Introduction to Crate Training and Benefits of Diggs Groov Dog Crates
Crate training can be an extremely effective way to housebreak your pet, set boundaries and foster a safe space for them to relax. Diggs Groov Dog Crates are designed with comfort, style, and convenience in mind and offer a top-of-the-line housebreaking experience for both you and your furry friend.
This crate makes use of an adjustable plastic frame combined with quality mesh fabric to give your pup maximum ventilation without sacrificing space. The standard features include padded flooring, lift handle, front access door, poop pocket pouch and a bonus collapsible bowl that clips onto the side of the crate.
The unique design minimizes light and noise distraction which can help ensure your pet is relaxed at all times during their training period. Plus, each crate includes built-in storage pockets for pet supplies like water buckets or leash hooks.
Celebrity dog owners have had great success using Diggs Groov Dog Crates! Miley Cyrus uses the Classic Series Crate in her home to provide her four puppies – Bobo, Emu, Happy and Mary Jane – with a comfortable and safe place to stay when they aren’t running around outside. Similarly, Sofia Vergara has relied on this brand when potty training her ‘puppy daughter’ Pollyana with wonderful results.
All-in-all, if you’re looking for the perfect all-around solution to crate training, Diggs Groov Dog Crates is the perfect option! With its user friendly design combined with quality construction and modern features — it’s sure not disappoint!
Preparing for Crate Training
When preparing for crate training, it is important to purchase the right size and type of crate for your particular breed and age of dog. Generally speaking, the size of the crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably while keeping the sides low enough that they can still see out. For puppies and smaller breeds, a plastic or wire crate works best. For larger breeds, heavy-duty metal crates are preferred as they provide better support and are often more durable. Depending on your dog’s age, you may also want to consider purchasing a divider panel which will allow you to block off part of the crate when necessary.
When it comes to placement in your home, keep in mind that puppies need quiet areas for sleeping so a spot away from high-traffic areas is key. If you have small children or other pets in your home it may be wise to place their crate in an area away from them as well but still within earshot so that they can be monitored easily if necessary. Be sure to provide comfortable bedding or blankets on the bottom of the crate as well as any toys or chew items depending on your pup’s preferences.
Preparing Your Pet for Crate Training
It is important to ensure that your pet is properly socialized before attempting any kind of crate training. Socializing your pet should involve introducing them to new people, environments, and animals that they don’t know. This will help them adapt comfortably and quickly to their new home and not be so scared or anxious when placed in the crate. You could take your pet to a dog park or on a walk through the neighborhood and let them explore their surroundings. It is also important to reward them with treats, praise, and toys while they are getting used to the new environment. Make sure not to keep them in one place for too long or else they will become frustrated and uninterested. Finally, make sure their sleeping area is comfortable by lining it with blankets or pillows of their choice—this will help them view their crate as a safe space they can relax in after an exciting adventure out!
Introducing the Crate to Your Pet
When introducing the crate to your pet, it is important to make the crate a safe and comfortable space for them. You can do this by making sure it is in a quiet and private part of the house. Put cozy bedding inside along with a few toys that your pet likes to play with. When your pet goes into the crate you should give them verbal praise so they start associating the crate with positive experiences. During their first few sessions inside the crate, try not to keep them in there for too long (about 5-10 minutes works well). Also, be sure to leave the door open so they can come in and out of their own accord when they are comfortable enough to do so.
Moving Through the Crate Training Process
Day 1:
Begin the crate training process by introducing your dog to the crate in a positive way. Give praise and treats, talk calmly and feed him or her in the crate. This will help them understand that the crate is not just something they should fear but a place they can trust and feel comfortable.
Week 1:
Continue to reinforce positive associations with the crate by playing near it and offering more praises and treats as often as possible. Gradually increase the amount of time spent in the crate each day and make sure it’s a comfortable experience for your pup. Slowly move up to setting your pup down inside the crate with some treats or toys to keep them distracted while you are gone. Make sure to always return after a few minutes so they don’t associate being left alone in the space with anxiety or fear.
Week 2:
Once your pup has grown accustomed to going into their crate, gradually extend their stay in either his/her own space, or an additional space if necessary- such as another room, garage, etc for larger dogs – for short periods of time during which he/she can be distracted with food puzzles play sessions, or videos (there are many Youtube channels with content specifically designed for dogs). And reinforce good behavior when outside of the crate with lots of cuddles and rewards.
Week 3:
By now you should aim to have your pup accustomed to being left alone for extended longer periods of time – usually 3-4 hours- but no more than 8 hours at young ages. During this time have other family members visit them periodically within this duration so he/she doesn’t develop separation anxiety; perhaps switch up who visits by having multiple people involved instead of just one family member caring for him/her throughout these days and times. Be sure to review pictures or videos that show what times he/she was showing distress or difficulty settling automatically so appropriate adjustments can be applied too!
Dealing with Common Crate Training Problems
Crate training your dog is one of the most effective and humane ways to house train and obedience train. However, there are some common issues that owners run into when crate training their dogs:
1. Refusing to Enter or Stay – If a dog resists entering or remaining in the crate it’s important to remain calm and reassuring. Choosing a crate that is sufficiently sized for your dog usually encourages them to enter and stay inside. Adopting a positive attitude and providing clear commands can also help in this situation. It may take some time, but eventually you should be able to win over your dog’s trust and help them get comfortable with the crate. Additionally, experts recommend associating the crate with fun activities by only introducing it during playtime or feeding time when treats can be given as an incentive for entering the crate – but not as a reward for staying inside!
2. Excessive Barking/ Whining – If your dog barks or whines incessantly while crated, this could be indicative of anxiety or boredom. The best course of action here would be seeking the advice of a veterinarian regarding medical issues potentially contributing to behavioral problems (e.g diseases such as separation anxiety). Additionally, owners should ensure that they are completely ignoring their whistling/barking while they’re in the cage so as to not inadvertently reinforce negative behaviors associated with their presence in the crate. Some trainers also recommend introducing items such as soft toys or blankets with familiar smells which act as ‘security blankets’ helping dogs feel more comfortable in their crates.
3. Destructive Chewing/Digging- This is another behavior originating from either anxiety or boredom which owners need to take precaution against when crating their dogs. Keeping your pup entertained whilst crated with interactive things like food puzzles can keep their minds occupied long enough for them not to resort these destructive behavior patterns . If nothing else works then investing in crates constructed out of strong materials such PVC-coated steel wire or fiberglass will reduce the chances of them destroying it from within its walls significantly.
Tips & Tricks for Successful Crate Training
Snacks: Soft treats like raw hot dogs, pieces of cooked chicken, small slices of cheese, or soft dog biscuits.
Toys: Stuffed animals, rubber toys, chew ropes, and Kong balls are all good crate options.
Other items: Place a blanket in the crate for comfort. A few items to fill the crate can also be beneficial for comfort such as a toy or two, some newspaper crumpled into an interesting shape or even a rolled up towel. You can also place an article of clothing with your scent on it in the crate so your pet knows they are not alone while they are in their new space.
Reaping the Rewards of Crate Training
Crate training can be a great and effective way to train your dog, not only from an obedience standpoint, but also as far as long-term savings. When done properly, crate training can provide emotional security for your pet, keep him or her out of trouble by reducing problem behaviors, provide an escape from stress or anxiety, help to get your pet used to being left alone at home and reduce the potential for destructive behaviors due to their confinement.
The long-term savings of crate training can be significant in terms of money and time. An untrained or poorly trained dog may require frequent visits to the vet for medical treatments related to distracted behavior like darting into traffic or ingesting things they shouldn’t off the ground. Crate-trained dogs are less likely to experience these types of issues because they feel more secure in their new environment and know when it’s appropriate to stay within boundaries you’ve set up. Additionally, a well-behaved pet that is able to handle stress better means less money spent on dog sitters while you’re away which can become costly over time.
Crates should never be used as a form of punishment; they should instead be used as a way for your pet to feel safe knowing that it won’t distract itself with bad behaviors around the house. In addition, teaching basic obedience commands such as ‘sit’ ‘stay’, and ‘come’ during training will allow you even further control over them when needed so there’s no need for permanent confinement with crates. With consistent effort from both owner and pet alike, crate training with Diggs Groov will have plenty of rewards in both respect and cost saving in the long run!
Conclusion
In addition to the resources mentioned in this article, there are a number of other books and websites that can be helpful with crate training your Diggs Groov Dog. Some recommendations include:
1. “The Everything Crate Training Book,” by Peggy Frezon. This book provides comprehensive instructions on crate training, as well as advice and tips to encourage good behavior while in a crate.
2. A website called “Dog Crates: To Train or Not to Train?” runs through the pros and cons of crate training, along with advice and information on how to do it properly.
3. Pawsitively Perfect’s mobile app provides useful guidance on how to train your dogs in a calm but firm manner, as well as tools and games for establishing positive reinforcement techniques that work best with each type of dog breed.
4. The YouTube channel “House Of Rufus” has countless videos that provide detailed instruction on crate training from the professional perspective, such as best practices when introducing your pet to their new confinement space, proper methods for puppy playtime inside the crate, and much more.
Welcome to the blog! I am a professional dog trainer and have been working with dogs for many years. In this blog, I will be discussing various topics related to dog training, including tips, tricks, and advice. I hope you find this information helpful and informative. Thanks for reading!
