Special to the Star-Herald
One of the kindest things you can do for your dog is to crate train him. I have heard it all before, “I am not sticking my dog in a cage!” I myself was totally against crates years ago, until I met a dog that was truly trained. We all need a safe haven of our own, dogs are no different. It doesn’t matter if you have a puppy or an adult dog, they can all be “trained” to enjoy being in a crate if done properly. That does not mean stuffing them into a crate and letting them scream; it means teaching them that the crate belongs to them and is a safe place for them. There are so many positive benefits to having a dog that is crate trained – it is a safe place for your dog to be, a secure place for your dog to rest, you can prevent costly damage to your home, it can help with destructive chewing and potty training issues, it can improve dog/owner relationship by eliminating the stress of messes, and helps your dog to be used to being confined when you are traveling or when he must be left at a kennel. It also reduces the stress on your dog.
The first thing when crate training your dog is to select a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up in and turn around. I prefer the plastic crates because your dog is protected on all sides, like a cave, but the wire crates are convenient because you can fold them and take them with you. One is not any better or worse than the next. Be sure to select the proper place for your crate such as in an area where your family spends a lot of time; don’t socially isolate your dog in its crate. Make the crate as pleasant as possible and never use it for punishment. I sometimes leave a radio on for my dogs that are crated, just to give them a little bit of soothing noise.
The best time to start your training is after a day of exercise, when your dog or puppy is tired. I always use treats and I feed my dogs in their crate, making the crate a “good place.” I leave the door open and let them check it out first, then start with treats in the crate and closing the door only for a few minutes. I only let the dog out of the crate when I decide it is time and when the dog or puppy is quiet and under control. When they come out, I also reward them by taking them outside and having a moment of playtime. Just remember to keep it positive so the crate becomes a safe place not a dreaded place. It is called “crate training” not “forcing,” so it is important to take small steps.
With my first puppy, Baxter, (bless his heart, I was learning) I found that all I ever said to him was “NO.” I got sick of hearing myself say it, so I decided it was time to reward the positive and ignore (to the best of my ability) unwanted behavior. Honestly, it took a lot of the stress out of puppy hood for both of us. He started to look for things to do to make me happy. Another very important training tool is called “Nothing in Life is Free.” This training method, which can be found at www.k9deb.com, is tremendously helpful in treating both the dominant or pushy dog and the fearful dog. It establishes you as the leader without any dangerous physical “dominant downs,” which can result in you being bitten or yelling and screaming. If you have never checked it out before, now is the time. I use this method daily with my dogs and it works!
It is important to train your dog to become a good citizen and this starts with being a good leader. Dogs are not furry little children! I see so many dogs loved to death or turned into dangerous animals because their owners let them take over the role of leader. This is not to say you need to rule with an iron hand and never enjoy your dog. Take the proper steps to train your dog, let him know exactly what is expected of him, be fair yet firm, and you and your dog will both enjoy your lives together and your dog will be able to accompany you anywhere.
If you are looking for a “friend for life,” please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many dogs and cats available for adoption at our little shelter. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
