Mike Clinton
Introduction to crate training your Briard
Crate training is a great way to ensure your Briard has a safe and comfortable space to relax in. It’s also a useful tool for housebreaking and teaching your Briard to be comfortable and calm in a crate for travel or vet visits. However, before starting with crate training, it’s important to understand what it entails and how to do it correctly to ensure your Briard is comfortable and happy.
Why crate training is beneficial for your Briard
Crate training can provide numerous benefits for your Briard, including reducing anxiety and stress, keeping them safe when you’re away from home, and aiding in potty training. With a crate, your Briard will have a dedicated space to go to when they need to rest or feel secure. It can also prevent your Briard from causing damage to your home or getting into something dangerous when you’re not around. Additionally, if you plan on traveling with your Briard, crate training will make it easier for them to travel in a crate, which can be required by airlines or other transportation methods.
Choosing the right size crate for your Briard
When selecting a crate, it’s crucial to choose the right size for your Briard. The crate should be big enough for your Briard to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably, but not too big that they have extra space to relieve themselves. Measure your Briard’s height, length, and weight, then choose a crate that is slightly larger than that size to allow for movement but not too much extra space.
Preparing the crate for your Briard’s comfort
To make the crate comfortable for your Briard, you can add a soft blanket or bed, a few toys, and maybe even a shirt with your scent on it. This will help the crate feel like a safe and cozy place for your Briard to relax in. It’s also important to place the crate in a quiet corner of the house where your Briard can rest undisturbed.
Teaching your Briard to associate the crate with positive experiences
To help your Briard feel comfortable in the crate, you need to make sure that they associate it with positive experiences. You can start by placing treats or toys in the crate and encouraging them to go in and get them. Over time, your Briard will start to see the crate as a place where good things happen, and they will be more willing to spend time in it.
Gradual introduction to the crate
When starting crate training, it’s essential to gradually introduce your Briard to the crate. Begin by leaving the crate door open and letting them explore it on their own. Gradually start putting treats and toys in the crate to encourage them to go inside, and close the door for a few seconds at a time while they’re inside. Gradually increase the amount of time the door is closed, starting with a few seconds and gradually increasing to a few minutes.
Lengthening the amount of time your Briard spends in the crate
As your Briard becomes more comfortable with the crate, you can start increasing the time they spend inside. However, it’s crucial to do this gradually and never leave your Briard in the crate for too long. The amount of time your Briard can spend in the crate will depend on their age, bladder control, and overall comfort level. A general rule of thumb is to add an hour to the amount of time they can hold their bladder. For example, if your Briard can hold their bladder for three hours, they can spend up to four hours in the crate.
Proper feeding and water techniques while crate training
When your Briard is in the crate, it’s important to provide them with access to water and food, but in a way that won’t cause them to have an accident. One way to do this is to feed them their meals in the crate and remove the bowl when they’re finished. You can also provide water in a dispenser that attaches to the crate, so they can drink without having to leave the crate.
Dealing with whining and barking in the crate
It’s common for Briards to whine or bark when first introduced to the crate or when they need to go outside. However, it’s important not to let them out of the crate when they’re whining, or it will reinforce the behavior. Instead, wait until they’re quiet, then let them out and take them outside to go potty.
Gradually weaning your Briard off the crate
As your Briard becomes more comfortable and trustworthy, you can begin to wean them off the crate gradually. Start by leaving the crate door open and allowing them to come and go as they please. Eventually, you can remove the crate altogether, but make sure to do it gradually, so your Briard doesn’t feel anxious or stressed. Remember, the crate should always be a safe and comfortable space for your Briard, so never force them to use it if they don’t want to.