Crate Training?

Question

We have moved into a new house and from what I've heard, crate training is awesome, making the dog feel secure.

I was thinking that my 4yo maltese terrier would like a crate in the garage - which is nice and cool (it is coming on to summer here in Australia - very hot today) for the 2 hour gap that she will be alone.

Is it too late to crate train her? Also, what kind of crate is best? Solid like a kennel or cage wire type with a cushioned bottom?

Any input/advice is welcome.

Answer 1

It is never to late to crate train. I like the plastic crates because they are den-like and cozy for the dog. Wire ones are great for travel, so they are more versatile.

Line the crate with towels or blankets for comfort.

Crate training is wonderful. It gives your dog a place of her own, where she can feel secure and relax, as well as make life easier on everyone.

Start slowly. Bring the crate home, put in the blankets/towels and some treats. Keep the door open, and praise/treat her when she shows interest in the crate. If you get a kong and stuff it, you can put that in there to lure her in.

Don't keep her in it long to begin with! And do not take her out while she whines/barks or makes a fuss. This will encourage that behaviour and you will never have peace and quiet! Take her out while she is quiet, and do not make a big fuss out of putting her in/taking her out of the crate. Keep it calm and uneventful.

Freezing a stuffed kong and putting it in the crate will keep her busy while she is in it. Also, make sure you take her for a good walk prior to putting her in their for a lengthy amount of time.

Also, putting an article of clothing that smells like you in the crate can help her adjust.

Please email me about this if you have any more questions!
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Answer 2

Well I crate trained my dog until he was 2. You have to think about how she is when your not home. If she is fine there shouldn't be a reason to keep her in a cage. However I swear by the crate regardless of what some say about it being bad training. After 2 they usually know what they can and cant get into. After crate training my dog for the first two years i have never had to get onto him about chewing or anything.

If she is only in there for a few hours it really shouldn't be that bad. Start it off slow though. Let her look and sniff and all that jazz. Try putting her in there for 5 mins. then praise her when she is done. then go longer until she has no problem with going in there for how ever long you need her in there.

Answer 3

Crate training is excellent and we do it with all our pups. We usually only maintain it until the puppy shows no more urges to constantly chew up everything in the house and they are completely potty trained.

It gives your dog a safe haven, away from anything she may like to get away from, like rowdy children (that's what it is in this house anyway).

For only 2 hours a day should be easy enough to get her used to as well. Some people have to crate for hours when they work a full day, so you're pup is getting out easy :)

Answer 4

~^*Pesonally I don't like crate training. Although if u do have one u should put it against a dog door maybe leading to the backyard that way he can play outside and come inside to relax. That way he won't be in the cage for a long period of time. When my parents got a puppy that is what they did. I didn't like it, but the dog door made me less worrisome.*^~

Answer 5

I don't think a four year old dog would like being locked up in a cage for any length of time. Personally, I think it's barbaric even for a puppy, but other people swear by it. Then again, they're probably the ones asking for help when their dogs turn into a neurotic mess.

Answer 6

I'm not familiar with that training. I doubt it's too late, though.
Gee, I didn't know crates could be trained.

Answer 7

I DON'T THINK ANY AGE IS TOO LATE. I BELIEVE THAT THE WIRE CAGE WITH SOMETHING ON THE BOTTOM SO THEY DON'T HURT THERE FEET. ALSO PUT SOMETHING IN THE KENNEL WITH THEM SO THEY DON'T THINK THEY ARE ALL ALONE. MAKE SURE YOU GET ONE THAT ISN'T TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL. GOOD LUCK!!!