Pets Corner, June 2008, Doggy Den's

Why and how to use a ‘doggy den’

One of the best investments for your new pup is a dog crate. ‘Not a cage’, I hear you cry, but of course it isn’t. To your pup it will be a secure and comfy ‘den’, just as his ancestors lived in. You may think it’s cruel and that your pup will be unhappy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As I’ve said before, some dogs don’t do well in large areas. We think we’re being kind by giving them lots of space but they find it difficult to adjust and become destructive, frustrated, or bark incessantly.

The advantages are:

1. You can leave your pet knowing he can’t get up to mischief and is comfortable and safe.
2. House training can be quicker as most will not mess in their den.
3. You can use it in the car where again the dog is secure and safe.
4. It will be somewhere the dog can go when tired or when children are too much.
5. You can use it when travelling to unfamiliar places where he’ll feel happier with something he easily recognises.

So, how do we start? Wire crates are best (less to chew) and should be big enough for him to stand up in and stretch out on his side when he’s an adult. Remember, if buying a crate big enough for a grown dog, you should partly block some off while the puppy is small, or you are defeating the object of providing secure comfort and he may still foul it. Blankets or special pet bedding should be used and they should be washable. A cover over the crate will give more of a ‘den’ feeling too. Because dogs are social animals the crate should be where you spend most of your time but away from direct sunlight or draughts.

How do we get the puppy in?

Introduce the puppy to the crate over a couple of days leaving the door open with a few toys or treats inside will encourage his natural curiosity. Then give quiet praise when he goes in. Pups sleep a lot so it’s a good time to use the crate and he’ll quickly relax and settle down. After a few days of going into the open crate quietly close the door (preferably when the pup is snoozing) and keep an eye on him until he wakes. Don’t worry if he barks or whines the first couple of times, just ignore it. Wait at least 10 seconds after he stops to let him out or he’ll think his barking made you open the door. Increase the time he’s left in there while you’re around until you can move from room to room without him making a fuss. Once you achieve this start leaving the house increasing the time he’s left. By crating when you are both there and away the dog will not worry or be stressed when left alone. Take off his collar which could get caught up and give him a chew toy (or a kong filled with his favourite treats). Puppies need to go outside every time they come out of the crate and this often speeds up the process of house training. If an accident happens, do not punish the dog; you were just not quick enough to let him out. They need to go out every couple of hours especially first thing in the morning, after feeding, playing, last thing at night, and if you see them sniffing the floor (a sure sign an accident is about to happen.)Most importantly, NEVER USE THE CRATE TO PUNISH OR DISCIPLINE YOUR DOG. This is his haven and shouldn’t be associated with any negative experiences.

Older dogs can be introduced in the same way, but remember that with age some dogs experience more anxiety or nervousness over something new. Carefully introduce him to the crate, and never force him to go in. This is a recipe for disaster. Treats, toys and praise should be used as encouragement. Closing the door briefly with you near by and increasing the time it is closed will bring its own rewards. Exercise before using the crate will also help them settle. Unfortunately there are always exceptions to the rule and some dogs just cannot tolerate this type of confinement. Often they are older dogs who feel more fractious so alternatives would have to be sought. If you don’t have time to take your dog or puppy out and can’t make time for training either, with a crate or not, then perhaps it is not the right time to have one.

We need your help

Linda isn’t doing well at one of the shelters and desperately needs a full time home or foster. She’s 11/12 months old, mainly Labrador and is very sweet, and has been coming along to classes, where she’s done really well. She loves to play ball and have her tummy tickled. She’s good with other dogs and children and it would be great to place her somewhere she could blossom. If anyone can help her, or is prepared to foster any other dogs, please contact Viv on 952 923 551.

Holidays

We’re finishing school on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th June and return on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th September. Keep cool but remember to do just a little training, you know it makes sense!