subject: Crate Training An Older Dog The Easy Way [print this page] Crate Training An Older Dog The Easy Way Crate Training An Older Dog The Easy Way
Learning Effective Ways For Crate Training An Older Dog
Why Crate Training An Older Dog Is Great For You And Your Pet
Crate training is a fantastic way to improve dog behavior. However Crate training an older dog can be very challenging primarily because older dogs are likely to have developed habits that are very hard to break. But, while it may be difficult, you CAN still teach an old dog some new tricks. This is especially true if you have developed a very good relationship with your dog in the months or years that you've been together.
The first and many would say most important thing with any aspect of Dog Training is to of established a good relationship already with your Pet. This way, he or she will readily accept your commands and instructions with just a little encouragement. Remember though, the older your Dog is the more time you will need to spend with them coaxing them into new patterns of behavior.
The Benefits Of Crate Training An Older Dog
The potential wish to implement Crate Training for an older Dog can come about for a number of reasons. It will almost certainly help with any one or more of the following: Better Behavior In Relation To Traveling In Confined Spaces (Such as Cars) Improved Sleeping Habits - Sleeping In One Place Better Manners At Feeding Time Improved Behavior Around Guests
The other key thing that is good for your Dogs confidence is the extra feeling of security and safety your dog will get from retiring to his Crate. His own little,comfortable space in the house.
Why One Size Doesn't Fit All
Nowadays Crates are available in a myriad of sizes and shapes. Which you decide to invest in is completely up to you, but I suggest that you ensure the Crate meets the following criteria: There should be ample room for your Dog to be able to turn around comfortably. You want to encourage your Dog to feel that the Crate is spacious and not confining in any way. You also need to make the Crate as welcoming as possible. Place favorite Toys and pillows in the Crate. One of the secrets to Crate Training an older Dog is also to place the Crate in a position within the home your Dog already enjoys spending time in.
The Training Begins...
When you have made your purchase, and set up the Crate in an unchanging position in the Home the real work begins. Crate Training an older Dog is relatively simple but as stated requires patience. At first, your Dog may show little interest in the Crate. However, by placing both Toys, Bedding and a couple of tasty Treats inside the Crate he will soon be curious towards it! After he is acclimatized to entering and feeling safe, you should begin feeding him in the Crate and leaving his food and water bowl in there. This will further cement your Dogs positive feelings towards it. After a time, your Dog will have associated feelings of pleasure relating to food, fun and comfort to the Crate. You can then begin to encourage them to rest there at bedtime.
After a few days, you may close the door while he is eating inside the crate then open it as soon as he is done eating. Bear in mind that associating the crate with punishment is NOT part of crate training an older dog. So don't put him inside the crate right after giving him a good scolding. Remember, he needs to feel that the crate is a haven, not a prison.
Remember:
When Crate Training an older Dog you must all play a role in its success. That means that every family member should be consistent in their approach to the Crate Training. Remember the Crate should be a place where your Dog feels safe and happy. Never send him to the Crate as punishment. This will ruin the good work you have directed towards it for him.
