Wednesday, February 29, 2012

German Shepherd Training: Several Uses of Crate

By Patrick Hayes


When it comes to German Shepherd training, you really need to put in your time and effort to achieve the results you really want. There is a wide variety of methods that can be used to generate success, but you need to learn what must be done to get the success you want. To begin training your loyal pal, you can start with these great training suggestions.

Before you bring home a dog, be sure that you have everything you need. You must have: sturdy food and water bowls; a good quality of dry dog food; a comfortable bed; a crate/kennel in the right size for the potential dog; and the ideal leash and collar or harness. By having everything in place, you will avoid a lot of rushing around and uncertainty with a new dog or puppy.

The crate has various uses. Properly trained dogs can be taught to consider their crate as substitute for den, a wild dog's haven. When possible always keep the crate in a central place so that the dog learns to understand that it's there and available all the time. He'll begin to seek it out when he's exhausted and even when he's scared. It should also offer him comfort in the summer and keep him warm during winter.

To help with potty training a new puppy, keep him in a towel-lined crate or kennel at night. For the first couple of weeks, bring him out every two hours and let him go to the designated spot to do his business. When over, thoroughly praise him and he'll start to make the association between being outside and relieving himself. Avoid keeping him within the crate for more than four or five hours unless it's overnight. He may not be able to hold it therefore defeating the objective of potty training.

In addition to training, the crate is also important when traveling especially air travel as it keeps your dog and those around him safe. You simply need to get him used to it prior to your trip to prevent stress.

Don't forget that German Shepherd training takes a bit of knowledge and even skill to get right. If you're not giving it all you got, you're lessening the effect that you could have on your dog's obedience. Whether your pet is new or old, you could begin training your him today with these tips in mind.




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