Crate Training Dogs Puppies- FAQ

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ
Author: A. Grignard

1) Why should I crate train my dog?


Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or bed? The reason is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a house. If you don't provide it, they will create it themselves in an effort to feel safe and secure. A crate serves as a den for your dog.



2) How does crate training work?


Like babies, puppies cannot control their bladders until they mature (usually between 3 and 6 months). Dogs have a natural instinct to avoid eliminating in their dens. Therefore, confining your puppy in his crate for the proper amount of time encourages him to "hold it" until you take him outside for a walk. Pet Dreams offers Free Crate Training Tips with more step-by-step details.



3) What about housebreaking older dogs?


It is never too late to crate train your dog! The number one reason dogs end up in shelters is behavior problems. Crate training, at any age, can help break bad habits and solve most of these problems.



4) How long do I need to use the crate?


Crates are not just for training- they are good for the lifetime of your dog. By providing a crate for your dog, you are in essence providing him with his own bedroom. Crates are especially important for older dogs that use it to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday family life, which often includes small children or other pets that may harass them.



5) How safe is crate training?


Dog crates are the best housetraining tool available. They provide a room for your dog while protecting your home furnishings from damage. However, even a crate isn't an absolute safe harbor for your pet. As per crate manufacturers warnings, you should always remove standard collars before placing your dog in a crate. Otherwise, your dog is at risk for possible strangulation if his collar or ID tags become caught in the crate's bars. Pet Dreams' Cratewear bumpers are the only bumpers made high enough to help prevent collar strangulation and other crate-related injuries.



6) I was told that dogs like their crates, so why do I have to force mine inside?


There are many reasons to not enjoy a bare metal dog cage.

• Comfort: When dogs lie down in their crates, they are leaning up against wire bars, which can be very irritating. Crate bumpers and pads, like Cratewear, provide the comfort your dog will appreciate.
  
• Security: Wire crates leave your dog exposed on all sides. Crate covers provide den-like security.
  
• Location: Separating your dog from the rest of the family can add stress. Dogs are social animals, so the ideal location is a room full of activity. Your dog will enjoy his new room while still being part of the family. At night the bedroom is an ideal place for a crate so your dog will feel the security of being close to you.
  
• Time: Confining him in his crate for excessive periods of time will be a negative experience for your dog. After housebreaking your dog, we recommend removing the door from the crate so he can enjoy his den any time he chooses.

• Use Cratewear to make his crate safe & comfortable
  
• Put appropriate toys and treats inside the crate, which will entice him to go in on his own.
  
• Feeding your dog in his crate can develop a positive association with it.
  
• Give your puppy lots of praise when he enters the crate.

About the Author

Visit http://www.petdreams.com for our complete line of dog crate covers, crate pads, and pet beds. Our site also contains more crate training tips, FAQs, articles, and forums!

This dog training article is courtesy of http://thedogtrainingnetwork.com
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9:22 PM - 12/28/2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists
Author: Kevin Simmons

If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that you cannot seem to resolve on your own, getting professional help is an excellent idea. However, there are two different kinds of professionals that can help you with your situation: a Dog Training School, and an Animal Behavior Specialist. Which one is right for you and your pet?

The answer to this question lies in whether or not the behavior that the dog is exhibiting is normal, or explainable. For instance, if a dog is threatened in a violent manner (horrible to think about, but it does happen), then it would be appropriate for the dog to bite in retaliation. However, if a dog starts biting you after you feed him a treat, this isn’t as easily explained. In this second situation, you’d want to access an Animal Behavior Specialist to get some help, instead of one of the many readily available Dog Training Schools.

Most behavioral issues with dogs are related to pet owners who aren’t aware as to how to manage their dogs. For instance, jumping on people or things, pulling on their leash, not listening or responding to commands or eliminating in the home are all management issues. These can normally be treated with obedience training through a Dog Training School.

Dog Training Schools are usually staffed with professionals who have received formalized training in the field of animal behavior modification. The methods used in these programs teach you how to think like your dog, and communicate with each other better. They also help your dog to understand his place, what is expected of him, and how to stop negative behaviors, and replace them with positive ones.

If any of these behaviors are apparent in your dog, are causing a problem in your home, you’ll need to contact a Dog Training School as soon as you are able, in order to start the training process quickly. These Dog Training Schools can correct behavior in as little as a couple of weeks.

Animal Behaviorists are professionally trained as well, but rather academically rather than vocationally. Their training normally includes some sort of graduate work in psychology, biology, chemistry, neurology, zoology and the like. They will also have specialized training in the types of animals they work with. These professionals are equipped to deal with the more serious of the behavioral issues in a pooch, such as aggression, fears, anxiety or compulsions.

After reading this article, choosing the proper professional to help you help your pet shouldn’t be terribly difficult. Now all you need to do is find an appropriate person; ask friends, people who work at the local pet store and your vet for recommendations. Soon the negative behavior will only be a memory in your loved one.

(c) 2005 dog-training-info.com. This article may be republished as long as these bylines are included. Kevin Simmons is the webmaster of http://www.dog-training-info.com. Please visit the site for more free dog training articles. Online URL for this article: http://www.dog-training-info.com/dog-training-school.htm

This dog training article is courtesy of http://thedogtrainingnetwork.com
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author
name and URL remain intact.

9:21 PM - 12/27/2006 - comments {0} - post comment