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Crate TrainingHow to Crate Train Your Dog
Or Preventing Problems Before They Start
What is crate training? Crate training is simply teaching the dog that the crate is his new indoor "dog house" or bed. It may take some time, but it can be used in a variety of situations: to secure your dog while you are away, to transport your dog safely in the car, and to take him places where he is not allowed to run freely. Crate training is not meant to be used as a means of punishment, but rather it is meant to prevent any problematic behaviors from being established. To achieve positive results from your training efforts, the association with the crate should always be a positive one. By crate training your dog, both of you will be happy to see each other!
Why crate train your dog?
-It is a secure place to leave your dog when you are not able to watch him. This will prevent him from getting into trouble.
-It prevents the problem of isolating the dog in the yard or garage. Having his indoor "dog house" will allow the dog to be part of the family.
-Contrary to what you might envision, the dog will actually like going into his crate and it will be a safe "den" for him to go on his own. Make the crate training process a fun game; doing so will help the dog learn faster and better, and house-proofing your dog will be easier on both of you in the long run.
Step 1: Selecting an Appropriate Crate for Your Dog
- Your dog's crate should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around in.
- The crate may be plastic, or a collapsible metal pen; both are available at most pet stores in various sizes.
Step 2: Introducing Your Dog to the Crate
- Because you want your dog to feel like he is part of the family, place the crate in a frequently used room of the house.
- To encourage your dog to enter the crate, place small food treats near the crate, then just inside the door, and finally all the way inside the crate.
- Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food.
- You don't want to rush this process; otherwise, the dog may become anxious. You always want to create a pleasant association with the crate.
Step 3: Teaching Your Dog to Go Into the Crate for Longer Periods
- Call your dog over to the crate and give him a treat. Then throw a treat into the crate and give him a command to enter such as, "Rocky, crate up."
-After your dog enters the crate, praise the dog and close the door. Sit near the crate for 5 or 10 minutes, and continue praising the dog only if he is quiet. If he becomes noisy, walk away. When he calms down, praise him and give him a treat.
- Gradually increase the length of time he is left in the crate. Make
sure to include times when you are out of sight. Crate him for increasingly
longer periods when you are at home or away, so he does not associate the
crate with always being left alone.
DiggingDoes Your Dog Like To Dig?
Why do dogs dig?
-It is fun/entertaining! They dig out of sheer boredom when they are left alone in the yard for long periods of time. Digging also relieves stress for the dog.
-They are searching for prey. In the wild, canines dig to find food such as small rodents. Instinct plays a role especially with terrier breeds, who were trained to dig for burrowing animals such as gophers, ground squirrels, and moles.
-They are seeking comfort or protection. Artic breeds have an instinctual drive to dig, usually for the purpose of cooling off in warm weather.
-They are trying to escape. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this could exacerbate the digging problem because they are trying to find mates. Your dog may also be digging to be with the family, his "pack," out of loneliness.
- They are in need of more exercise. Dogs are active animals who need to expend energy on a regular basis for their mental health.
How do we solve the digging problem?
If your dog is one of the breeds that may be digging out of instinct, try to rid your yard of possible visiting rodents. Make sure it isn't a method that could be harmful to your pets. Increase the time spent with your dog, whether it's taking regular walks, teaching him to fetch a ball or frisbee and playing as often as you can, or practicing obedience commands with your dog each day. And for when you are away, keep interesting toys in the yard to keep him busy, such as treat-filled Kong-type toys, and rotate the toys on a regular basis so there are new ones to play with.
Getting your dog spayed or neutered will lessen his/her instinct to search out a mate when in heat. A male dog can smell a female in heat from miles away, and females will also stray when in heat.
If your dog is digging for comfort or protection, provide your dog with an insulated dog house for cold weather. A dog house may get too warm in the sun, so the dog should have access to a cool area like a garage, or a damp blanket in a shady spot to lie on.
One way to deal with digging is to provide your dog with a "digging pit" so that he can relieve stress and exercise his instincts in an acceptable way. A digging pit is simply a piece of yard that you can give to your dog to call his own so that the rest of the yard can remain yours and be off limits. Cover the area with loose soil or sand. If he begins to dig in an unacceptable area, interrupt his behavior with a loud noise, say "no dig" in a firm voice, and take him to the digging pit, where you praise him when he starts to dig. Load the soil with interesting toys and dog bones. Make this the most attractive and appealing area of the yard, and reward your dog with praise for using it!
It is important, though, to understand that the digging pit should be used in conjunction with, and not instead of, other suggestions listed above, such as additional exercise, and more "people time" with the dog.
-After your dog enters the crate, praise the dog and close the door. Sit near the crate for 5 or 10 minutes, and continue praising the dog only if he is quiet. If he becomes noisy, walk away. When he calms down, praise him and give him a treat.
- Gradually increase the length of time he is left in the crate. Make sure to include times when you are out of sight. Crate him for increasingly longer periods when you are at home or away, so he does not associate the crate with always being left alone.
Dogs and KidsDogs & Kids: What Parents Should Know
Growing up with a dog can be a rewarding and positive experience for children. However, if you are choosing a new dog for your family, keep in mind that not all dogs are compatible with children. Careful planning is necessary if you want to start off on the right foot with your new member of the family. First of all, parents must invest the time to teach the dog and the child acceptable limits of behavior in order to make their interactions pleasant and safe.
Are you considering a puppy? If so, you may want to think twice. . .
Puppies require a lot of time, patience, training, housebreaking, and supervision. They also need to be taken places and exposed to new things and new people in order for them to grow to be well adjusted, socialized pets. Do you have the necessary time to invest in your new puppy, in addition to caring for your children, who also require lots of time and care? Although puppies can be a lot of fun, and it's exciting and rewarding to help them grow into wonderful companions, they do require significantly more time to train and supervise than an adult dog.
Choosing an adult dog
Select a dog based on his temperament and individual characteristics, rather than on looks or breed type. Consider also how much time is required to maintain the dog (grooming, training, exercise, etc.). Make numerous visits to the shelter with your family to interact with the dog and learn as much as you can from the Staff Canine Behaviorist. He will assist you in choosing a dog who is tolerant, easygoing, friendly, happy, moderately active, and obedient. He will also instruct you about how to be the "pack leader" to make sure the dog follows your household rules.
Who will care for the dog?
Remember that although you may be getting the dog "for your kids", you will be the person who is responsible for your dog's care and training. It's unrealistic to expect a child, regardless of age, to have sole responsibility for the care of a family dog. Teaching a dog the rules of the house and helping him be a good companion is too overwhelming a task for a young child. You must be prepared and willing to be the dog's primary caregiver. Not only do dogs need basic things like food, water, and shelter, they also need to be played with, exercised, and trained on a consistent basis.
Dogs & Kids: Think "Safety First" at all times!
Dog safety education begins with you. Children do not understand that all dogs have the potential of biting someone. Do not encourage your children to approach strange dogs without the owner's permission, even though you may think that your child is already "good with dogs"! Also, even with your own family's dog, small children should never be left alone with a dog or puppy without parental supervision. This is for the safety of both the child and the pet, to minimize the chance of either being injured.
Dominance
Dominant, Assertive Dogs: What You Should Know
What is "dominance"?
Animals who live in social groups, including domestic dogs and wolves, establish a social structure called a dominance hierarchy within their group. The purpose of this hierarchy is to maintain order, reduce conflict, and promote cooperation among group members. The more dominant animals in the group can secure access to valued items; for domestic dogs, valued items might be food, toys, resting places, or attention from their owner.
By understanding canine social systems, it's best that the humans in the household assume the highest positions in the dominance hierarchy in order for the home to be a safe and happy place for both humans and their pets. Be aware if your dog begins to challenge you for dominance. Don't be fooled; a dominant dog may still be very affectionate, but that same dog will also be capable of exhibiting undesirable behaviors such as aggression if the dominance is not dealt with appropriately.
How to tell if your dog is being dominant:
1) He resists obeying commands that he knows well 2) He growls, bares his teeth, or snaps at you 3) He won't move out of your way when necessary 4) He defends his food bowl and other objects from you 5) He won't let anyone give him medication or handle him 6) He gets up on furniture without permission and won't get down 7) He orders YOU to obey him by nudging your hand or taking your hand in his mouth, insisting on being petted or played with
What should you do if your dog is exhibiting dominant behavior?
Immediately consult an animal behavior specialist. It is important that no physical punishment be used. Consider safety first! An animal behavior specialist should always supervise treatment of dominance aggression problems, since these dogs can be potentially dangerous. Also, check with your veterinarian. He may prescribe medication or help you diagnose and manage the dominance issues with your dog.
How to discourage dominance in your dog:
Spay or neuter your dog to reduce any hormonal contributions to aggression.
Have him earn attention and rewards. Have your dog obey at least one command before allowing him any privileges such as petting, food, or toys.
Don't encourage behaviors that allow him to exert his dominance over you, such as tug-of-war games, feeding him from the table, responding to his begging, and always ignore barking and jumping up.
Maintain control over areas of the household. Don't allow the dog on furniture or your bed; this privilege is reserved for leaders. Crate your dog to control access to the entire house.
Educated Dogs
Is Your Dog "Educated"?
The only way dogs will know what behavior is acceptable and what behavior is not acceptable is if someone takes the time to train them. Dogs need to learn what is expected of them, and people need to be consistent in enforcing those expectations. Your dog will be a happier member of your household and your community if you teach him how to behave. Keep in mind, though, that just because a dog is trained, it doesn't mean that he doesn't need supervision, instruction, and boundaries. A dog that is allowed to roam outside a fenced area or off of a leash is in danger, whether he is trained or not.
What is an "educated" dog?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) presents the guidelines for good dog behavior (i.e. "educated" dogs) in its Canine Good Citizenship program. According to AKC's program, an educated dog, or canine good citizen, will:
1) readily accept a stranger
2) sit politely for petting
3) have good appearance and grooming
4) walk politely on leash and through a crowd
5) sit down on command as well as stay in place when told
6) come when called
7) react appropriately to other dogs and distractions
What are the benefits of having a dog that is "educated"?
A dog that understands his boundaries will know what is expected of him and therefore will have fewer anxieties, resulting in a happier and healthier dog.
There are more possibilities for maintaining dogs' access to public areas in the community, such as off-leash parks and beaches, if dog owners in the community take responsibility for their dogs' behavior and the community responds positively by allowing certain privileges to "canine good citizens".
How does my dog become "educated"?
Carefully select a dog obedience class instructor or private instructor who is knowledgeable about different types of training methods. A good obedience instructor will communicate well with people and with dogs. Find out what training methods are used, and ask to observe a class or training session.
After investing your time in dog obedience classes or private instruction, practice with your dog daily for brief periods. You will develop and maintain a strong relationship with your dog by using positive reinforcement and by being consistent in your expectations over the long term. Your dog will become a well-regarded member of your community.
Escape Artist
Is Your Dog An Escape Artist?
Canine escape artists put themselves and others in danger when they are running loose. You as the owner are also liable for any damage or injury your dog may cause, and furthermore, it may be costly for you if an animal control officer picks up your dog.
Why do dogs escape?
1) Social Isolation 2) Sexual Roaming 3) Fears & Phobias 4) Separation Anxiety
If your dog is escaping because of social isolation/frustration . . .
he is bored and lonely due to being left alone for long periods of time, his environment has no other playmates or toys, he is an active dog or a certain breed who needs a job to keep him happy, or the place your dog escapes to may provide him with the interaction he is seeking. See the handout on Isolated Dogs: Problems & Solutions for ways to increase his "people time" so his need for daily interaction is fulfilled and he is sufficiently challenged, both mentally and physically.
If your dog is escaping due to sexual roaming. . .
have your male dog neutered and/or your female dog spayed. They can have this surgery as early as 8 weeks old. Dogs become sexually mature at around six months of age. An unaltered male is motivated by a strong drive to seek out female dogs. If your unspayed female dog escapes while she is in heat, she will probably get pregnant and you will unfortunately be contributing to the pet overpopulation problem. Millions of unwanted pets are euthanized each year-please be part of the solution by having your pets spayed and neutered!
If your dog is escaping because of fears & phobias . . .
identify what is frightening your dog and desensitize him to it. This usually involves loud noises such as thunderstorms, firecrackers, or construction sounds. Seek professional help from a canine behaviorist to begin the desensitization process. Also, leave your dog indoors when the specific noise is likely to occur. A television, radio, or loud fan will help mute the frightening noise. Make sure the dog also has access to his "safe place", a place where he likes to go when he is anxious.
If your dog is escaping due to separation anxiety . . .
he is attempting to reunite with you. This is a panic response that occurs with dogs who are never or rarely left alone, who have recently been at a shelter or boarding kennel, or who have experienced a change in the family's routine or structure. A canine behaviorist will assist you in a systematic process of getting your dog used to being alone. Desensitization techniques can also be used along with these recommendations:
1) keep arrivals and departures low-key 2) leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you 3) establish a word or action you use every time you leave, signaling to your dog that you'll be back. This could be playing the radio or television, or leaving him a certain bone or toy. Check with your veterinarian as soon as possible. He may suggest behavior modification techniques, or suggest a dog behaviorist to work with, or prescribe medication to help your dog overcome separation anxiety issues.
Family Dog
How to Make Your Dog Part of the Family
Why is inside the home the best place for your dog?
Dogs need to spend time with their family in order to learn the rules of the household and how to get along with other people and animals. If dogs spend most of the time alone, they may demonstrate fearful, aggressive, or overactive behavior toward family members or other people or animal visitors.
Outdoor dogs are at risk of escaping from the yard and getting lost. They could also be subject to acts of cruelty by neighbors, or the dog could be stolen from the yard.
Behavior problems could result from long periods of time spent in the yard alone with no human contact. Because the dog will most likely get bored, lonely, or frustrated, it may dig or bark excessively.
Because dogs have a need to be social just like people, dogs of all sizes are happier, healthier, and safer when they can be indoors with their family the majority of the time. As a result, the dog has a chance to be well-adjusted and more manageable.
While the garage may seem like a safer place for the dog than being in the yard, it is not a substitute for having your dog inside the home with you. The same issues of isolation and behavior problems will result because the dog is still not treated as part of the family. The garage is a dark and lonely place for a dog, and can get very hot or cold during summer and winter months. Tools or chemicals stored in the garage can also be dangerous for a dog. Escaping is also a possibility if the garage door is opened automatically.
What is essential if you must leave your dog outside unsupervised?
An insulated shelter with a wind-proof opening.
A place to seek shade in the summertime.
Fresh food and water. Make sure the bowl is "tip-proof" so there is no danger of the dog being left with no water.
Periods of interaction throughout the day with his family members.
Please remember that no matter how long your dog spends in the house or the yard, dogs do need exercise every day, such as regular walks or a game of fetch. Most dogs don't exercise when left in a yard by themselves; most of the time they are waiting to be let inside or for someone to come outside and play with them!
Isolated Dogs
Isolated Dogs: Problems and Solutions
Why do problems result from dogs being left alone for long periods of time?
Dogs are pack animals; the dog considers you and your family members as part of his "pack". If the dog is left alone in the yard all day and then sleeps in the garage all night, with only an occasional hour or two spent in the house with the family, his boredom and loneliness could lead to many dog behavior problems because he is isolated from his "pack".
What are some of the behavior problems that could result from isolation?
Barking-Dogs who are bored and lonely often engage in excessive barking. This could be because he is left alone for long periods without social interaction, his environment does not include toys or bones, he is a puppy and has no other outlets for his energy, or he is a herding or sporting breed who needs a "job" to be happy.
Digging-Bored, lonely dogs often resort to digging as an outlet for their frustration.
Escaping-Dogs may succeed in escaping from the yard in search of a place that is neither lonely nor boring. Dangers resulting from dogs that are running loose can be expensive for the owner, and can cause injury or be fatal for the dog or an innocent bystander.
Destructive Behavior-Bored, lonely dogs may turn to chewing on anything in reach to entertain themselves, such as patio furniture, house siding, garden hoses, or even their own feet, flanks, or body parts. Self-mutilation could lead to many other health problems.
What is the solution to these problems of isolation?
The simple prevention for boredom and loneliness for most pet dogs is to make them a member of the family. Of course there are times you will need to leave the dog alone at home. But when you are home, expand your dog's world, and increase his "people time" so when he is left alone, he has had some satisfying interaction with you, and knows he will have more when you return. When you are home, have the dog inside the house with you. Let him sleep inside the house. Include him in family activities. Enroll him in an obedience class and practice commands with him each day for mental stimulation and reinforcement of acceptable, desired behaviors. Mental and physical exercise each day is highly recommended: walk your dog, teach him to fetch a ball or Frisbee, and provide interesting toys to keep your dog busy when you're not home.
Pack Leader
How to Establish Yourself as the "Pack Leader" or
Becoming the "Alpha" Dog
Whether you are helping your dog adjust to its new home, or you have lost your leadership position in your dog/owner "pack", following these suggestions will help you take control and address many behavior problems that have occurred or can occur. If your dog is pushy, out of control, lacks respect for your authority and lets you know it, he does not regard you as a leader and, as a result, assumes the leadership position himself and takes control of the household. Remember, even if the dog is new to your household and seems to be on his best behavior, he will soon establish himself as the "Alpha" dog in your "pack" if you are not consistent in your handling and in your demands of the dog.
1) Be Consistent Dogs feel more comfortable if they know what to expect. Being consistent in your schedule means always feeding, walking, socializing, playing with your dog, and any other routine you have established, at the same time every day. This also means being consistent with the rules your dog is expected to follow. Everyone in the household (the dog's "pack") must agree on how to teach the dog these rules and enforce them. Give commands only if you have a means of enforcing them through proper correction.
2) Do Not Get Angry Anger elicits fear, not respect; you want your dog to respect you. Anger may be interpreted as a threat or challenge by the dog, and it will not lead to the desired behavior. Use quick, effective corrections without getting your emotions involved in the training process.
3) Crate Train There are many benefits to crate training your dog: it will give you more control, it can prevent behavior problems when you are not there to supervise the dog, and it can serve to break undesirable habits. With the correct training methods, dogs learn to like their crate and it becomes their own safe place or "den".
4) Nothing In Life Is Free! Make your dog earn praise and treats. Praise will mean much more to the dog if he earns it. For example, tell the dog to "Sit" before being petted or given a treat. Make sure to also praise him when he does obey. Praise is the dog's reward, and should be immediate and short-term. You don't have to give the dog less attention, just keep in mind that it should be on your terms; in this way, he will realize that you are in control.
5) Enjoy Your Dog You and your dog will enjoy each other more once the dog accepts you as the leader. We want dogs to look forward to spending time with their owners, so find fun activities to do together. Games can be used as positive reinforcement for obedience and can also be a lot of fun for you, the owner. Even your walks together will help to strengthen the bond between the two of you.
Submissive Urination
Submissive Urination: What You Can Do About It
What is submissive urination?
Submissive urination occurs when a dog urinates at (what he perceives to be) an exciting moment. You could be telling the dog to "sit", you could be greeting the dog at the door, or you could be giving the dog some type of direction. Any of these situations, as well as a number of others, could result in submissive urination.
Why does submissive urination occur?
Because a dog perceives that he is in the presence of a dominant person or animal, or someone he doesn't know. To the dog, this is an unfamiliar situation. Feeling threatened by someone or something could also result in submissive urination, but a dog does not necessarily need to be threatened for the problem to occur.
Because he is a shy, anxious, or timid dog.
Because he has a history of rough treatment or being punished after the fact.
What can be done about submissive urination?
Take your dog to a veterinary clinic to rule out any medical reasons for the behavior. The doctor may suggest certain medication to help with the problem
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Build your dog's confidence by teaching him commands and rewarding him for obeying. For this to be successful, everyone in the household must be consistent about teaching and enforcing the house rules.
Build your dog's confidence by sticking to a regular schedule for feeding, exercising, and playing times. Dogs are more secure when they know what to expect.
Choose an alternative to getting angry; do not punish or scold the dog. Consider crate training, which helps prevent many problem behaviors which cause owners to become angry.
Approach the dog with "non-dominant" postures such as getting down on his level, petting him under the chin, and approaching him from the side.
Gradually expose him to new people and situations, and try to make sure all of his new experiences are positive and happy.
If the dog is urinating out of excitement, keep greetings low-key,
and ignore him until he is calm.
