Crate training or crating can be somewhat controversial, but many people believe that it’s a healthy option for dog training and can keep a dog safe while they are home alone.
When used correctly there is absolutely nothing wrong with crating your Greyhound, and these tips will help you train your dog to enjoy the time they spend in what could be considered the dog version of a man cave!
A Slow Introduction
The best way to introduce your Greyhound to a crate is slowly. Very slowly and patiently. Forcing a dog inside and locking the door behind them is only going to create fear and cement the idea as a very negative one.
You want crating to be a positive experience from the very start, so go slow.
Get Your Dog used to the Crate
In the beginning the best idea is to leave a crate open, with one of your dogs blanket or beds inside it, and a few treats. You can place the crate in your living area and they can explore while you cook or relax and check out the latest AFL betting odds, so they still feel like part of the family.
Be encouraging and make going in to the crate an enjoyable activity, and soon you’ll see your dog goes in on their own.
Make It Their Safe Space
If a dog doesn’t feel threatened they are more likely to enjoy the time they spend in their crate. Wherever you can, make the crate a positive association.
Whether this means giving them treats when they are inside, or leaving them alone to sleep, you do what your dog likes best.
Feed in the Crate
Giving your dog their meals in the crate will go along way to making them feel happy and content, and assured that the space they are in is safe.
A dog won’t eat if it feels threatened, so putting food in a crate shows them that the space is non-threatening and they wont come to any harm while being in there.
Do Not Leave Them Alone for Too Long
Initially it’s a good idea to limit the amount of time your Greyhound spends in their crate. By nature, these dogs can be quite anxious, so if you see your dog is getting distressed, call them out and reassure them.
You may also find that initially they are only happy if they can see you, so don’t go out and lock them in at first as they may hurt themselves trying to get out.
Stop Crating If The Dog Is Unhappy
Some dogs are absolutely fine with being crated from an early age, and the sooner you start training them, the better it is.
If however you find that your Greyhound is starting to hate being crated, is messing in their crate or tearing up their bedding it is best to pause the training and resume at a later date.
Most dogs get used to being crated, and many love it. As long as you take your time and don’t force the issue and you create a routine, you’ll find that crating becomes easy and stress free for everyone.