Janine Allen - Professional Dog Trainer
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Crate Training from Association of Professional Dog Trainers

8/26/2017

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I would like to share this position statement from APDT as my clients, fellow trainers, and I have reaped many benefits from having crate trained dogs. I highlighted one sentence below in
purple that I would like to comment on in the event that it might be interpreted that dogs with anxiety should not be crate trained. Certainly, with the help of a certified trainer, one can address the anxiety AND start some very simple exercises involving the crate.

And now I present the following cut and paste from APDT.com:


The following statement reflects the opinion of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers recommends the use of crates for puppies and dogs as a short-term training tool and as safety equipment throughout the dog’s life.

Crates are a valuable tool for house training, as well as for managing the environment so dogs avoid developing problem behaviors such as destructive chewing and counter-surfing.  Crates also provide safe restraint in the car, and make it easier to travel with your dog by providing short-term confinement options in a hotel or anywhere else you might visit. Crate training also helps minimize stress during times of emergency, while boarding in a kennel or while spending a night at the vet clinic.  When introduced properly, a crate becomes a safe place that many dogs seek out when they need a break from a hectic home environment.

Introduce dogs to the crate gradually and make sure that it’s a pleasant experience.  It is important to choose a crate of appropriate size and adjust confinement times as the dog matures in order to build long term success.  Avoid using the crate as punishment, and avoid crating a dog who is experiencing anxiety, whether that anxiety stems from the confinement itself, separation from a loved one, or from environmental factors like a thunderstorm or other dogs.

The APDT does not recommend the use of crates as a confinement tool for extended periods – this is a tool best used in conjunction with a comprehensive training and socialization program guided by a professional dog trainer. To find a trainer in your area visit the APDT trainer search page.

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Calm gives rise to calm

8/7/2017

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I've spent a lot of time observing how dogs interact. When hanging out together they definitely do not have continuous vocal conversation like humans do. In fact, about the only time they are vocal is when excitement levels rise, like when they are frustrated, playing energetically, guarding something, confused, or seeking attention.

When a human chatters with a dog the same thing happens. "Good girl" or "atta boy" elicits a tail wag or butt wiggle. We love that during training sessions. The dog does something great, the human gives copious praise and the dog dances about. We especially love when we call out gleefully to our dogs and they come charging to us from afar.

Causing this excitement can also work against us in many ways. If we are looking for calm, well-mannered, or sedentary behavior in our dogs it may be detrimental to call out "who's here?" when the doorbell rings - especially if you have a dog that jumps on guests or barks at them incessantly. We probably won't get our anxious dog to settle down at the veterinarian's office by squeaking out "it's okay" over and over again. I have repeatedly seen dog-reactive dogs being pulled back by their leashes and getting barraged with high-pitched, "Oh, that dog doesn't want to say hello to you" or some other statement that has no value or meaning to the dog. And the more that the human speaks the harder the dog pulls.

If you want a calm dog, act calmly.
​
xoxoxoxo
Janine
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