The Cockapoo Club for owners, enthusiasts and ALL recipients of Hearing Dogs
WHERE COCKAPOOS COME FIRST!
WHERE COCKAPOOS COME FIRST!
USING A CRATE
One of the things many people worry about is whether to have their dog use a crate, and if it is cruel or unkind to put their pooch in one. Hopefully this information will set some minds at ease, because if introduced to it properly your dog can see their crate as their den area, a place of sanctuary and comfort. It is only a brief guide and the time it takes a dog to get used to the crate will vary from dog to dog
Why use a crate?
Which crate?
When choosing a crate, look for one that will allow your dog to lie stretched our fully, turn round and so on. To start with a 3ft crate will probably be fine and will last your dog into adulthood too.
There are many types of crate - fabric, wire, or airline types. For puppies or older dogs not used to crates the wire or airline types are best, the fabric ones can be chewed or ripped but may be great for an older settled dog.
Setting up your crate
Make the crate comfy for your dog. There are some things you may want to use in this doggy den to make it comfy for your pet. You can put in a proper dog bed or just some vetbed, fleecy blankets and a t shirt of yours so there is a familiar smell. Some breeders give a blanket that has the smell of your pups Mum and littermates on it, so use this if you have it.
Crates often have a hard base which makes it easy to clean if your pup has a toileting accident but it is also a good idea to cover this with either a puppy pad or some newspaper to make cleaning up easier.
Some additional items can make this den more cosy for your puppy. Something like a warm hot water bottle or a SnugglePet (a soft toy which makes a heartbeat sound) can be comforting for your pup to snuggle up with.
Finally, putting a blanket over the back and sides of the crate help your dog relax and settle in his doggy den.
Introducing your dog to the crate
LEAVING YOUR PUPPY ALONE
There are inevitably going to be times you have to leave your puppy alone. This could mean anything from going to have a shower on your own or having to nip out to the shops etc. Whatever the reason your puppy is not going to take kindly to it and most get really upset at you not being with them, even if it is just for a short time.
To relieve the stress on your puppy it is recommended that you gradually teach him that he is safe when you leave and that you WILL be returning. The best way to do this is start a couple of days after you have brought him into your family.
Why use a crate?
- Your dog will have his own area to rest in and go to for some peace from the usual household bustle.
- Lets your dog have a lovely, comfortable den area.
- It can be used to encourage toilet training.
- It can keep your dog safe when unsupervised, which can be very useful when you have an inquisitive puppy.
- Helps the dog get used to being in a crate in the car when travelling etc.
Which crate?
When choosing a crate, look for one that will allow your dog to lie stretched our fully, turn round and so on. To start with a 3ft crate will probably be fine and will last your dog into adulthood too.
There are many types of crate - fabric, wire, or airline types. For puppies or older dogs not used to crates the wire or airline types are best, the fabric ones can be chewed or ripped but may be great for an older settled dog.
Setting up your crate
Make the crate comfy for your dog. There are some things you may want to use in this doggy den to make it comfy for your pet. You can put in a proper dog bed or just some vetbed, fleecy blankets and a t shirt of yours so there is a familiar smell. Some breeders give a blanket that has the smell of your pups Mum and littermates on it, so use this if you have it.
Crates often have a hard base which makes it easy to clean if your pup has a toileting accident but it is also a good idea to cover this with either a puppy pad or some newspaper to make cleaning up easier.
Some additional items can make this den more cosy for your puppy. Something like a warm hot water bottle or a SnugglePet (a soft toy which makes a heartbeat sound) can be comforting for your pup to snuggle up with.
Finally, putting a blanket over the back and sides of the crate help your dog relax and settle in his doggy den.
Introducing your dog to the crate
- Be prepared to take your time with this, do not force your puppy into the crate or shut it in the crate before it is completely at ease with it.
- Set the crate up in a quiet area of a room you will be in all the time, do not introduce your pup to its crate where it will be left on his own.
- Leave the door of the crate open, and throw some really tasty treats inside - things like little bits of cooked chicken, sausage etc.
- Let your dog go in and out of the crate searching for the treats and each time it does, give lots of praise. Replenish the treats as needed.
- When your dog seems comfortable with that, put in a tasty chew or a Kong filled with goodies which will take some time to work through. This will encourage your pup to stay in the crate for a longer period and settle to chew.
- At this stage you can start to close the door of the crate for short periods, gradually building up the time your dog is inside the crate with the door shut. You can introduce a command word/s to so he associates that to being in his crate.
- Dont forget to always give praise and reassurance.
LEAVING YOUR PUPPY ALONE
There are inevitably going to be times you have to leave your puppy alone. This could mean anything from going to have a shower on your own or having to nip out to the shops etc. Whatever the reason your puppy is not going to take kindly to it and most get really upset at you not being with them, even if it is just for a short time.
To relieve the stress on your puppy it is recommended that you gradually teach him that he is safe when you leave and that you WILL be returning. The best way to do this is start a couple of days after you have brought him into your family.
- You have been working on getting your puppy used to being in his crate, so continue to work on building the time up and then slowly introduce your dog being in the crate with you out of the room - give pup a tasty filled Kong or chew. Use the command word and leave the room for a few seconds first. Return to the room and give your puppy a lot of praise.
- When your puppy is happy with this phase, gradually building up the time spent in the crate with you out of sight.
- When you can stay out of sight for a while, work up to leaving the house. Give the command word, his tasty chew and leave the house. Do not make a big fuss about it, this is just the normal procedure you have been building him up to. Initially you can just stand outside for a couple of minutes but again you work up to your puppy being left longer with you outside the house.
- If you want your pup to sleep in the crate at night-time, please read please read the info HERE
- PLEASE ALWAYS REMOVE COLLARS WHEN YOUR DOG IS GOING TO BE IN THE CRATE UNSUPERVISED TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENTS
One important thing to remember is make sure your crate is a good size for your dog!
No, don't worry, this isn't Ginny's crate, she is checking out a puppy one for comfort!!
The amount of time it takes each dog to get used to its crate will vary but usually, with patience, most dogs come to see their crate as a really great place to go to relax and rest.
No, don't worry, this isn't Ginny's crate, she is checking out a puppy one for comfort!!
The amount of time it takes each dog to get used to its crate will vary but usually, with patience, most dogs come to see their crate as a really great place to go to relax and rest.
|
|
|