INTRODUCING YOUR DOG TO A CRATE

This page is intended to be a guide for those planning to introduce their dog to a crate (indoor kennel),suggesting some of the simpler ways to do so. If you have any questions, or need more information youshould consult your local Canine Advice Life Line operator, vet, dog club or trainer who can giveindividual advice tailored to your pet's specific needs.

Dogs have a natural liking for enclosed sleeping places - think of how often your dog chooses to sleepunder the table, against a wall or behind the settee! Although their resemblance to cages puts many peopleoff using crates, if properly introduced your dog will think of his crate as a safe, secure den. Once yourdog is happy in the crate he can be left there to prevent soiling and chewing when you are out for a shorttime, he can be restrained when the kids play noisy, energetic games which are not improved by hisjoining in, and he has a secure familiar bed which can be taken in the car and on holiday if needed. A dogwhich is thrust unprepared into a crate and left is going to associate the crate with a most unpleasantexperience and be very unhappy. A dog which is carefully introduced to a crate usually finds it a pleasantand secure place to be, so it is worth spending some time over the introduction process. The crate shouldbe big enough for your dog to stand up, turn round and stretch out when lying down. If he is a puppy,allow for growth. Your supplier will advise you on this. To begin with you will need to leave the crate set
up all the time. Later you may prefer not to, and some crates fold flat for easy storage when not in use.When left in the crate your dog should have a toy or chew bone to keep him occupied when awake, softbedding to sleep on, and a drink of water. A young dog can also be left with newspaper if you use it fortoilet training. Feed the dog in the crate every day, with the door open. This is an easy way to get him tolike it! Set the crate up in a quiet corner, and put the dog's bed into it. At this stage, leave the door pinnedopen so that the dog is never fastened in by mistake and never gets stressed. Soon the dog should happilyuse the crate voluntarily. When you reach this stage, (NOT BEFORE) wait until he goes in for a sleep,then close the door. Stay in the room, and let him out as he starts to wake up. When your dog is used tothis routine, leave him for a minute after he wakes up, with you still in the room. Gradually (over about aweek) increase the time you can do this. If your dog gets distressed, reassure him briefly but firmly andshorten the time on the next attempt. Don't make a big fuss - sweet nothings and lots of attention canmake him think you're praising him for being distressed, and he'll do it all the more. Aim for the "nursingsister" approach when she comes to give you a big injection, sympathetic but business like! When you canleave the dog like this, leave the room for a few minutes but stay in the house. Again, gradually increase
the time you are out of sight till you can put the dog into his crate when you go shopping. A dog shouldnever be left in a crate for more than a couple of hours at a time.

Suppliers;

Oakenshaw Grange Kennels, Doncaster Rd, Crofton, Wakefield, W Yorks
Barjo folding kennels for house and car, Ruth Caldwell (DW11), 55 Lyon Rd, Crowthorne, Berks     RG11 6RX
MMG (Guards) (Made to measure) Dept 00, Alfriston House, North Rd, Gedney Hill, Lincs PE12     0NX
Collapsible dog cages, Montila Ltd, Long Stratton Road, Forncett End, Norwich, Norfolk, England, NR16 1HT.Tel: 01953 789420.
Guardsman (Athag Ltd) Carlyon Rd, Atherstone Industrial Estate, Atherstone, CV9 1LQ

This is not a comprehensive list - look in magazines and ask your vet or pet shop for recommendations too.
Oakenshaw grange
Barjo engineering
Croft-kennels
Luxway canine supplies
Motalia Ltd
Guardsman
Dog Cages UK