| maligirl1 |
| Posted 3/14/2008 12:29:25 PM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 306
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| Quote lakid1: No they can't. They will not hurt themselves if tey are in a closed, puppy proofed room. And even if they are left unattended that does not mean that they will hurt themselves. You are wrong about that.... |
ok i'm not going going to get into a p***** match with you.but as in a previous post there is no such thing as 100 percent puppy proof room. like i said before everybody is entitled to their own opinion and that is mine.but to say somebody is absolutely wrong is not right either.i sincerely pray that you never have to experience the loss of a pet because YOU didn't prevent something from happening to them.oh yeah, fact? fact from who? you ? |
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 1:23:46 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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What is Crate Training ?
by Leanne Gossett
Each year thousands of good pets are mistreated, abused, isolated, or abandoned by their owners because their owners were unable to deal with the behavioral problems of their pets.
Used correctly a crate can be as valid a training tool as a Dog leash. Please consider the use of crate training to give your Dog the optimum opportunity of becoming a secure, loved and devoted family member.
What is a Dog Crate ?
A Dog "crate" is the general term referring to a rectangular enclosure consisting of a top, a floor, 3 sides, and a door. Crates can be constructed of wire, wood, metal, molded plastic or a combination of these materials. The purpose of a crate is to provide a secure short-term confinement area for safety, housebreaking, protection of household goods, travel, illness, or general control.
Veterinarians, Dog show exhibitors, obedience and field trial competitors, trainers, breeders, groomers, and anyone who regularly handles dogs have accepted, trusted, and routinely used Dog crates since their inception. It is the individual pet owners, who for the most part, have rejected the idea of using a Dog crate. Most consider the use of a crate as unfair confinement, or even harmful to the dog.
IS CRATE TRAINING AN ACT OF CRUELTY - OR KINDNESS ?
As seen by Some Pet Owners :
"Its like living in jail - its cruel - I'd never put my Dog in a cage." For many typical pet owners, this is their first reaction. Being human beings, who value freedom, they envision crates a inhumane. Considering your pet as an extension of your human family, you do not wish to inflict unjust punishment upon your 4 legged child. Ask yourself if you would raise a child without a playpen or a crib to sleep in ?
As Perceived by the Dog :
"I love having a place of my own; I have my blanket, my favorite toys, no body bothers me in here, it's all mine." OK, so this isn't a direct quote, but try to see a crate from another point of view. dogs have a den instinct. The Dog crate helps to satisfy this instinct. You see it as closed in - he sees it a security. You may object to being controlled - he only wants to please you and do whatever you wish.
To you it is a "cage" - to him it is "home."
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 1:25:22 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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Regarding Puppies. a crate must be strictly used as a "play-pen" for general confinement. It must have adequate space for a sleeping area at one end and potty papers at the other. The crate should also be equipped with a clip-on water dish and dry food bowl. A puppy can be raised in this manner, but be sure that the puppy has a great deal of human contact, frequent breaks from confinement (for more than just outside to potty).
To be well adjusted family member a Dog needs human contact, whether the animal is crated or not, your Dog needs play time, training time, and a time to simply relax in the company of the family to which he is a part (his pack).
WHAT KIND OF CRATE SHOULD I GET ?
Each style of crate has advantages and disadvantages; therefore it will be up to you to determine which style of crate best suits your needs. Collapsible wire mesh crates have the advantage if being collapsible for transport, they have great air flow, and enable the puppy to see a wide portion of his surrounding area. Wire mesh crates however are difficult to clean, considering that debris will trap within the meshing. A wooden crate may "fit" more appropriately with your furniture, but they are heavy to move, and wood can not be cleaned as well as a non-pourous surface. Metal crates also come in a collapsible style, but they are heavy to move and have a restricted visibility range. Molded plastic crates are lightweight, and easy to clean, however they do not collapse, making them awkward to transport or store.
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 1:25:56 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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HOW BIG SHOULD THE CRATE BE ?
The crate should be long enough to allow the Dog to lay down stretched out flat on his side, and tall enough to allow the Dog to sit up without hitting his head. With purebred Puppies the adult size is fairly easy to predict. Most crates are now in standardized size ranges; so selecting one that is appropriate for your Dog has become much less complicated. When in doubt, get the next larger size. It is always better to have a crate that is too large as opposed to one that is too small.
CRATE LOCATION IN THE HOME
Since the primary reason for using a crate is to confine the Dog without isolating him, the crate should be placed in, or as close as possible, to a "people area". Areas such as the kitchen, family room etc. The crate should be positioned in a corner or have the sides and back loosely draped with a sheet or towel in order to enhance its den like appearance for the puppy. The crate location should also be free from drafts and not too near a direct heat source.
Admittedly, a Dog crate is not among those items considered "beautiful" furnishings ... it does however provide your puppy with his own room, and enables your home to remain intact while the pups training is progressing.
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 1:26:51 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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CRATING A PUPPY
A young puppy (8-16 weeks) should normally adjust well to a crate as being his "own place." Any initial complaints he might voice are not normally due to the crate, but rather about his learning to accept the controls associated with his unfamiliar environment. The crate will help him to adjust to his new world more easily and quickly, since he is being introduced to this new world only a small portion at a time.
Crating Routine
With the crate situated in it's location, the crate needs to be furnished. Bedding can be provided by using an on towel or piece of blanket which can be washed (should an accident occur) and some worn unlaundered article of clothing such as a tee shirt, or old shirt (to help familiarize him with your scent). Do not put food or water in a puppy crate. The puppy will only upset the dishes, and this is his bedroom - you do not eat in bed.
Make it clear to children that the crate is not a "playpen" for them, it is the puppy's room. You should, however accustom the puppy from the start that people can reach into the crate at any time, so that the puppy does not become overly protective of his crate.
A "crate routine" should be established immediately, closing the puppy in the crate at regular intervals for 1 to 2 hours during the day. The puppy's nap times will help guide you in establishing these times. Additionally, whenever the puppy must be left alone for a period of time, or is going to be unsupervised the pup should be crated. Prior to crating, be sure to remove the pup's collar which could become caught in an opening.
At night, in the beginning, you may want to place the crate in a small enclosed area such as a bathroom or laundry room. Placing the crate in this area with the door left open and newspapers nearby, enables the pup to relieve itself without soiling it's crate. Once the pup matures he will develop greater bladder and bowel control. When the pup has sufficient control, and if there is no intestinal upset, he can be crated all night in his usual place.
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 1:27:31 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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There may be setbacks - but don't give up - the keys are consistency and perseverance. The pup will adjust to the routine - you will have a secure well adjusted companion.
If you do not choose, or not able, to use the crate permanently, you should plan on using the crate for at least 5 to 6 months. At this age your pup will be past the teething phase - at which time you can start leaving the crate door open at night, or when someone is at home during the day, or when he is going to be left alone for a brief period of time. If there are no incidences for a week or two, and the Dog is behaving well when left alone, you may be ready to remove the crate itself and place the dog's bedding in the same spot. Initially the Dog may miss the crate enclosure, but the Dog still has his "place", and the habit of good behavior should continue. If any problems arise the crate routine can be re-established.
CRATING AN ADULT Dog
The most commom behavior problem of older Puppies (over 6 months) or adult dogs is caused by the lack of a feeling of security when left alone. A crate can help to fulfill this need, and will hopefully solve the problems, but it must be introduced gradually. You must make every possible effort to be sure that the dog's association with the crate is positive and pleasant. The owner must also remember that the crate is not to be used for frequent long-period usage.
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 1:27:42 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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How to condition the Dog to the crate
Be sure that the crate is of adequate size (see How Big Should the Crate Be ?). Be sure that the crate is properly positioned (see Crate Location in The Home). Secure the door open, so that it can not accidently shut and frighten the dog. Do not put the bedding in the crate. Allow the Dog to investigate the crate, then lure the Dog inside the crate by tossing "special" tidbits (cheese, liver, hotdog) into the far end. Allow the Dog to turn and come back out. Praise him enthusiastically for his conquest of his fears. When the Dog is confidently entering the crate place his bedding and an object with your scent in the crate. Coax the Dog inside the crate and try to intice him (with food if necessary) to lie down and relax. Do not wrestle him into place, he must be comfortable - not forced. Continue this pattern for several days. Encourage the Dog to use the crate as much as possible, and shutting the door briefly while you sit beside him or are nearby. The Dog may resist in your efforts to give him a secure home. You must remain firm and consistant, so that the Dog will understand you want him to be in the crate and be quiet. He may not be content in the crate but he will accept that this is your desire.
As soon as he has accepted the crate and you are confident that he will remain quiet when closed in, you can safely leave him alone. Give him a chew toy or a safe bone to entertain him while you are gone. Be sure that his collar is removed, so that it won't get caught on anything. You may want your first outing to be brief (1/2 to 1 hour), proving to yourself that he has quietly accepted confinement and reassuring him that you have indeed come back to him. With the acceptance of the crate as his "special place" the Dog will stop being a problem and start being a pleasure. In due time you may be able to start weaning him from use of the crate without resuming problem behavior.
Is Crating Alway Successful ?
Unfortunately, no. Nothing is 100 percent for all dogs, each Dog is an individual. Success rates are much higher for Puppies. than for "senior' dogs. If, despite every effort at positive conditioning and genuine firmness, the Dog is obviously frantic or totally miserable when confined to a crate, then forcing the animal into such a situation is indeed inhumane and can result in physical injury when the Dog trys to chew his way out.
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 3/14/2008 2:30:18 PM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 306
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Quote NoSkiveez: How to condition the Dog to the crate
Be sure that the crate is of adequate size (see How Big Should the Crate Be ?). Be sure that the crate is properly positioned (see Crate Location in The... |
thank you for the above news.i too was a no crate person at first.my puppy was left in what i thought was a puppy proof room.he dug at the door of the room and ended up chewing on part of it to get out.what he ate ended up giving him an obstruction and he died.that is the whole basis of my previous posts.i'm not the type of person to express my emotions at first,that is why no previous mention of what had happened. |
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 2:56:02 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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I used to be a no crate person and could not understand how a good friend of mine put her Dog in a cage.
I began to have some behavior problems and decided that I would give it a try.
I may have been an exception because my dogs had absolutely no objections to crating. No whining, no crying. They actually love their crates.
When we are home they are out and the doors are open and at times they go in on their own.
When I leave the house I can say to me dogs "Go Home" and they will get in to the crate all by themselves.
I do not come home to a knocked over trash can, chewed up rolls of toilet paper, chewed anything, poop or pee on the floors or any other aviodable messes. I know they are safely in their crates and no harm will come to them while I am gone. |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 3/14/2008 3:15:25 PM |
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Forum Moderator
 
Active: 02-20-2005
Posts: 6600
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I have used crates when a dogs behavior has required it. However not all dogs I have owned have required a crate. My current Dog has never been in a crate and I have no behavior or potty problems with her. She has several beds through out the house that she loves and can go to when feeling stressed. When we come home from being gone she is always asleep in one of them. |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/14/2008 3:36:37 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
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Quote maoseger1010: Your point is there is no such thing as a "puppy proof room" and your right, there is no such thing as a 100% puppy proofed room. Just as there is no such thing as a baby proofed house.
Having said... |
Again I am going to edit. Even though I can not type up a huge reply full of informaton saying how not to crate train a puppy, I do know, however, that a puppy can do better without a crate. |
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/14/2008 3:39:32 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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Saying that someone is wrong means absolutely nothing.
Can you explain in detail what a puppy proof room in your opinion is?
Lets see some facts!!!!
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 3/14/2008 5:12:22 PM |
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Forum Moderator
Active: 02-20-2005
Posts: 6600
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| Quote lakid1: Again I am going to edit. Even though I can not type up a huge reply full of informaton saying how not to crate train a puppy, I do know, however, that a puppy can do better without a crate. |
lol If you had read my post you would have seen that I already conceited to that fact. lol Then I went on to explain myself.
Just for the record I do not now nor have I ever thought my way is the only way nor do I believe I am always right. I give my opinion becaues that is what it is... my opinion. You deside what you want to do with it. :) |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/21/2008 5:48:04 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
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| Quote maligirl1: ok i'm not going going to get into a p***** match with you.but as in a previous post there is no such thing as 100 percent puppy proof room. like i said before everybody is entitled to their own opinion... |
I do believe there is. Good friends of mine do not have crates for their Puppies and they are just fine. |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/21/2008 5:52:15 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
Posts: 199
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| Quote maligirl1: ok i'm not going going to get into a p***** match with you.but as in a previous post there is no such thing as 100 percent puppy proof room. like i said before everybody is entitled to their own opinion... |
Okay I am going tp edit that out and put up a new version. I am very sensitive to cursing so I would appreciate it if you do not say that to me. (Excuse my mispelling) |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 3/21/2008 6:02:06 PM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 306
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| Quote lakid1: Okay I am going tp edit that out and put up a new version. I am very sensitive to cursing so I would appreciate it if you do not say that to me. (Excuse my mispelling) |
having to resort to threats is very rude also. :troll |
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| rottwild4ever |
| Posted 3/24/2008 8:27:03 AM |
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Active: 03-02-2008
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Quote NoSkiveez: What is Crate Training ?
by Leanne Gossett
Each year thousands of good pets are mistreated, abused, isolated, or abandoned by their owners because their owners were unable to deal with the... |
Well put!!!! I think if we are looking for the best answer to the original question we can refer back to the above quote. All petty arguments aside if you decide to use a crate introduce it properly and use it correctly. It is their home not a punishment.
If you decide not to use it put your puppy in a safe room that is puppy proofed and get on with your training.
This will not insure that your pup will not get into anything... I had a husky pup that ate my tile right off my bathroom floor and a Beagle that ate the bathroom door...
Oh well it happens but I think we are at a point where some of us need to agree to disagree.
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/24/2008 2:55:16 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
Posts: 199
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| Quote maligirl1: having to resort to threats is very rude also.:troll |
I do not believe that I did result to threats. I would never threaten someone I never know or knew. Whatever the siuation is. I am a pacifist. That means I do not like to fight. I completely dispise fighting even if it is in self - defense. |
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| lakid1 |
| Posted 3/24/2008 3:32:25 PM |
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Active: 02-29-2008
Posts: 199
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Quote NoSkiveez: Saying that someone is wrong means absolutely nothing.
Can you explain in detail what a puppy proof room in your opinion is?
Lets see some facts!!!!
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Nobody needs facts to tell someone that there is a such thing as a puppy proofed room. Sorry I got a little carried away before but there is noyhing wrong with leaving your Dog out of the cage. |
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| NoSkiveez |
| Posted 3/24/2008 4:17:46 PM |
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Active: 07-10-2005
Posts: 5220
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You still have failed to shed some light on what you call a "puppy proofed room"
Facts are just that...FACTS.
Let me better help you understand what a FACT is:
Generally, a fact is defined as something that is the case, something that actually exists, or something that can be verified according to an established standard of evaluation.
You have still failed to prove your point. You have provided nothing concrete to suppoert your claim. |
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