Confinement Training
Teaching your dog to be safe and comfortable in the crate or pen can be invaluable for keeping your home and your dog safe!
Keep in Mind
Not every dog is comfortable being crated. Consult with a trainer if you feel your dog is struggling with it!
Confinement is often a necessary tool to keep your home and your dog safe when you’re gone ensure they’re safe and comfortable.
Utilizing a pen can ensure more space to move around during longer periods of alone time.
Most puppies and dogs need 10-20 hours of sleep, depending on their age. Utilize this downtime to practice confinement when you’re home and out of the house.
The Right Fit
The pup or dog should be able to stand and turn around comfortably if they’re in a crate
Some dogs prefer open wire crates and some enjoy the dark shelter of a hard, solid one
If you have a pup, look for a crate that provides a divider to move as they grow.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before leaving them alone, practice crate training games!
Practice leaving the pup in their crate or pen as you extend the distance and duration you’re away from them.
Make it fun by leaving snacks and chews for them to find as they wander in and out of the space.
Take Your Time
Your new pup or dog is a new environment with new people, that can be overwhelming and scary.
Build up duration for longer periods of time instead of leaving the pup for hours on end.
Have someone you trust check on your new pup if you will be gone for a long time.
Taking your time will ensure your new friend feels safe and secure.
Simple and Safe
If you have a young pup, avoid bedding that can be shredded or destroyed.
Keep the space cool and quiet.
Keep the space free wires or any items that can be pulled into the space.
Utilize a sturdy, safe pen or crate. Be sure the pup or dog will be kept safely confined when you leave.
Exercise
Before you expect them to settle, give them some physical exercise like a game of fetch, tug, or quick walk.
Meet their mental needs by doing a few minutes of training beforehand or some enrichment.
Optimize their time by leaving a chew, frozen food toy, or enrichment toy that’s safe for them to interact with unsupervised.
