Crate Training

Every dog, like every person, needs his or her own space. A place not shared with any member of the family, be they person, dog, or cat. 

 

Dogs have a strong natural tendency to seek out the shelter of a den. Crate training uses this natural tendency and can be useful in a number of ways:

 

• For aiding in housetraining

• For preventing destruction when the dog is alone

• For a home-away-from-home when traveling

• For providing security when the dog is stressed

 

Type of Crates

The airline approved kennel is made of durable vinyl with well ventilated sides and a latch door. 

The metal crate (right) is made of wire with a removable solid pan on the bottom; these usually fold down for easy transport. 

 

Designer crates made of rattan or cloth are also available, but may not effectively contain a dog who wishes to escape. 

 

Size of Crate

The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand, sit, and lie down without hitting the top or edges. It is better to have a crate a little too large than too small. Place a soft blanket or dog bed inside for your dog's comfort and warmth.

 

Location of Crate

Where will you put the crate? Dogs generally like to be with the family. Perhaps you can put the crate in the family room during the day and move it into your room at night for sleeping. This will aid in bonding and provide protection for both of you.

 

Guidelines for Crate Use

Your greyhound is familiar with crates, in fact, many seek out a crate for security. These guidelines will help you make crate use a positive time.

 

• Never push your dog into the crate. Coax it in with toys or treats and reward it with praise. Placing something in the kennel with your scent will help the pet feel more comfortable. 

 

• Never pull the dog out of the crate. This is the dog's personal space, and he or she should feel totally safe in it.

 

• Introduce the crate slowly. Use treats to coax the dog in and out of the crate a number of times. Once the dog is comfortable going in and out, close the door and leave the room for just 1 minute. Release the dog and praise it enthusiastically. Later, repeat this process, slowly increasing the time to 5 minutes, then 15, 30, etc. 

 

• Never leave a dog locked in a crate for long periods of time. When possible, leave the crate door open during the day so the dog can go in and out at will. Placing the dog with the open crate in a restricted area while you are gone often provides security that will cut down on destruction in the rest of the house. 

 

The Crate as a House-training Tool 

Dogs do not like to soil their sleeping area or den. This instinct can help you with housebreaking. Place the kennel in your bedroom at night. The dog will whine or bark when it needs to go out. This way the dog learns to tell you when it needs to go outside. During the day, leave the kennel open in a restricted area, preferably with you. The dog can go in to sleep and come out to ask to go outside. 

 

The Crate as a Humane Disciplinary Tool 

When a child misbehaves you may send him or her to an isolated room to “think about it.” A variation on this theme works well with canine children of any age. Some authorities do not recommend this, however, until after your dog is completely comfortable with the crate (fully crate trained) since you don’t want the dog to think of the crate as punishment.

 

When you catch your dog doing something wrong (remember, you must catch the dog in the act), use a strong, deep and authoritative tone of voice while pointing out the situation. Do not use physical violence because it will defeat your purpose. March your dog off to the crate and shut the door. He’ll get the point. You’re angry because a part of your home was destroyed - now the dog is confined to his home. 

 

Let the dog out after you’ve cooled off (not more than 3 or 4 minutes) and be friends again. Don’t hold a grudge. This method may sound simplistic, but it does work. 

 

The Crate as a “Mobile Home”

If your dog is having a hard time adjusting to car rides, a crate inside your car can provide the needed safety and security. 

 

If your dog is going on vacation with you (some hotels do accept dogs, but check in advance), having a crate alone means you can leave your pet in the room and not be afraid of an escape when the maid enters.