truth About Crates’, : Do We Crate Too Much?

How long does it take for dogs to get used to kennels?

How to crate train your dog or puppy Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s age, temperament and past experiences. It’s important to keep two things in mind while crate training: The crate should always be associated with something pleasant and training should take place in a series of small steps. Don’t go too fast.

How can I make my dog more comfortable at boarding?

Just as you’d send your child to summer camp with a few of their favorite things, it’s a good idea to send your dog to dog boarding with a favorite chew toy, sleeping blanket, or brand of dog food to help them feel more at home. Another good idea is to sign your dog up for doggie daycare at America’s Country Store.