Crate Training Question

[Shann]

Hi i have a question about crate training , I have looked throught the last 8-9 pages of this section and also the puppy sections and couldnt really find much on it in here but have seen quiet a few post where people have talked about crate training there puppies . So my apologies if there is already a thread and i just cant find it .

Everything ive read it all about crate training and how to get you dog/puppy happily into the crate we in turn will help with house training them and teaching them not chew everything in site and to feel secure but not what happens after they are trained .

So my question is so do you stop locking/closing the crate once they are trained and can do these things sorry if im missing the point of crate training but i dont understand why i would need to put my dog in there once he is grown and trained . Or does it just become like their little bedroom safe zone .

Also is there a standard recommended size for the crate and pen for say a stafford ?

thanks Shan

[Kavik]

Or does it just become like their little bedroom safe zone .

Yep that is exactly what it becomes

Crates are very useful for:

* Housetraining

* Preventing destructive behaviours

* Putting them somewhere safe when workmen are at the house or boisterous children who don't behave well around dogs

* If you show or compete with your dog - somewhere safe to put them when not exercising or exhibiting them, or when walking an agility course. If crated you don't have to worry about people or other dogs coming up to them.

* If you take your dog with you on holidays - gives them a safe and familiar place to sleep or be confined if they cannot have run of the property

* a place to confine them if they are sick or injured and not allowed to run around. It is much easier if they are used to being confined so they won't stress out about it. At home and in case they need to stay at the vet where they will be confined.

* Dogs that are going to be groomed on a regular basis as grooming salons generally have them confined when they are not being groomed.

[Shann]

thanks

is it ok for me to buy a second hand crate or is that a bad idea for a puppy that hasnt had al his vacinations yet ?

[Erny]

I think that would depend on whom you are purchasing the 2nd hand crate from. If it is from a known and reliable source (eg a friend) who knows the history and can confirm no seriously ill (eg Parvo) puppy has used it, that would probably be ok (I'd disinfect well, regardless). But otherwise I think I'd be inclined to purchase new - sure, they are non-porous objects and should disinfect well, but I'm a bit on the fussy side in these things.

Edited October 27, 2009 by Erny

[FranVT]

I have a question too - this thread was really helpful to me thank you Shann and sorry to butt in!

I would like to crate train my 22 month old bull terrier... is this possible or have I missed the boat?

[Joan of Arc]

I wouldnt think so - despite what people say you can 'teach an old dog new tricks' but it may not be as quick and smooth as with a pup. If he has high food drive it should be pretty easy. But then I'm used to training Labs.

[Erny]

No - you have not missed the boat, FranCO. It is not too late. You need to start off in the same way as you would a pup, although crate training a puppy occurs fasting, IME, as the pup doesn't have much in the way of prior learnt behaviour/habit.

Edited October 28, 2009 by Erny

[Mym]

No, never too late to crate train, I started my rescue dog when he was four, and our newer dog at 18 months.

Crate training is also about training impulse control and really, the dog should eventually think the crate is such a good place to be that they are happy to stay there. Lately, depending on where I am training, I can leave the door open and send my dog to the crate and release him from it. Not as fast as I would like but I think it will improve.

My newer dog will hang out in his crate if I have it up in our living area too...very cute.

"Crate Games" by Susan Garrett is unreal. It is only about an hour long and very handy to watch a few times while you are doing this kind of training.

And it is lots of fun too

[FranVT]

Cool! Atlas actually does tend to like smallish spaces, I think they help him feel safe, it's just that he kind of gets free reign of the house Not like he can do whatever he wants but no areas are "out of bounds" areas so I wonder if this will make things harder.

I have found him to be an extreme challenge to train to do anything so not looking forward to it but I will definitely try to make it fun for both of us.

[Joan of Arc]

we have a blanket on the floor in the family room to try and save the carpet from dog hair ;) but we also have a crate up next to the blanket. Its quite funny to watch 4 labs cycling themselves through the crate. One will sleep there for about an hour, get out onto the blanket and another takes thier place. Its all voluntary - they love thier crates.

[Mym]

Cool Mercedes, I love it when they want to get in. I've been putting the soft crate up and my younger dog walks in and lies down while I am putting it up

Four Labs, you are brave!

And FranCQ, I have a great friend who has owned two bullies, both not that easy to train but she got there...good luck, I have a soft spot for that breed after knowing two of them!

Edited October 28, 2009 by Mym