People must remember that in the wild, the fox and wolf live in a den no larger sometimes than themselves, for several reasons. Security, safety, protection, rearing of their young, shelter and comfort. It is a NATURAL instinct. Many different types of crates are available, and my choices whether it be plastic enclosed or wire, your dog/puppy crate will soon become his own little "bedroom" where he can go to sleep, either when you are home or when you are not home.
The sooner you start to crate train your puppy or dog the better.
Generally, I start all my puppies very young. I do get a carpet reminant
and cut it to the size of the kennel, this pads all the joints, and then
I put either a blanket or towel in as the bed so that this can be
washed. Puppy soon becomes quite comfortable and you KNOW THAT THIS
PUPPY IS SAFE WHEN YOU ARE NOT HOME. For
any potential behaviour problems always contact a breeder before a
trainer. Learn to crate train, it also teaches puppy to be calmer
natured by not allowing it to have the run of the house frantically
when no one is home and barking at people passing by windows,
again left in a yard unattended also teaches bad habits when no one
is there to correct it. Same with adult dogs. Learn to manage your puppy and dog.
I use one command every time I either put my adults or my puppies in
their crate and that is "bed". They just go right in. I always leave
their chew bones (not rawhides) in with them so when they do wake up they have
something to occupy their time. I never recommend leaving water or food
because it usually spills and then they have to lie in a mess. If it is
a puppy, and the puppy has been in his crate either overnight or for
several hours, when you let him out to go to the bathroom, please pick
him up and carry him to where he is supposed to go. Once a puppy comes
out of his territory (crate) and the gate is opened, he may consider the
area outside his crate, an area for him to relieve himself. Once he is a
little older, he will go outside quickly on his own.
Crate training is especially great when you have to travel, leave your
pet at the vet, visiting etc. They are happy and quite content to know
it is not a threat and it is only temporary. More people end up getting
rid of their pets because they destroy things when they are not home,
not only that, there are many dangerous items in your home for dogs and
puppies that you are not even aware of such as electrical cords, wood
trim, carpets etc., all these are quite chewable and pose a great health
threat if ingested. NEVER LEAVE their collars on in their crates due to choking threat, and always place kennel where the pet feels like part of the family and can see everything, never isolate them in a basement. Please treat crating as you would putting your child in their bedroom, because this truly is what it really is.
1. What's the proper way to crate train a puppy?-
be consistent and use crate frequently so pups realize it is their place.
2. Should I put food and water in the crate when I leave during the day -
no - when they are out of their crates this is
plentiful - they just make a mess with it when it is in their crate and have to go to the bathroom.
3. How do I teach her not to chew and mangle her kennel/crate while
she's inside? - leave several nylabones which are safe chewing toys when you are notthere to supervise.
4. Are there some really good and highly recommended toys/chews/??? -
I recommend Nylabone Souper, Gallileo and Knotabone - all large - no
problems with these bones in all my breeding years.
5. How long does a process like this usually take? whatever it takes for her to accept her crate peacefully - a little rescue remedy may help take the edge off her starting off.
For those that question crate training - do you believe it is better to crate train your pet, or end up getting rid of them because of the bad habits they were allowed to develop due to thier lack of training?
If you have any questions please feel free to email me, and again this is my breeder opinion and this information is not meant to replace or deter anyone from following their veterinarian's advice or another breeder opinion. These opinions are copyright of Shar-Pei Canadiana (C)2009.
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