my Crate is Great!
Learning an Essential Skill
for Dog Camp
Hello Wild Blue Dog Campers!
While at Dog Camp you will have times when you need your dog to chill out and rest, especially during meals and between classes. The perfect place for this is a CRATE or an x-pen. These items provide your dog with a safe, all-their-own place to relax and even grab a quick nap. Your dog will be crated many times in his life; at the groomers, at the vet's office, during travel, and in emergency situations. You need to give them the proper training to help them be their confident, comfortable self.
Dog's are naturally den animals so being in a crate will be a very comforting experience-provided they are introduced slowly to the idea (just like we like to learn things!).
Please follow these easy steps, or the recommendations of your trainer to get your dog happy & comfortable with being in a crate or an x-pen. Do this before you come to camp so that you can both enjoy a stress free dog camp experience. Your dog won't be spending a lot of time in his crate, but why should even a few minutes be uncomfortable? Do not skip any of the steps and don't go on to the next step until your dog is comfortable.
Purchase a crate for your dog that is big enough for them to stand up and turn around.
Do NOT put your dog in the crate!!!
Take your crate home and let it sit around the house with the door open. Allow your dog to approach the crate without any pressure. Every time he approaches the crate, give him a cookie or treat.
Set a treat right outside the door of the crate. Allow your dog to get the treat-moving at their own pace. Repeat. When they are comfortable near the crate move on to the next step.
Put a cookie just inside the door of the crate, but where your dog can easily reach it without having to go inside the crate. Let him have the cookie and continue to treat him for retrieving the cookie. Repeat.
Once they are comfortable getting the cookie without having to go inside, begin placing the cookie a little farther inside. Praise and encourage your dog. Continue doing this until the dog is completely at ease sticking his head into the crate.
Throw a cookie all the way into the crate and allow your dog to enter the crate at his own pace. Keep tossing cookies into the crate as you pass the crate throughout the day, leaving the door open. Soon your dog will LOVE this new source of cookies!
Eventually you will see your dog settling down inside his crate, gently close the door and immediately reopen it. Give them a cookie. Continue on this way until your dog is comfortable with the door being closed for longer periods of time.
Always let your dog exit the crate on their own. Remember the crate is their “safe haven” or personal space and they shouldn't be pulled out. Just open the door and wait for them to exit. You can encourage them with a treat, calling them, or offering them a toy. Just like going into the crate, exiting should also be your dog's idea.