Crate Training

[snackpack5150]

Hi All,we are resucing a husky from a shelter she is 1 yr old and we told to crate train her as she should not have the run of the house when no one is home,any advise would be welcome.

 

Ken

[Terry]

Crate Training

What is a dog crate?

 

 

A dog crate is a cage made of wire or molded plastic. Its purpose is to provide confinement for reasons of security, safety, housebreaking, protection of household goods, travel or illness. You may think that putting your pet in a crate is mean or inhumane and might cause your pet to resent you or to be psychologically damaged. However, dogs view the world differently than people.

 

As your dog sees it, the crate is a room of his very own - a "security blanket". The crate helps to satisfy the "den instinct" inherited from his den-dwelling ancestors and relatives. Your pet will feel secure, not frustrated once accustomed to his crate. Your pet wants to please you and you want to enjoy him. The crate can help you achieve a better relationship with your pet by preventing unwanted behavior when you aren't available to supervise him.

 

The advantages of using a crate

 

With the help of a crate:

 

 

You can enjoy peace of mind when leaving your dog alone, knowing that nothing can be soiled or destroyed and that he is comfortable, safe, and not developing bad habits.

You can housebreak your pet more quickly by using the close confinement to motivate your pet to wait until taken outside, since canines naturally avoid soiling their den.

You can travel with your pet without risk of the the dog getting loose and becoming lost or interfering with safe driving.

Your dog can enjoy the security and privacy of den of his own to which he can retreat when tired or stressed.

Your dog can avoid much of the fear and confusion caused by your reaction to problem behavior.

Since he can more easily adapt to staying in unfamiliar places as long as he has his familiar "security blanket" along, your pet can be included in family outings, instead of being left behind alone.

Purchasing a crate

 

Crates can be purchased at pet stores, department stores, and from pet supply catalogs. Look for a wire crate that includes a removable metal floor pan. Plastic crates can also be used, although some dogs will chew the plastic. For your pet's comfort, look for one with a smooth floor. Purchase crate large enough for your pet to stretch out on its side and to sit or stand erect. If you have a puppy, it is more economical to buy a wire crate that will accommodate him as an adult, then partition it to the right size. A movable wire or pegboard partition can be made or purchased. Too large a crate can undermine housebreaking because your pet may eliminate at one end of the crate and lie down at the other. For bedding, use an old blanket or buy a washable crate pad. Depending on size and construction, a new crate may cost $40 - 150. This is a bargain compared to the cost of replacing a sofa, woodwork, or carpeting.

Where should I put it?

 

Dogs are social animals. Place the crate in an area where the family spends a lot of time - kitchen. family room, etc. The top of the crate can serve as extra shelf or table space. At night, move your puppy's crate into your bedroom so you can hear him if he needs to go out.

 

Crating a puppy

 

A young puppy should have no problem accepting the crate as his place. Crying at first is caused, not by the crate, but by adjusting to an unfamiliar household. Do not reward barking or whining with attention! If you are sure he doesn't need to eliminate, ignore him until he is quiet, then praise him or take him out of the crate. Do not leave meals in the crate or feed your puppy immediately prior to confining him. Most puppies will spill water left in the crate. Do leave a safe chew toy in the crate for your pet. Close your pet in the crate whenever he must be left alone or can't be closely supervised by a responsible person.

 

Never crate your pet longer than you know he can wait to eliminate, and definitely less than 4 hour intervals during the day. If you occasionally must be gone longer than this, place the crate with the door open in an enclosed area such as a bathroom or laundry room. Place newspapers on the floor of the room to facilitate clean-up. Your puppy should soon stop eliminating overnight and then may be crated in his regular place.

 

Crate training dogs over 6 months old

 

Often problem behaviors in this age group result from the pet feeling insecure when left alone. A crate can actually help alleviate this anxiety, but it must be introduced gradually and in a positive manner. The dog's first association with the crate should be pleasant.

 

First secure the door open so that it can't suddenly shut and frighten the dog. Encourage your pet to enter voluntarily by tossing a treat into the far end, praising him enthusiastically once he enters, then letting him come right back out. Once he enters the crate confidently, coax him to lie down and relax, using food, if necessary. Shut the door briefly, while you sit beside the crate or when there are people in the room. Again, don't reward barking or whining, with attention.

 

When you feel your dog will remain quietly in the crate, leave him alone for 15 - 30 minutes. If all goes well, you can leave him for longer intervals. Eventually, you may no longer need to shut him in the crate, but he will probably appreciate still having access to his special place.

 

Does the crate always work?

 

Unfortunately, no. There are some animals (usually adults) that can or will not tolerate this form of confinement. A few will show no desire to keep the crate clean.

 

Use - don't abuse!

 

Children should be taught that the crate is a special room for the pet and that they should not pester the dog or pup when it is in the crate or use the crate as a playhouse.

The use of a dog crate is NOT RECOMMENDED for a dog regularly left alone all day, although some individual animals can tolerate it. If it is attempted:

The pet must be well exercised before and after crating.

The crate must be equipped with a heavy, non-tip dish of water.

Your pet should get lots of attention and complete freedom each night.

If you do not have time to take a puppy or dog outside to eliminate and exercise as recommended here, you should reconsider getting a dog as a pet. Crate or no crate, any dog consistently denied the attention and companionship it craves, may still find ways to express bored anxiety, and stress

[Beans]

A large blanket over the crate helps to give it the "den" feel as long as the dog can see out the "door" end...

[graftongal]

If the dog has not previously been crate trained you might have a rough go until he/she gets used to it. Especially seeing how huskies can be rather vocal. Hopefully you don't have neighbours in close proximity.

 

I'm not sure if you'll read through what Terry posted, but you want to get a crate that is just big enough to fit your dog. If the crate is too big the dog will do their business at one end and sleep in the other which is obviously not effective for potty-training.

 

When introducing the dog to the crate, be sure to make it a pleasant experience. It you throw the dog in there, yelling and being forceful, they will come to associate the crate with an unpleasant experience.

 

Vary the times that you leave the dog in the crate. Anything from running out to get the mail to being at work all day. This can help to alleviate separation anxiety because the dog isn't sure whether you will be gone for 5 minutes or 8 hours.

 

The best thing you can do (gotta love the Dog Whisperer) if leaving the dog in a crate while you're at work is to take him for a good walk in the morning, the suggested time is at least 45 minutes. This will tire the dog and does two things. It will also alleviate the separation anxiety because more than likely he'll be sleeping, and second, it makes the dog understand why his "pack" is leaving him behind, because he is too tired to go with them.

 

Congratulations on taking on a rescue dog by the way, and good luck.

[Daplumma]

What they said above is right.Both of my guys were crate trained.As they got older I removed the crate and put a dog bed where the crate was.They still go there to get away and take a snooze during the day.Neither of them have any problem going back into the crate when I take them to visit at other peoples houses.Good luck with your new dog.

Joe

[Fishingfever]

Be prepared for a lot of work. I have a husky and yea they are very vocal, hope your neighbours aren't to close. It will be difficult to crate he/she after 6 months old. He/she may display certain behaviors. I have had a few huskies need any advice, ask away. Mine is loyal and makes an excellent pet, and would get another tomorrow.

[Garyv]

If the dog has not previously been crate trained you might have a rough go until he/she gets used to it. Especially seeing how huskies can be rather vocal. Hopefully you don't have neighbours in close proximity.

 

I'm not sure if you'll read through what Terry posted, but you want to get a crate that is just big enough to fit your dog. If the crate is too big the dog will do their business at one end and sleep in the other which is obviously not effective for potty-training.

 

When introducing the dog to the crate, be sure to make it a pleasant experience. It you throw the dog in there, yelling and being forceful, they will come to associate the crate with an unpleasant experience.

 

Vary the times that you leave the dog in the crate. Anything from running out to get the mail to being at work all day. This can help to alleviate separation anxiety because the dog isn't sure whether you will be gone for 5 minutes or 8 hours.

 

The best thing you can do (gotta love the Dog Whisperer) if leaving the dog in a crate while you're at work is to take him for a good walk in the morning, the suggested time is at least 45 minutes. This will tire the dog and does two things. It will also alleviate the separation anxiety because more than likely he'll be sleeping, and second, it makes the dog understand why his "pack" is leaving him behind, because he is too tired to go with them.

 

Congratulations on taking on a rescue dog by the way, and good luck.

 

Excellent advise above! You may have trouble getting it in the crate at first so try to make it as pleseant an experience as possible and what we did when we came home was treats and a run. They catch on quick.

[motv8tr]

Just never use it as a punishment....

 

maureen

[Fishingfever]

Some other things you should know is Huskys like to chew. Some things that helped me with that were giving him a small soup bone it's great as it's something that will keep the dogs interest longer then a chunk of rope. Chewies and crunchy treats. Carrots,celery,raw broccoli ends,RAW BONES. All vegetables are good for their teeth and vitamin. They are not a low maitenance dog you should be aware of this.

 

Good Luck

 

John

 

Blanket over the crate at night works.

[setomonkey]

Really good advice above.

 

Our dog is also a rescue and was crate-trained.

 

The blanket at night is a good suggestion, the crate can double as the dog's bed at night, which reinforces that it's a happy place. We would leave a few treats and toys in the morning so he would have something to do when not sleeping (but he slept a lot!).

 

One other bit of advice, when you start leaving your new dog in the crate, praise him when he goes in, maybe leave a treat or two, but don't make a big fuss. You don't want to get him excited and then leave, there's a chance of increasing rather than decreasing separation anxiety.

 

Enjoy the new addition to your family,

 

Mike

[Greencoachdog]

We crate trained our Border Collie and it works very well!

[snackpack5150]

Thanks all for the great advice and words of wisdom.. I am sure we have our work cut out for us but in the long run we think it's worth it as she will be a member of our family.

 

Ken

[verno]

If I might make another off topic recommendation, look at getting yourself a harness for the dog to pull stuff with. These dogs are made to run and pull, it makes them happy. I don't have much experience with huskies, but I knew a guy back home that had one and he used to put a harness on it every night and let him drag a weighted tire around town, the dog LOVED it!

You can find really reasonable mushing supplies here Howling dog alaska

I think the harnesses are about $20 US. I let my pointer drag 20% of his weight in chains to build up some stamina for the hunting season. But from what I have heard some of these sled dogs can pull an outrageous amount, maybe ask the vet about appropriate weights for your dog to be pulling.

[Joey]

I tried to Crate Train Tybo, but it didn't take

 

Joey

[Garyv]

I tried to Crate Train Tybo, but it didn't take

 

Joey

 

Now was the problem he wouldn't listen or you had to clean the crate in the morning?

[motv8tr]

I tried crate training my Sheppard when he was a pup, but he quickly figured out how to open the crate when I was at work...so I let him have the run of the place...not too much damage

 

Maureen