dog crates collapsible soft image
sai
Male Chihuahua 10 month old.
Answer
No, not if the dog is going in cargo. For that you need a hard plastic airline approved crate. Vari-Kennel makes good crates of that type. Your airline usually will sell them, but at a greatly inflated price. You will find them at better prices online, in pet stores and at dog shows.
For cargo, the crate needs to be large enough that the dog can stand without touching the top or sides and can turn around and lay down comfortably. You will also need to supply absorbent bedding, food, and the little bowls that clip onto the crate door for feeding and watering.
You should call your airline for its requirements on health certifications and specific requirements.
You can use a soft-sided dog carrier if the dog is going under the seat with you in the cabin.
No, not if the dog is going in cargo. For that you need a hard plastic airline approved crate. Vari-Kennel makes good crates of that type. Your airline usually will sell them, but at a greatly inflated price. You will find them at better prices online, in pet stores and at dog shows.
For cargo, the crate needs to be large enough that the dog can stand without touching the top or sides and can turn around and lay down comfortably. You will also need to supply absorbent bedding, food, and the little bowls that clip onto the crate door for feeding and watering.
You should call your airline for its requirements on health certifications and specific requirements.
You can use a soft-sided dog carrier if the dog is going under the seat with you in the cabin.
How do i toilet train a stubborn female staffie puppy?I have tried everything and she just doesnt get it.?
Q. I have tried the wee pads,i watch for her sniffing,i take her outside she will hold on until i get inside.She is 13 weeks old.Should they be trained by now.
Answer
Crate Training Your Dog
Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules, such as what he can and canât chew and where he can and canât eliminate. A crate is also a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he will think of it as his safe place and will be happy to spend time there
when needed. Always provide water for your dog anytime he is in the crate. Spill proof bowls or bowls that attach to the kennel gate work best.
Selecting A Crate
Crates may be plastic (often called âflight kennelsâ) or collapsible, metal pens. Collapsible fabric kennels are designed for use when the owner is present and may not contain a dog for long periods while unsupervised. Crates come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores. Your dogâs crate should be large
enough for him to stand up and turn around in.
The Crate Training Process
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dogâs age, temperament and past experiences. Itâs important to keep two things in mind while crate training; one, the crate should always be associated with something pleasant; and two, training should take place in a series of small steps â donât go too fast.
Step 1: Introducing Your Dog To The Crate
⢠Put the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate. Bring your dog over to the crate and talk to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is securely fastened open so it wonât hit your dog and frighten him.
⢠To encourage your dog to enter the crate, drop small food treats near it, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, thatâs okay â donât force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If he isnât interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.
Step 2: Feeding Your Dog His Meals In The Crate
⢠After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding him his regular meals near the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate. If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, put the food dish all the way at the back of the crate. If your dog is still reluctant to enter the crate, put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place the dish a little further back in the crate.
⢠Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while heâs eating. At first, open the door as soon as he finishes his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until heâs staying in the crate for 10 minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving him in the crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry in the crate, itâs imperative that you not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, heâll learn that the way to get out of the crate is to whine and heâll keep doing it.
Step 3: Conditioning Your Dog To The Crate For Longer Time Periods
⢠After your dog is eating his regular meals in the crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine him there for short time periods while youâre home. Call him over to the crate and give him a treat. Give him a command to enter, such as, âkennel up.â Encourage him by pointing to the inside of the crate with a treat in your hand. After your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for five to 10 minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the crate.
⢠Repeat this process several times a day. With each repetition, gradually increase the length of time you leave him in the crate and the length of time youâre out of his sight. Once your dog will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you out of sight the majority of the time, you can begin leaving him crated when youâre gone for short time periods and/or letting him sleep there at night. This may take several days or several weeks.
Step 4:
Part A â Crating Your Dog When Left Alone
After your dog is spending about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Put him in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe toys in the crate (see our handout, âDog Toys and How to Use Themâ). Youâll want to vary at what point in your âgetting ready to leaveâ routine you put your dog in the crate. Although he shouldnât be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving.
Donât make your departures emotional and prolonged, but matter-of-fact. Praise your dog briefly, give him a treat for entering the crate and then leave quietly. When you return home, donât reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low key. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when youâre home so he doesnât associate crating with
being left alone.
Part B â Crating Your Dog At Night
Put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and youâll want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside. Older dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so that crating doesnât become associated with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you
can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer. Puppies that are healthy can have their water taken from them a few hours before bedtime to help decrease the frequency of potty trips they need to make during the night.
Potential Problems
Too Much Time In The Crate
A crate isnât a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. For example, if your dog is crated all day while youâre at work and then crated again all night, heâs spending too much time in too small a space. Other arrangements should be made to accommodate his physical and emotional needs. Also, remember that puppies under 6 months of age shouldnât stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They canât control their bladders and bowels for longer periods.
Whining
If your dog whines or cries while in the crate at night, it may be difficult to decide whether heâs whining to be let out of the crate, or whether he needs to be let outside to eliminate. If you followed the training procedures outlined above, your dog hasnât been rewarded for whining in the past by being released from his crate. Try to
ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, heâll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse. If the whining continues after youâve ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate. If he responds and becomes excited, take him outside.
This should be a trip with a purpose, not play time. If youâre convinced that your dog doesnât need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining. Do not give in, otherwise youâll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants. If youâve progressed gradually through the training steps and havenât done too much too fast, you will be less likely to encounter this problem. If the problem becomes unmanageable, you may need to start the crate training process over again.
Separation Anxiety
Attempting to use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety will not solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Separation
anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures (see our handout, âSeparation Anxietyâ).
ï 2003-2006 Dumb Friends League. All Rights Reserved.
Crate Training Your Dog
Crate training your dog may take some time and effort, but can be useful in a variety of situations. If you have a new dog or puppy, you can use the crate to limit his access to the house until he learns all the house rules, such as what he can and canât chew and where he can and canât eliminate. A crate is also a safe way of transporting your dog in the car, as well as a way of taking him places where he may not be welcome to run freely. If you properly train your dog to use the crate, he will think of it as his safe place and will be happy to spend time there
when needed. Always provide water for your dog anytime he is in the crate. Spill proof bowls or bowls that attach to the kennel gate work best.
Selecting A Crate
Crates may be plastic (often called âflight kennelsâ) or collapsible, metal pens. Collapsible fabric kennels are designed for use when the owner is present and may not contain a dog for long periods while unsupervised. Crates come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores. Your dogâs crate should be large
enough for him to stand up and turn around in.
The Crate Training Process
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dogâs age, temperament and past experiences. Itâs important to keep two things in mind while crate training; one, the crate should always be associated with something pleasant; and two, training should take place in a series of small steps â donât go too fast.
Step 1: Introducing Your Dog To The Crate
⢠Put the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate. Bring your dog over to the crate and talk to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is securely fastened open so it wonât hit your dog and frighten him.
⢠To encourage your dog to enter the crate, drop small food treats near it, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, thatâs okay â donât force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If he isnât interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.
Step 2: Feeding Your Dog His Meals In The Crate
⢠After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding him his regular meals near the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate. If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, put the food dish all the way at the back of the crate. If your dog is still reluctant to enter the crate, put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place the dish a little further back in the crate.
⢠Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while heâs eating. At first, open the door as soon as he finishes his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until heâs staying in the crate for 10 minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving him in the crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry in the crate, itâs imperative that you not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, heâll learn that the way to get out of the crate is to whine and heâll keep doing it.
Step 3: Conditioning Your Dog To The Crate For Longer Time Periods
⢠After your dog is eating his regular meals in the crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine him there for short time periods while youâre home. Call him over to the crate and give him a treat. Give him a command to enter, such as, âkennel up.â Encourage him by pointing to the inside of the crate with a treat in your hand. After your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat and close the door. Sit quietly near the crate for five to 10 minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, then let him out of the crate.
⢠Repeat this process several times a day. With each repetition, gradually increase the length of time you leave him in the crate and the length of time youâre out of his sight. Once your dog will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you out of sight the majority of the time, you can begin leaving him crated when youâre gone for short time periods and/or letting him sleep there at night. This may take several days or several weeks.
Step 4:
Part A â Crating Your Dog When Left Alone
After your dog is spending about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Put him in the crate using your regular command and a treat. You might also want to leave him with a few safe toys in the crate (see our handout, âDog Toys and How to Use Themâ). Youâll want to vary at what point in your âgetting ready to leaveâ routine you put your dog in the crate. Although he shouldnât be crated for a long time before you leave, you can crate him anywhere from five to 20 minutes prior to leaving.
Donât make your departures emotional and prolonged, but matter-of-fact. Praise your dog briefly, give him a treat for entering the crate and then leave quietly. When you return home, donât reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way. Keep arrivals low key. Continue to crate your dog for short periods from time to time when youâre home so he doesnât associate crating with
being left alone.
Part B â Crating Your Dog At Night
Put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to eliminate during the night, and youâll want to be able to hear your puppy when he whines to be let outside. Older dogs, too, should initially be kept nearby so that crating doesnât become associated with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you
can begin to gradually move it to the location you prefer. Puppies that are healthy can have their water taken from them a few hours before bedtime to help decrease the frequency of potty trips they need to make during the night.
Potential Problems
Too Much Time In The Crate
A crate isnât a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. For example, if your dog is crated all day while youâre at work and then crated again all night, heâs spending too much time in too small a space. Other arrangements should be made to accommodate his physical and emotional needs. Also, remember that puppies under 6 months of age shouldnât stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They canât control their bladders and bowels for longer periods.
Whining
If your dog whines or cries while in the crate at night, it may be difficult to decide whether heâs whining to be let out of the crate, or whether he needs to be let outside to eliminate. If you followed the training procedures outlined above, your dog hasnât been rewarded for whining in the past by being released from his crate. Try to
ignore the whining. If your dog is just testing you, heâll probably stop whining soon. Yelling at him or pounding on the crate will only make things worse. If the whining continues after youâve ignored him for several minutes, use the phrase he associates with going outside to eliminate. If he responds and becomes excited, take him outside.
This should be a trip with a purpose, not play time. If youâre convinced that your dog doesnât need to eliminate, the best response is to ignore him until he stops whining. Do not give in, otherwise youâll teach your dog to whine loud and long to get what he wants. If youâve progressed gradually through the training steps and havenât done too much too fast, you will be less likely to encounter this problem. If the problem becomes unmanageable, you may need to start the crate training process over again.
Separation Anxiety
Attempting to use the crate as a remedy for separation anxiety will not solve the problem. A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Separation
anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures (see our handout, âSeparation Anxietyâ).
ï 2003-2006 Dumb Friends League. All Rights Reserved.
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