Crate Training Your Dog – Part II
- by Sheila Lobel
A crate should not be used as a punishment. A dog doesn’t change its behavior just by putting it into a crate. It needs the guidance of its owners to teach him what is acceptable or not. A crate may be used for a brief time out if the dog’s behavior is inappropriate, but time-outs are meant for very short periods. In addition, before immediately putting the dog in the crate and using it as the only option, first try to redirect the dog to a different activity. If the dog is jumping guests or family members, try putting on his leash, walk him away, and then ask him to do a few sits and downs. After that give him some fun toy to play with. Turn it into a fun learning time instead of focusing only on his unacceptable behavior and punishing him. Punishing is a human concept of how to deal with problems. Many of us were reprimanded with a stern “NO!”, or sent to our rooms, and we rationalize that is how we should teach our dogs. They will learn quickly and eagerly if we are humane and guide them. Use your dog’s crate wisely and sparingly.