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Your Pet’s BehaviorCage Trainingby Dr. Gary Landsberg Wouldn’t it be great if someone developed a device for dogs that prevents destruction, chewing and garbage raiding? The perfect device would also:
Well, all you have to do is buy or build a proper cage for your dog and you’ll own one invaluable training aid – The Crate. Crate training is ideal for just about every new pup and it even works for most adult dogs. Done correctly, it is neither cruel nor unpleasant for the dog: in fact a properly crate-trained dog feels happy, secure and comfortable in his cage. In the wild, dogs and wolves need a den or hide-a-way for their home. Except for hunting, elimination, playtime and protection, they spend hours sleeping, eating or relaxing in their den. Most well trained, contented house pets spend more of the day curled up on a chesterfield or under a bed. The cage-trained dog is simply taught that his bed is in the cage. Crate training, or confinement, is the quickest and most effective way to housebreak a puppy of an adult dog (when combined with proper housebreaking techniques). If you must leave the pup unsupervised for several hours or even a few minutes, simply confine him to his cage. If you have trained your dog that his cage is his "den", he will keep it clean. With this technique, owners have been able to housebreak some pups in a matter of days. Pups and some adult dogs are extremely inquisitive especially if they get bored. They may chew or destroy hundreds of dollars worth of furniture and property and can even harm themselves by chewing electrical cords, plants, or raiding garbage cans, etc. We all know that a child or baby needs constant supervision unless confined to the safety of a crib or playpen. Treat your pup the same way – confine him when you cannot supervise. Put a few chew toys in the crate and he may even get in the habit of chewing the right things! And when you do come home, the pup will not be able to jump up or run out the door. Many people have difficulty getting a new pup to sleep throughout the night. When left alone, the pup begins to howl or cry for company and attention, because he has never been separated from people or other dogs. You must not go to him as this just encourages the crying. Using cage training you can practice turning out the light and leaving the room for short periods. By nighttime, the pup should be accustomed to being alone. Another alternative is to put the pup in the cage in your bedroom at night. As you can see, cage trained puppies seldom misbehave and need far less discipline. This results in a happier and closer puppy-owner relationship. The cage need not be permanent. Most dogs, once trained, enter their cage on their own, and whenever they want to relax or be left alone. Other dogs enjoy their cages but may have another location they prefer, such as a bedroom. Once the dog can be trusted, you could try leaving him loose in his favorite room, with the cage door open, to see how he does. Remember that dogs need a den and a place of retreat. Provide your pet with a cage, train him properly, and you’ll be doing your pet and yourself a great favor.
How to cage train
Provided by the Washington K-9 Academy Obedience-Personal Protection – French Ring Sport – Problem Dogs (206) 581 – 4123 To purchase bite suits and sleeves, collars, etc. Please call the Washington K-9 Academy
Den DynamicsA crate is a multipurpose training tool that paves the way to a well-behaved dog and a calm home.Click on each page to see full size view.
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