Mastering Crate Training: Transitioning Your Dog to Independence with Confidence
For seasoned dog handlers, service dog trainers, and experienced dog trainers, the significance of crafting a secure and cozy haven for your canine companions cannot be overstated. Amid your toolkit of training methodologies, crate training stands out as a powerful technique offering a wealth of benefits for both you and your furry partner. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into recognizing when your dog is primed to outgrow the crate, while also delving deeper into the myriad advantages of skillful crate training. Why Every Dog Needs Crate Training, Especially for Service Dog Training Crate training holds a pivotal role in shaping a structured routine and fostering positive behaviors in dogs, regardless of their roles. In fact, it is an indispensable foundation that every dog should undergo. When it comes to service dog training, this methodology takes on heightened significance. Here's why: Cultivating Calm in Confined Spaces: Service dogs encounter various environments and spaces. Crate training teaches dogs to remain composed in confined areas, a trait invaluable for their duties. Learning the "Place" Command: Crate training lays the groundwork for the "place" command, teaching service dogs to occupy a designated spot and await further cues—an essential skill for public interactions. Imparting Patience and Waiting: Service dogs must be patient and await instructions. Crate training instills this virtue, fostering self-control and aiding in their professional roles. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Crate training contributes to sharpened focus and concentration, fundamental traits for service dogs navigating demanding scenarios. Experts' Stamp of Approval: Trusted sources like Anything Pawsable, Service Dog Standards, and USSDR.org recommend crate training for service dogs due to its holistic benefits and its role in building a strong foundation. The Array of Benefits Unveiled by Crate Training Beyond its service dog applications, crate training boasts an impressive list of advantages for dogs of all backgrounds: Security and Comfort: A thoughtfully designed crate transforms into a den-like sanctuary, where dogs can seek solace, reflecting their natural instincts. This safe space becomes a retreat during stressful episodes or moments of relaxation. Efficient Housetraining: Crate training accelerates housetraining. Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their living quarters, turning the crate into a powerful tool for instilling proper elimination habits. Warding Off Destructive Behavior: Crates act as deterrents against destructive behavior—be it furniture chewing or accessing hazardous items. This not only shields your possessions but also ensures your dog's well-being. Enhanced Travel Comfort: Travel becomes less daunting for crate-trained dogs. Whether it's
Why Your Service Dog Needs to be Crate Trained
After house training puppies, crate use tends to fade as dogs mature. They stop destroying things. They can be trusted to be out and about with supervision. However, just because your dog doesn't need to be crated doesn't mean you should let their crate training fall by the wayside. Here are 3 reasons why your Service Dog needs to be crate trained. Crating Service Dogs: In Case It's Ever Necessary During day to day life, your dog might not ever need to be crated. However, sometimes, events are beyond our control. If your dog needs to be hospitalized at the vet, they'll be staying in a sanitary crate or kennel unit. Dogs who aren't used to being crated often stress when confined or separated from their handlers. If you're traveling, you might need to crate them at a friend or family member's house. If you're hospitalized, part of the requirement for having your Service Dog on unit might include them being crated while you're undergoing testing or procedures. Looking for guidelines on bringing your Service Dog to a behavioral health facility? Check out our guide to Psychiatric Hospitalizations With a Service Dog. Crate Training: For Safety and Management Sometimes dogs need to be crated for their safety. Crate training can really help with environmental management. If there's remodeling or construction going on in your home, crating your Service Dog keeps them safe and secure. For ill or injured dogs, crating them allows them to rest and recuperate safely. If you're working on boundaries or a behavioral issue, using a crate allows you to keep an eye on the situation and manage your training plan more effectively. Crate Training: So Your Dog Has Opportunities for Quiet Time Working dogs work hard. Just like people, some dogs need more alone time than others. Crate training gives your Service Dog a quiet place to rest. If your Service Dog provides task work in the home, they might not ever willingly take a break. Crating your dog is an easy way to signify that they're off duty and they can rest, chew a bone, or enjoy some downtime.
Don’t Overbuy Before You Get a New Dog
If you're ready to invite a new canine family member into your life it's tempting to go out and buy all kinds of treats, toys and more. Before you start over-buying for your new puppy, here's our list of the top things to purchase when you get a new dog. Identification Tags, Collar and Leash The first thing three things you should purchase when you get a dog are, in this order, are identification tags, a collar and a leash. Be prepared for your new puppy's natural curiosity to get them into all sorts of trouble — including wandering off. A puppy is like a toddler and you'll need to keep track of them at all times. They should never be without a collar and tag. If your puppy is high energy, avoid tags and collars that can get caught on things and cause injury. Dog Pads If you live in an upper floor condo, apartment — or if you have a Service Dog in Training (SDiT) and your disability makes it difficult for you to take your dog out as frequently as needed, dog pads are definitely worth considering. They're soft, absorbent pads that are perfect for indoor potty training. Crate or Kennel Crate training is crucial for all puppies. In the wild, a dog's den is their home — a safe place to sleep, hide from danger and raise a family. Crates function as your dog's den, where they can find comfort and solitude while you know they’re safe and secure — and not shredding your couch while you're out getting milk. However, it's important to use a crate correctly. Choose a crate that is only large enough for your dog to turn around. If the dog has too much space they will choose a corner to go potty — and the main purpose of a crate is to teach them how to hold themselves. You can choose a larger crate if you block off the rear area with a sturdy cardboard box as long as they won't shred it