Thursday, February 3, 2011

Basset Hound Training: Practical Crate Training Tactics

By Hannah Downey


Crate training or housetraining is amongst the significant basset hound training courses that you must engage in. Indeed, it's important that you begin crate training your basset hound the instant your pet can manage. This suggests that you should start training your pet while he is still an obedient, active and playful puppy. Otherwise, you will have a tough time working with an stubborn and aggressive older basset hound dog.

Moreover, here are a few practical tips that could help you make crate training a lot easier, more productive and effective:

1. Select the most suitable crate or kennel.

It is strongly-advised that you opt for the most suitable crate so that you can get all the advantages of going through proper crate training. You should always think about your basset hound's comfort, security and convenience. See to it that you are aware of which kind of crate is appropriate to your basset's size and personal preferences. Of course, you also need to keep in mind the functionality and convenience of a certain crate. Actually, it's wise to have one indoor crate, and one portable kennel. This way, you have a crate that you can bring along with you wherever you go, especially if you do various basset hound training activities outdoors. You can also bring your dog whenever you travel anywhere you want to.

2. Properly introduce the crate to your pet.

Most people have no idea how to competently introduce the crate to their pets. Due to this fact, their dogs wind up feeling restrained and mistreated. However, crate training can be accomplished with ease, fun and success. Make sure that you associate positive things such as treats, a comfy bed or blanket, clean water and food and a private space that your pet can call his own. This way, your basset hound will know which place to go whenever it's time for bedtime. You can also pull off proper potty training should you succeed in crate training your basset hound.

Take things slowly, one step at a time. Do not force your basset to promptly enter his crate on your first day or first session or first attempt of doing the training. Entice him by putting some of his favorite treats inside the treat or simply start your basset hound training routines during his mealtime. This way, your basset won't sense anything unfavorable about getting inside such a confinement. Be sure to praise your dog the moment he goes inside his crate without you commanding him to do so. All it takes is to be consistent.

3. Be strict and persistent.

Do not tolerate resistance once your dog has already got used to getting in and out of his crate, especially if it's really time for him to behave in his crate like when you really need to confine him because you're going out for work. Ignore your dog's barking if it simply shows that he wants to go out of his crate. However, just be sure you don't deprive him of his freedom, especially if it's time for him to play, exercise and undertake basset hound training. Always be consistent and don't put a stop to training your basset hound until he can master what he needs to learn. Just don't extend your training sessions because confining your pet for a long time can result in separation anxiety and other annoying behavior problems.




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