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Crate Training 101

12/27/2018

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If used properly, a crate can be a place for your puppy to feel safe and relaxed. A crate can also be used to provide a comfortable sleeping and traveling space for your dog. In order for a crate to work in the right way, you will need to properly crate train your new puppy as soon as possible.

What You’ll Need:

  • A crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up in and turn around comfortably, allowing room for a blanket and at least one toy.
  • Treats
  • Toys
  • Blanket and/or Bedding

Step One

Place the crate in the room where it will permanently remain. Place a blanket and some chew toys in the crate, and leave the door open. Show your dog a great, and toss it into the crate, giving the command, “Go to bed,” in a bright, cheerful, yet firm tone. You can use any command you like, but it’s important to stick with the command you choose. When the dog goes inside, leave the door open and give enthusiastic praise while offering a second treat. Say, “Ok” to let the dog know he can come out again. Don’t reward him for leaving the crate. You want the association of the treat to occur when he enters. Repeat this step 10-12 times, then stop for the day.

Step Two

Once your dog gets the hang of entering and exiting the crate on command, you can move on to the next step. This time, try giving the, “Go to bed,” command in a happy tone without tossing a treat inside. Instead, point to the crate when you give the command. When he responds by entering the crate, shower your dog with praise and reward him with a treat. Say, “ok” to let him know he can step back outside. Repeat several times.

Step Three

Once your dog understands the, “Go to bed” command, you can move on to closing the crate door. When the dog enters the crate, give him a treat immediately, then close the door. Feed him a few treats through the door to help him remain calm. Count to five, then open the door and give the “Ok” command to let him know he can exit. If you notice your dog panicking when the door closes, you can try the intermediate step of closing the door only halfway and then allowing him to exit. Repeat this exercise several times a day, increasing the amount of time you keep the door closed with each set of repetitions.

Step Four:

Once your dog is used to the crate door closing, keep the crate closed while you sit nearby. Start with 5 minute sets, then gradually increase the time in the crate until you reach 30 minutes. Be sure you dog can see you at all times. He may whine a little, but you should remain steadfast. Place lots of chew toys in the crate to help distract him. If your dog begins to panic, however, go back to step three for a while to help him relax and get used to the crate at a slower pace.

Step Five:

When your dog relaxes in the crate while you are in the same room, leave him alone in the crate while you exit to another area of the home. Again, be sure the crate is full of interesting chew toys to help keep his mind off of being alone. Increase the amount of time the dog is alone in the crate until he is comfortable there.

Helpful Tips

It is important to note that crate training should not be used as a permanent housing arrangement for your pet, but rather a short-term management tool. You don’t want to keep your dog in a crate eight hours a day, every work day. If overused, the dog will begin to feel confined and may act out due to lack of exercise and companionship. Some dogs take to crate training right away, while others will never be comfortable or relaxed in a crate. This can be especially true of rescue dogs. If your dog is reduced to panic inside the crate, you might have to abandon crate training all together..
If you are unable to get your dog crate trained, have any other training issues after following this article, and are in or around one of the following areas give us a call or message us!
We proudly service the following areas and beyond.
Nashville Tennessee 37203, 37215, 37235,  Dog Parks link
Murfreesboro Tennessee 37130,  37129, Dog Parks Link
Franklin Tennessee
37064, 37067, Dog Parks Link
Chattanooga Tennessee
37402, 37405, 37421, 37404, Dog Parks Link
Huntsville Alabama
35801, 35811, 35741, Dog Parks Link
If used properly, a crate can be a place for your puppy to feel safe and relaxed. A crate can also be used to provide a comfortable sleeping and traveling space for your dog. In order for a crate to work in the right way, you will need to properly crate train your new puppy as soon as possible.
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Christmas safety with your dog!

12/4/2018

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The holiday season is upon us in Nashville Tennessee, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. Those of you that have had your dog trained with us at K9 Kampus will have the tools to keep your loved ones safe this season. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.
Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations
  • Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
  • Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
  • Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
  • That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
  • Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.
Avoid Holiday Food Dangers
  • Skip the Sweets: We know there are alot of great bakeries in Tennessee from Franklin to Murfreesboro and By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
  • Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
  • Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
  • Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.
  • We proudly service the following areas and beyond.
    Nashville Tennessee 37203, 37215, 37235,  Dog Parks link
    Murfreesboro Tennessee 37130,  37129, Dog Parks Link
    Franklin Tennessee 37064, 37067, Dog Parks Link
    Chattanooga Tennessee 37402, 37405, 37421, 37404, Dog Parks Link
    Huntsville Alabama 35801, 35811, 35741, Dog Parks Link
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We proudly service the following areas and beyond.
Nashville Tennessee 37203, 37215, 37235,  Dog Parks link
Murfreesboro Tennessee 37130,  37129, Dog Parks Link
Franklin Tennessee 37064, 37067, Dog Parks Link
Chattanooga Tennessee 37402, 37405, 37421, 37404, Dog Parks Link
Huntsville Alabama 35801, 35811, 35741, Dog Parks Link
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