Zen Zone aka Crate Training

Crate Training has long been used to help develop calm dogs. Used correctly, a crate can become a “safe zone”, a favourite place for sleeping or just enjoy quiet time.

A lot of people relate crate training to being cruel, restrictive, a punishment. And some claims are right when it is used incorrectly. Keeping a dog in a crate for too long can in fact be cruel, it can inadvertently encourage them to toilet where they sleep and become unhygienic and can increase the potential for anxiety problems to develop. Most will picture those tragic circumstances and conditions puppy factory dogs face.

I’m sorry to have put that image in your mind, now shake it off, because here today we are talking about creating a palace of a comfort zone for your dog to help with introducing more calm in their life and yours. Now with a fresh outlook, let’s get started…

There’s no need to have a small crate, you can invest in a largish one that fits their luxurious soft bed or blankie comfortably, one that you personally can move around the house with ease and can be either metal or canvas, whichever suits your dog’s needs best.

In order to train properly you want to have the dog to a point of entering the crate on command and willingly. Initially you can coax with treats and train with the crate door open at all times. You want to work up towards crate door closing and make the crate comfortable as comfortable for them as possible. Closing the door with them inside may take anywhere up to a few days or even weeks, do not rush them. Encourage them to go into the crate by throwing their favourite treat, toy or chew inside. If your dog decides to settle, allow them to do so without closing the door so they can make their own decision about whether to stay or leave.

Once your dog is comfortable going into the crate, begin closing the door for a few seconds at a time, gradually building up the duration as long they are relaxed. At this stage you can give a Kong toy filled with yumminess, so that they have the pleasure of chewing and eating while they are in the crate. Start putting space between you and the crate, gradually increasing the distance while your dog is settled. This stage of process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, but again it’s important not to rush. If your dog begins to whine, make sure you only let them out when they are quiet. Calmly voice command “settle” or just wait for silence for five seconds of quiet before you open the crate door.

Each time your dog goes into their crate, pair their decision with cue words such as 'go to bed' or ‘nap time’ or ‘in your bed’. This builds up an association between the cue and the action of walking into their crate. Building up a positive association with your dog’s crate also means you can travel more successfully with them in the future. They will recognise it in any area as long as it’s a comfortable crate. You can even consider feeding their meal facing the rear of the crate so it becomes another positive association with the space.

Please remember that some dogs do not adjust well to being confined in this way and do better in an enclosed pen or a puppy proofed room in your home. This space can be trained in exactly the same way as the crate training above.

So let’s reflecting on the steps:

• Make the crate comfortable with bedding and safe toys.

• Leave the door open to the crate so your dog can investigate inside.

• Encourage your dog to go in the crate by throwing a favourite treat, chew or toy inside.

• Do not close the door to the crate until your dog is comfortable and relaxed in the crate.

• Begin closing the door for a few seconds at a time, gradually building up the duration as long as your dog remains relaxed.

• At this stage, give your dog a Kong treat filled with yumminess while in the crate.

• Do not rush this process – gradually increase distance between yourself and the crate.

• If your dog whines or barks, wait until they are quiet before opening the door to let them out.

• Feeding your dog’s meals in the crate will help build a positive association.

• Your dog should always have access to water, however when settling for night sleep there is no need for water access unless for specific heath reasons.

What not to do

• Never force your dog inside the crate.

• Never use the crate as a punishment when your dog misbehaves.

• Do not rush the crate-training process or you will end up with your dog being fearful or wary of the crate.

• Do not leave your dog in the crate, during daytime hours, for longer than they refrain from toiletting. Doing so will force them to have accidents and make house training process a lot harder. This will also cause the dog unnecessary anxiety, particularly about their crate “zen zone”.

Creating a zen zone will not only allow your dog to take them off for quiet time if they need to feel safe, but also allow you to ensure your dog receives adequate rest and recovery from ours and their crazy busy worlds. A happy dog is a calm dog.

Any questions regarding this information or just simply want to share your experience, please do not hesitate to contact me at dognannynic@gmail.com.