- February 25, 2019
- Posted by: optimaadmin
- Category: Coaching The Handler, Tools & Toys
Over the years, I have heard many clients say they don’t use their dog’s crate anymore. They only thought it was necessary during potty training. and now that the dog is rock solid on how to go potty, they don’t feel the need to use the crate anymore. In fact, most of the time the crate has been put away or worse yet, sold at last year’s garage sale!
This is about the time I enter the picture with this dog. I always ask questions like:
- Where does your dog sleep at night?
- What does the dog do when you are away from your home?
Typically I hear that the dog is no longer sleeping in its crate and is left to roam around the house when no one is home. Here is where problems can start. Your dog is looking for direction and boundaries. Dogs desire to know who is leading them and when we don’t tell them in a manner they understand, they get very confused and can be destructive around the house.
Your dog will benefit by you letting it know who is boss by setting boundaries and creating routines in the house. Everyone living in the house should follow the same routine. For example, with your dog sleeping in its crate at night it feels safe and knows this is where it goes to sleep and relax. You are able go to bed and peacefully get up when you want to, not when the dog says it is time to feed me, take me out or do anything with me. Of course you are keeping in mind that depending on the dog’s age you might need to be aware of how long it is in the crate and will need to come out to go to the bathroom and eat/drink. The same logic follows for putting the dog in the crate when you are leaving the house. The dog learns that when you are gone it goes into its safe place and relaxes with a toy or sleeps. The dog takes comfort in knowing where to go until you are home providing direction and companionship.
Believe me, the peace of mind you will have once you have a forever crate routine in place is one of the best gifts you give yourself as a dog owner. And the dog truly appreciates knowing where they go as well, so it’s a win win for the whole family.
Cheers!
Julie
