Crate Training


that stays several hours. Especially when my grandkids come, they usually feel the need to be alone for awhile. When they have rested up they come out again and interact with the kids. When your dog is accustomed to the crate, they will always have a place of their own. One thing you should never do is allow children to go into the crate - neither with the dog nor without the dog. The crate belongs to the dog, and is NOT a play place!

The crating literature I have been reading also states to never use the crate as a punishment, and not to "over use" it. If your dog is crated all day while you are at work, then it would be better to not crate him at night. Allow him to sleep in the room with you if you feel comfortable doing this. I can assure you, the dog will love it. A dog craves attention and praise, and companionship from their owners. Crating a dog too much will just cause the dog to be lonely, depressed, and adjust very poorly to family life.

It is also suggested that the crate not be put in an isolated spot. Your pet will be happier if his crate is where his family usually spends their time. Yes, I know the crate may not go with your décor, but believe it or not, putting a pretty throw on top can actually help it blend in. I always have one or two crates in my house because of the foster dogs I usually have. Once I had to give both of them up because we were short of crates - I was really upset! I had gotten very used to having them. One of them had a small rug on top of it, and my cats loved to sleep up there. The other one was in my kitchen, and a telephone was kept on it! So, with a little imagination, you can make the crate an important object in your house! (smile!)

My plans are to start crating Licorice again, and I admit I am very nervous about it. I think Licorice has some separation anxiety (yes, even with all the other dogs we have) when we leave, so I am concerned about the crate causing him more anxiety. I plan to start with VERY short periods - 10 to 15 minutes at first, then gradually

The copyright of the article Crate Training in Greyhounds is owned by Judy A Tomlinson. Permission to republish Crate Training in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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