If you are looking for an effective method to establish a sense of security, good habits and house training then crate training your dachshund is very important. For dachshunds, crate training is very important because of the unique traits of this breed. These dogs are very intelligent and sometimes stubborn as well. Sometimes they go through an independent streak which can make these dogs a little difficult to train. In this blog, we will help you know why crate training is important for your dachshund and how it is beneficial for you and your dog.
Why Crate Training Is Important In Dachshunds?
Like all dogs, dachshunds can suffer from separation anxiety because of their attachment to their owner and family. If there is no proper training and a sense of routine in their life separation anxiety can cause different destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, and stress. If you do the crate training properly your dachshund will have a safe and comfortable place which can help in alleviating anxiety and stress when you are not around.
Benefits of Crate Training a Dachshund
Safety and Security
A crate is basically like a den for your dachshund, giving them a comfortable and cozy space. If you look at the wild behavior of the animals they retreat towards their den for rest and protection, so a crate is naturally very appealing for your dog. Whenever any difficult situation appears a crate will be their safe zone where they can go to escape, noise, chaos, and stress. The crate can also be very helpful in different situations like anxiety, thunderstorms, and fireworks.
Helps With House Training
Crate training can also help you in-house training your dachshund. Dogs have an instinct to not soil the area where they sleep, so when you are keeping them in a crate it naturally builds bladder control. If you maintain a proper schedule that involves taking them out for regular bathroom breaks then your dachshunds will learn about eliminating outside and making the whole training easier for them.
Prevents Destructive Behavior
Dachshunds are full of energy and they have a curious nature, this means they can do destructive chewing if left unsupervised for too long. If you crate train your dog it will keep them safe and also prevent them from showing any destructive behavior like digging, chewing furniture, and digging trash cans. If you crate train your dachshunds properly this will help in controlling these behavior and make sure your belongings stay protected.
Reduces Separation Anxiety
Since these dogs have a very close bond with their owners, they can easily suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a long period. When you will crate train them it will provide a secure space where they feel comfortable. When they have a positive association with the crate and they are happy to stay in there, this will reduce the chances of any bad behavior.
Provides a Safe Travel Solution
If your dachshund is crate-trained you will have a great advantage in plane or car trips. As they are familiar with crates they will feel less stress during the travelling. Furthermore, most airlines have a requirement that dogs should only travel in crates, so it will be useful if your pup is crate-trained. In the car, the crate will prevent your pup from moving around which is safer for you and your pup.
How To Start Crate Training?
It is important to start crate training as early as possible to get the best result, but you can also train older dogs. Here we will discuss some steps to make crate training easier for you:
-
Choose the Right Crate
Dachshunds are small dogs, so there is no need for a large crate. Get a crate that is big enough so that your dog can stand and move around and lie down easily. If you get a crate that is too large your pup will use one end as a bathroom. There are many options available like wire crates, plastic crates, and soft-sided crates and each has its pros and cons so select one that suits your pup. -
Make the Crate Comfortable and Inviting
Add some crate pads or soft bedding to make it more comfortable and cozy. You can also any familiar item like the toy they love or any clothing item that has still our scent in it. You can put a toy like a dachsy crab toy in the crate as this sure will keep them entertained for a long period.
This crate toy has a motion sensor and it can sense obstacles and change direction furthermore it is made of durable material so it can easily resist even the strongest bite. So it is sure that your pup will surely enjoy his time with this toy. -
Introduce the Crate Gradually
When introducing your pup to the crate do this gradually not suddenly. In the start leave them in the crate and leave the door open and let them explore the crate on their own. You can also encourage them to get inside the crate by putting their favorite toy inside it. Do not force your dachshund into them as this will create fear in them. -
Create Positive Associations with the Crate
Try to make the crate the funniest place for them, you can do this by feeding them inside and by giving them treats and when they go inside praise them. Another thing you can do is feed their meals near the crate and then move the food dish inside the crate. -
Establish a Routine
Consistency is very important to make sure that the training stays successful. Make a routine in which your dachshund has to go inside the crate daily, it can be during nap times, or when you are going out. This routine will make the foundation and your dachshund will learn to expect the crate time.
Conclusion
Crate training is very beneficial for the dachshund and the owners. It will provide them with a space where they feel safe and at ease and it also helps in reducing anxiety, in-house training, and separation anxiety. When you create positive associations and crate-train them regularly it will result in a happy and healthy environment. Keep in mind that with patience your dachshund will get trained and he will stay happy and safe.