Dog Kennel Training in 5 Simple Steps - Learn Why It Works and How to Train Your Dog the Right Way
If you want to train your dog and make them feel as snug as a bug in a rug, the dog kennel training may work for you.
It is a fabulous way to train your companion and to give them a space to call their very own.
Some people refer to it as crate training, but regardless of the label that you give it, it is a highly effective means of controlling unwanted behavior.
The idea is to use a little bit of dog psychology as a means of preventing some very bad habits.
It is great for potty training (dogs will not use the bathroom in a confined space), preventing chewing and destruction, and as an approach to combat anxiety during stressful situations.
It also provides a safe way to transport your dog if you need to travel.
Why does it work so well? Dogs are ruled by instinct.
This means that they feel an urge to perform specific behaviors because they are programmed by genetics to do so.
This explains a wide variety of activities that we see in domesticated dogs.
For example, a dog that gets into the trash can is considered a nuisance, but he isn't deliberately misbehaving.
He is following a deep-rooted instinct to hunt for food.
The same can be said for most of the annoying problems that dog owners face, such as barking, digging, and roaming.
In the wild, their top priorities are food, water, safety, and social interaction.
Obviously, you have the food, water, and social interaction part taken care of.
So, let's look at how dog kennel training addresses the very real desire for safety.
Safety in the wild comes from a couple of different sources.
One on those is through the protection of the pack.
There is nothing quite as satisfying as knowing that your buds have your back! In a domestic situation, you (and your family, including other dogs) become your dog's pack.
Seems simple enough, right? Safety also comes in the form of shelter.
Sleeping is a dangerous time for a wild dog.
Who knows what could sneak up and eat them while they are grabbing some shut eye! Even a simple hole dug in the ground can provide a sense of security, but a den is ideal.
Dog kennel training allows you to train your dog by substituting a kennel or crate for the den that they would seek in the wild.
Whenever you are not able to be physically present to interact with your dog, you confine them.
This includes at night, when you are asleep.
Here are five simple steps that you can use to successfully teach your dog to stay in a kennel or crate.
This allows your dog to seek the comfort of his/her "den" anytime that they want to.
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety or are afraid of thunderstorms will particularly benefit from this habit.
With a little bit of work, dog kennel training can become a healthy lifelong habit for both you and your dog.
It is a fabulous way to train your companion and to give them a space to call their very own.
Some people refer to it as crate training, but regardless of the label that you give it, it is a highly effective means of controlling unwanted behavior.
The idea is to use a little bit of dog psychology as a means of preventing some very bad habits.
It is great for potty training (dogs will not use the bathroom in a confined space), preventing chewing and destruction, and as an approach to combat anxiety during stressful situations.
It also provides a safe way to transport your dog if you need to travel.
Why does it work so well? Dogs are ruled by instinct.
This means that they feel an urge to perform specific behaviors because they are programmed by genetics to do so.
This explains a wide variety of activities that we see in domesticated dogs.
For example, a dog that gets into the trash can is considered a nuisance, but he isn't deliberately misbehaving.
He is following a deep-rooted instinct to hunt for food.
The same can be said for most of the annoying problems that dog owners face, such as barking, digging, and roaming.
In the wild, their top priorities are food, water, safety, and social interaction.
Obviously, you have the food, water, and social interaction part taken care of.
So, let's look at how dog kennel training addresses the very real desire for safety.
Safety in the wild comes from a couple of different sources.
One on those is through the protection of the pack.
There is nothing quite as satisfying as knowing that your buds have your back! In a domestic situation, you (and your family, including other dogs) become your dog's pack.
Seems simple enough, right? Safety also comes in the form of shelter.
Sleeping is a dangerous time for a wild dog.
Who knows what could sneak up and eat them while they are grabbing some shut eye! Even a simple hole dug in the ground can provide a sense of security, but a den is ideal.
Dog kennel training allows you to train your dog by substituting a kennel or crate for the den that they would seek in the wild.
Whenever you are not able to be physically present to interact with your dog, you confine them.
This includes at night, when you are asleep.
Here are five simple steps that you can use to successfully teach your dog to stay in a kennel or crate.
- Choose the right equipment.
The perfect choice will be a kennel that is the right size for your dog at adulthood.
For training to work, they cannot have enough space to walk around by free will.
They should be able to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably, but that's it.
Pay close attention to this, because you can create behavioral problems by confining your dog in too small of an area. - Create a positive environment.
Your dog kennel should always be a great place to be.
It should never be used for a "time out" or as a means of correction.
Provide soft, fluffy padding, and perhaps a favorite toy.
Get into the habit of giving your dog a treat whenever they go inside, and don't be in a hurry to slam the door shut.
The idea is to teach your dog that it is a pleasant thing to do, not a trap.
Never leave them inside for too long, especially over a twelve hour period. - Stay consistent.
Once you begin, don't stop.
Follow the same routine every day.
The predictability of knowing what is going to happen, and when, also provides your dog with a sense of security.
The unknown is scary and confusing. - Don't give in.
Once you have set up a routine, don't be influenced by a pair of pleading big brown eyes.
Whining, barking, and begging can make you feel a little guilty about sticking to the rules.
The worst thing that you can do is to give in.
You will wind up training your dog to use these behaviors to manipulate you. - Take your time.
Dog kennel training doesn't happen overnight.
You should gradually increase the amount of time that your dog spends inside of it each day.
In addition, don't forget to reward, reward, and reward.
This allows your dog to seek the comfort of his/her "den" anytime that they want to.
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety or are afraid of thunderstorms will particularly benefit from this habit.
With a little bit of work, dog kennel training can become a healthy lifelong habit for both you and your dog.
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