Training
Sadly MANY people take dogs to shelters when dogs are between the ages of six months to one year. People think dogs are 'adorable' when they are small. Then when the dog is no longer a baby and the big dog is too rowdy or going through its chewing stage, the adopter returns the dog to the shelter. Educate your dog and avoid this scenario - you will determine whether your dog becomes a well-behaved, well-tempered dog. Your role as an educator begins the moment you bring your dog home - housetraining, walking on a leash, 'table manners,' and following simple commands are not genetically programmed skills.
Crate Training
Is It Cruel, or Is It Kindness?
Many people view a crate as a jail for a dog, the reason that the puppy needs freedom and confinement would cause them to resent you and might result in psychological damage. However, quite the contrary is true. Dogs need to satisfy their "den dwelling" instincts inherited from their pack animal ancestors. They love a secure place of their own where they are safe from harm. The crate will provide you and your dog a means of housebreaking, of keeping your household items safe from chewing, and provides a safe environment when you cannot watch them. This will allow you to use positive reinforcement training when they are outside of the crate. You can also use the crate when traveling or in cases of illness. They are NOT to be used for punishment.
What You Will Need For Your Dog
An acceptable crate can be made of wire, molded fiberglass, or plastic. It should be sufficient for the dog to stand up, turn around, and stretch out flat on their side comfortably. Be careful not to use a crate that is too large, this will sabotage housetraining because they soil one end and move to the other end to sleep. If a small crate is not available for temporary use, reduce the space of an adult size one by inserting plastic boxes or a moveable/removable partition made of wire or wood.
Crate Training for Bedtime
Placing the crate in your bedroom gives your dog association with you. Place a washable rug/blanket, old unwashed t-shirts that smell like you, and maybe a few good indestructible toys and put the puppy in the crate at bedtime when you are going to bed. Avoid using newspaper in or under the crate, since its odor may encourage elimination. A puppy need not be fed in the crate and will only spill a dish of water. If they cry, do not respond. This may continue for 15 minutes or so, but they will eventually calm down and go to sleep. Since young puppies usually cannot go through the night without urinating, they may awaken and cry. You will need to get up and take them out right away. Give them a lot of praise and return them to the crate. Never scold them for making a mistake in their crate. If morning comes a bit early for a while, keep in mind that this phase will not last long.
Crate Training During the Day
Acclimating your dog to its crate while you are at home will prevent association with being left alone. Another crate or playpen placed in a corner of your living room area can confine them without making them feel isolated or banished. You can leave the cage door open to allow the puppy to enter and exit freely while you are at home with them. Give them their treats to eat inside the crate with the door open. Again, this reinforces a sense of well-being and comfort. A puppy (8-16 weeks) should normally have no problem accepting a crate as its "own place". Any complaining they might do at first is caused not by the crate, but by them learning to accept the controls of them being in an unfamiliar, new environment. It will actually help them adapt more easily and quickly to their new world. Remember, do not open the door for the dog/puppy that is whining to get out. Always wait until your dog is calm and quiet before opening the door. If you uncrate a dog because it is whining, you are teaching them that whining is okay and that it means they will get out.
Use It - Don't Abuse It
Establish a "crate routine" immediately, closing the puppy in at regular 1-2 hour intervals during the day (their own chosen nap times will guide you) and whenever they must be left alone for up to 3-4 hours (after 4 months of age). Give them chew toys for distraction and be sure to remove collar and tags that could become caught in an opening. Crates are NOT recommended for puppies which must frequently or regularly left alone for extended periods of time - such as all or much of the day while you are away at work. If it is attempted, the dog must be well exercised both before and after crating, given lots of personal positive attention, and be allowed complete freedom at night (including sleeping near you). During the first year it is best to reduce crate confinement to shorter amounts of time to encourage proper housebreaking. You should make it very clear to children that the crate is NOT a playhouse for them, and that the dog's rights should be respected. Dogs and puppies often retreat to the safety of their crate to escape the overwhelming activities of children.
Crate Training for the Adult Dog
An adult dog or puppy over 6 months old may have behavior problems that need new training. They may have a lack of feeling secure and can be destructive or may have not been properly housetrained. A crate can be very useful but must be introduced as a positive and pleasant experience. Again, a crate is NOT intended for frequent long hours usage for the convenience of an absent owner. Introduce your dog to the crate with the door open (no bedding inside) with treats placed well in the back. Allow them to come in and out freely at first, praising them enthusiastically. When they enter on their own confidently, place their bedding and something of yours (unwashed towel or t-shirt). Continue for several days while shutting the door for brief periods of time with people nearby. However, you must meet resistance with consistent verbal firmness and authority so that the dog is clearly aware of the behavior you desire. Once they have accepted the crate as their bed and their own "special place" your pet will stop being a problem and start being a pleasure.
Does It Always Work?
Unfortunately, there are a few pets that simply can't or won't tolerate confinement. This generally only happens with older pets that may have a fear of being crated due to past experiences. If they appear to "flip out" consult your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist or dog trainer for guidance. Your technique may need to be modified to provide proper training and/or another means of confinement for your dog.
Even if things do not go smoothly at first, DON'T WEAKEN and DON'T WORRY. Be consistent, be firm and be very aware that you are doing your pet a real favor by preventing them from getting into trouble while left alone. A secure dog is a happy dog.
