How To Approach Crate Training Your Dog
Crates are a great way to provide your dog with a sense of security in many different scenarios. It gives them a safe place to retreat to and remain undisturbed if they feel nervous, tired, or stressed, which can be caused by fireworks, visitors or even just the weather. You can also transport your dog in a crate when travelling to put them at ease when in a new environment.
As well as keeping dogs calm, crates help with toilet training and prevent them from causing any damage to your home when unsupervised. However, without introducing the crate gradually, it can be unnerving for your pooch. To ensure your furry friend associates the crate with positivity and safety, read Benchmark Kennels’ tips on how to conduct the crate training process properly.
What type of crate do you need?
Crates are often made from plastic, metal, or fabric. Deciding which option is best for your dog will depend on your preferences. Metal crates are quite popular as they’re sturdier, escape-proof and often collapsible. Plastic crates are easily cleaned and lighter, which can make travelling easier, but they can absorb odours. Fabric crates are also light for putting in the car but can easily tear and become dirty quickly.
Ensuring the crate is the correct size will make it as comfortable as possible for your pup. It needs to be big enough for your dog to easily stand, turn around, and lie down in, with additional room for bedding, toys, food, and water bowls. However, when crates are too large, dogs sometimes go to the toilet at one end and sleep at the other end unbothered. If you’ve invested in a bigger crate to suit your pup as it grows, partition it to an appropriate size.
As well as indoor crates, you can also buy outdoor kennels which are great for dogs that love spending time outside. Benchmark Kennels offer insulated, sheltered, and secure kennels that are big enough for your dog to sleep and play in.
How to introduce the crate
Place the crate in a family room at first to keep your pooch from feeling isolated. Put blankets or soft towels inside it to make it cosy and cover it with a blanket for extra security.
To encourage them to go into the crate on their own, place treats and their favourite toys inside it and always keep it accessible. Keep the door firmly open, so it doesn’t shut on your dog unexpectedly while he’s exploring. If your pooch is reluctant to go inside, don’t force them and instead place treats and toys just outside the crate and slowly move them inside as your pup gets more comfortable. Reward your pup with praise when he goes inside.
You can introduce commands such as ‘crate’, ‘kennel up’, or pointing to the kennel, so they know when to go in their crate.
The crate should act as a den for your dog to use when they need some rest or privacy, so you should never use it as punishment.
How to feed your dog in the crate
After your dog is comfortable going in and out the crate, place his food bowl nearby and gradually move it inside. Associating the crate with food will help it become a positive experience.
When your pup is comfortable eating inside the crate, begin closing the door as he eats and then as soon as he’s finished, open the door. Keep the door closed for a few minutes longer each time until he’s happy to settle inside after eating with the door shut. If closing the door makes him nervous, begin by half-closing it and take this step slower.
When to leave your dog in the crate outside of mealtimes
Once your dog regularly eats in the crate, you can keep him in there for short intervals of the day while you’re at home. Stay in the room quietly for between five and ten minutes, then leave for a few minutes before returning to let him out. Continue this process a couple of times a day, gradually increasing the time he’s left alone each time until he can stay inside the crate for longer intervals without getting anxious. Then you can leave him in the crate during the day while you’re out, but the safe time limit for this will depend on the dog’s age. Adult dogs shouldn’t be left in there for longer than four hours, while the timeframe for young puppies is 30 to 60 minutes.
Keeping toys and puzzles in the crate will keep your pup entertained and prevent boredom. Try to time this for after they’ve eaten and exercised so that they’re ready to relax.
When you leave and return, make the exchanges with your dog low-key and unemotional to avoid upsetting them when you’re gone. To keep them from associating the crate with being alone, occasionally keep them in it for short intervals when you’re at home.
Train your dog to sleep in the crate
First place the crate in your bedroom or just outside the room. Once your pup is sleeping comfortably in there, gradually move the crate each night until you reach the preferred location.
Ensure you use the crate at night consistently because not sticking to a routine can cause confusion and eventually anxiety.
How to react to whining
Crate training can sometimes cause dogs to whine, which may be an indication that you’re progressing too quickly and need to start again or go back a step. Try not to let him out or give him attention until he’s stopped whining, as this would reinforce the bad behaviour. Instead, reward calm behaviour once the whining has stopped.
If you aren’t sure whether your dog’s whining is because he needs the toilet, use your usual toilet training phrase, and take him outside if he responds excitably. Encourage your dog to go to the toilet before putting him in the crate but remember that puppies need to release their bladder frequently.
The length of time it will take for your dog to accept the crate fully will depend on their personality, demeanour and upbringing. Puppies can adjust quicker than older dogs, but it also depends on their temperament and your training methods. Be careful not to rush this process as it’s essential for you to approach it slowly and not cause your pooch any stress that can develop into long-term problem behaviours.
Need a bespoke kennel for your dog to feel comfortable outside?
Benchmark Kennels are a manufacturer of bespoke kennels, giving dogs a secure and spacious place to stay outdoors when they need some peace and quiet. Each kennel can be customised to suit your dog and home perfectly in terms of size, shape and material.
You can order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel directly from our website today or contact us via phone to find out more about our excellent range of kennels.
- Published in Blog
How To Approach Crate Training Your Dog
Crates are a great way to provide your dog with a sense of security in many different scenarios. It gives them a safe place to retreat to and remain undisturbed if they feel nervous, tired, or stressed, which can be caused by fireworks, visitors or even just the weather. You can also transport your dog in a crate when travelling to put them at ease when in a new environment.
As well as keeping dogs calm, crates help with toilet training and prevent them from causing any damage to your home when unsupervised. However, without introducing the crate gradually, it can be unnerving for your pooch. To ensure your furry friend associates the crate with positivity and safety, read Benchmark Kennels’ tips on how to conduct the crate training process properly.
What type of crate do you need?
Crates are often made from plastic, metal, or fabric. Deciding which option is best for your dog will depend on your preferences. Metal crates are quite popular as they’re sturdier, escape-proof and often collapsible. Plastic crates are easily cleaned and lighter, which can make travelling easier, but they can absorb odours. Fabric crates are also light for putting in the car but can easily tear and become dirty quickly.
Ensuring the crate is the correct size will make it as comfortable as possible for your pup. It needs to be big enough for your dog to easily stand, turn around, and lie down in, with additional room for bedding, toys, food, and water bowls. However, when crates are too large, dogs sometimes go to the toilet at one end and sleep at the other end unbothered. If you’ve invested in a bigger crate to suit your pup as it grows, partition it to an appropriate size.
As well as indoor crates, you can also buy outdoor kennels which are great for dogs that love spending time outside. Benchmark Kennels offer insulated, sheltered, and secure kennels that are big enough for your dog to sleep and play in.
How to introduce the crate
Place the crate in a family room at first to keep your pooch from feeling isolated. Put blankets or soft towels inside it to make it cosy and cover it with a blanket for extra security.
To encourage them to go into the crate on their own, place treats and their favourite toys inside it and always keep it accessible. Keep the door firmly open, so it doesn’t shut on your dog unexpectedly while he’s exploring. If your pooch is reluctant to go inside, don’t force them and instead place treats and toys just outside the crate and slowly move them inside as your pup gets more comfortable. Reward your pup with praise when he goes inside.
You can introduce commands such as ‘crate’, ‘kennel up’, or pointing to the kennel, so they know when to go in their crate.
The crate should act as a den for your dog to use when they need some rest or privacy, so you should never use it as punishment.
How to feed your dog in the crate
After your dog is comfortable going in and out the crate, place his food bowl nearby and gradually move it inside. Associating the crate with food will help it become a positive experience.
When your pup is comfortable eating inside the crate, begin closing the door as he eats and then as soon as he’s finished, open the door. Keep the door closed for a few minutes longer each time until he’s happy to settle inside after eating with the door shut. If closing the door makes him nervous, begin by half-closing it and take this step slower.
When to leave your dog in the crate outside of mealtimes
Once your dog regularly eats in the crate, you can keep him in there for short intervals of the day while you’re at home. Stay in the room quietly for between five and ten minutes, then leave for a few minutes before returning to let him out. Continue this process a couple of times a day, gradually increasing the time he’s left alone each time until he can stay inside the crate for longer intervals without getting anxious. Then you can leave him in the crate during the day while you’re out, but the safe time limit for this will depend on the dog’s age. Adult dogs shouldn’t be left in there for longer than four hours, while the timeframe for young puppies is 30 to 60 minutes.
Keeping toys and puzzles in the crate will keep your pup entertained and prevent boredom. Try to time this for after they’ve eaten and exercised so that they’re ready to relax.
When you leave and return, make the exchanges with your dog low-key and unemotional to avoid upsetting them when you’re gone. To keep them from associating the crate with being alone, occasionally keep them in it for short intervals when you’re at home.
Train your dog to sleep in the crate
First place the crate in your bedroom or just outside the room. Once your pup is sleeping comfortably in there, gradually move the crate each night until you reach the preferred location.
Ensure you use the crate at night consistently because not sticking to a routine can cause confusion and eventually anxiety.
How to react to whining
Crate training can sometimes cause dogs to whine, which may be an indication that you’re progressing too quickly and need to start again or go back a step. Try not to let him out or give him attention until he’s stopped whining, as this would reinforce the bad behaviour. Instead, reward calm behaviour once the whining has stopped.
If you aren’t sure whether your dog’s whining is because he needs the toilet, use your usual toilet training phrase, and take him outside if he responds excitably. Encourage your dog to go to the toilet before putting him in the crate but remember that puppies need to release their bladder frequently.
The length of time it will take for your dog to accept the crate fully will depend on their personality, demeanour and upbringing. Puppies can adjust quicker than older dogs, but it also depends on their temperament and your training methods. Be careful not to rush this process as it’s essential for you to approach it slowly and not cause your pooch any stress that can develop into long-term problem behaviours.
Need a bespoke kennel for your dog to feel comfortable outside?
Benchmark Kennels are a manufacturer of bespoke kennels, giving dogs a secure and spacious place to stay outdoors when they need some peace and quiet. Each kennel can be customised to suit your dog and home perfectly in terms of size, shape and material.
You can order a wooden or WPC eco-thermal dog kennel directly from our website today or contact us via phone to find out more about our excellent range of kennels.
- Published in Blog
The Top National Parks for Socially Distanced Dog Walks
Before 2020, the term ‘socially distanced’ was unknown to many, but thanks to COVID-19, it’s since become a commonly used phrase. Coronavirus has caused countless disruptions to day-to-day life, but the strangest change for many is keeping two meters apart from anyone outside of your household. Still, where is better to maintain a distance while exploring the British countryside than with your dog, in one of our national parks?
We’ve taken the top five national parks most suitable for taking your dog on a socially distanced walk, by comparing key factors including the length of walking routes, ease of parking, and the odds that you’ll stay dry.
The Top National Parks for Socially Distanced Dog Walks
Exmoor ranks number one
The only national park with low visitor numbers from the south, Exmoor, takes the top spot. With just 5,479 daily visitors, Exmoor is the third quietest park in England, with the second-lowest amount of walkers overall per kilometre of walking route. In comparison, the New Forest has 175 daily visitors per kilometre of footpath – you could bump into over 30 times more visitors than Exmoor.
Exmoor also has the best temperature of these socially distanced national parks, reaching an average (not so) toasty 6.75 °C through the winter months. While this may not be a worthy substitute for a winter getaway to escape the UK’s weather, dog walkers can be safe knowing that there won’t be too much ice and frost across Exmoor from December to March. Still, make sure you check the forecast before exercising in this national park – to avoid cold showers or slippery footpaths without the right gear.
The Yorkshire Dales offer the most secluded walk
If you’re planning long walking routes and days out in the countryside, the Yorkshire Dales are a perfect fit. Explore the incredible 3,200km of walking trails that this area has to offer, while safe in the knowledge that the Dales receive the least yearly visitors of any national park – just 520,000, or 1,425 daily visitors. Per kilometre, that’s over 14 times fewer visitors than top spot Exmoor.
This quiet location is particularly beneficial for owners with nervous and reactive dogs as it ensures pooches can run around freely with minimal risk of unexpected encounters with strangers and fellow dogs.
North York Moors takes third place
While this park has a slightly shorter walking route of 2,200km, it has the lowest chance of rainfall – great for a weekend escape to the countryside. While Yorkshire isn’t known for its weather, on average 56% of winter days are completely dry in the North York Moors – almost 10% higher than Exmoor.
Some of the best dog walks in this national park include the forest walk Newton Dale, and Clay Bank and Greenhow Plantation which entails a combination of tracks, trees, and stunning views.
Northumberland places fourth
Another option for socially distanced dog walks even further North East is Northumberland. It’s the second least visited national park behind the Dales and has plenty of history to take in as you walk around. Retrace the steps of the guards of Hadrian’s Wall and view Roman remains, all while unwinding in the fresh air.
As the nights get darker earlier, before you drive back from this national park, take in the best view of the night sky on the continent – with meteorites, stars, comets and moons often visible. Northumberland is the largest protected ‘Dark Sky Park’ in Europe, a designation that results in the lowest levels of light pollution across the continent, so visitors can sit in the car at the end of a long hike, and enjoy the best view of the night sky in Europe.
The Peak District rounds up the top five
This area, which was designated the first national park in the UK, is easily accessible to 16 million people living within an hour’s drive, making it extremely popular. It sees 13,250,000 yearly visitors, with 2,900 km of walking routes, ensuring that you can enjoy a backdrop of gorgeous scenery without passing many people.
The Peak District contains an incredible mix of hills and valleys, resulting in some of the most beautiful and varied walks in the country. There are plenty of areas to explore, and 45 separate car parks provide the opportunity to park up wherever you choose to exercise. Mam Tor is a hill popular with walkers, where you can walk atop a ridge to Lose Hill and take in some of the best panoramic views the UK has to offer. Ladybower Reservoir is another stunning walk, where you can walk by the tranquil water through the woodlands.
The most crowded walks
The New Forest has the shortest walking route of any national park (235km) and 15,000,000 visitors a year – the third most annual visitors. The limited space proposes a risk of an overcrowded walk, making it difficult to socially distance. For a quieter experience, try visiting this area during off-peak hours.
The Broads are also clearly popular among dog walkers, with short routes and scenic waterways attracting 7,000,000 visitors a year. However, you could bump into 63 visitors per kilometre here – over ten times more than in Exmoor or Northumberland, which may make it more difficult for both you and your dogs to stick to the social distancing rules.
To ensure social distancing is possible on your dog walk, opt for a location with lots of space and fewer visitors, such as the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. The New Forest and The Broads appear to be the most crowded, so when visiting these national parks, try getting up and out earlier than usual.
If your dog still craves the outdoors even after a long walk, an outside dog kennel provides a safe and comfortable environment for them to get shelter when in the garden. Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke dog kennels to suit all breeds, shapes, and sizes. To find more information and advice on the best kennel for your dog’s needs, go to our website or contact us directly.
If you’re planning a quick after-work walk with your pooch, or even just a Sunday mooch, view the full results here to find the best national park for you.
- Published in Blog
The Top National Parks for Socially Distanced Dog Walks
Before 2020, the term ‘socially distanced’ was unknown to many, but thanks to COVID-19, it’s since become a commonly used phrase. Coronavirus has caused countless disruptions to day-to-day life, but the strangest change for many is keeping two meters apart from anyone outside of your household. Still, where is better to maintain a distance while exploring the British countryside than with your dog, in one of our national parks?
We’ve taken the top five national parks most suitable for taking your dog on a socially distanced walk, by comparing key factors including the length of walking routes, ease of parking, and the odds that you’ll stay dry.
The Top National Parks for Socially Distanced Dog Walks
Exmoor ranks number one
The only national park with low visitor numbers from the south, Exmoor, takes the top spot. With just 5,479 daily visitors, Exmoor is the third quietest park in England, with the second-lowest amount of walkers overall per kilometre of walking route. In comparison, the New Forest has 175 daily visitors per kilometre of footpath – you could bump into over 30 times more visitors than Exmoor.
Exmoor also has the best temperature of these socially distanced national parks, reaching an average (not so) toasty 6.75 °C through the winter months. While this may not be a worthy substitute for a winter getaway to escape the UK’s weather, dog walkers can be safe knowing that there won’t be too much ice and frost across Exmoor from December to March. Still, make sure you check the forecast before exercising in this national park – to avoid cold showers or slippery footpaths without the right gear.
The Yorkshire Dales offer the most secluded walk
If you’re planning long walking routes and days out in the countryside, the Yorkshire Dales are a perfect fit. Explore the incredible 3,200km of walking trails that this area has to offer, while safe in the knowledge that the Dales receive the least yearly visitors of any national park – just 520,000, or 1,425 daily visitors. Per kilometre, that’s over 14 times fewer visitors than top spot Exmoor.
This quiet location is particularly beneficial for owners with nervous and reactive dogs as it ensures pooches can run around freely with minimal risk of unexpected encounters with strangers and fellow dogs.
North York Moors takes third place
While this park has a slightly shorter walking route of 2,200km, it has the lowest chance of rainfall – great for a weekend escape to the countryside. While Yorkshire isn’t known for its weather, on average 56% of winter days are completely dry in the North York Moors – almost 10% higher than Exmoor.
Some of the best dog walks in this national park include the forest walk Newton Dale, and Clay Bank and Greenhow Plantation which entails a combination of tracks, trees, and stunning views.
Northumberland places fourth
Another option for socially distanced dog walks even further North East is Northumberland. It’s the second least visited national park behind the Dales and has plenty of history to take in as you walk around. Retrace the steps of the guards of Hadrian’s Wall and view Roman remains, all while unwinding in the fresh air.
As the nights get darker earlier, before you drive back from this national park, take in the best view of the night sky on the continent – with meteorites, stars, comets and moons often visible. Northumberland is the largest protected ‘Dark Sky Park’ in Europe, a designation that results in the lowest levels of light pollution across the continent, so visitors can sit in the car at the end of a long hike, and enjoy the best view of the night sky in Europe.
The Peak District rounds up the top five
This area, which was designated the first national park in the UK, is easily accessible to 16 million people living within an hour’s drive, making it extremely popular. It sees 13,250,000 yearly visitors, with 2,900 km of walking routes, ensuring that you can enjoy a backdrop of gorgeous scenery without passing many people.
The Peak District contains an incredible mix of hills and valleys, resulting in some of the most beautiful and varied walks in the country. There are plenty of areas to explore, and 45 separate car parks provide the opportunity to park up wherever you choose to exercise. Mam Tor is a hill popular with walkers, where you can walk atop a ridge to Lose Hill and take in some of the best panoramic views the UK has to offer. Ladybower Reservoir is another stunning walk, where you can walk by the tranquil water through the woodlands.
The most crowded walks
The New Forest has the shortest walking route of any national park (235km) and 15,000,000 visitors a year – the third most annual visitors. The limited space proposes a risk of an overcrowded walk, making it difficult to socially distance. For a quieter experience, try visiting this area during off-peak hours.
The Broads are also clearly popular among dog walkers, with short routes and scenic waterways attracting 7,000,000 visitors a year. However, you could bump into 63 visitors per kilometre here – over ten times more than in Exmoor or Northumberland, which may make it more difficult for both you and your dogs to stick to the social distancing rules.
To ensure social distancing is possible on your dog walk, opt for a location with lots of space and fewer visitors, such as the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. The New Forest and The Broads appear to be the most crowded, so when visiting these national parks, try getting up and out earlier than usual.
If your dog still craves the outdoors even after a long walk, an outside dog kennel provides a safe and comfortable environment for them to get shelter when in the garden. Benchmark Kennels manufacture bespoke dog kennels to suit all breeds, shapes, and sizes. To find more information and advice on the best kennel for your dog’s needs, go to our website or contact us directly.
If you’re planning a quick after-work walk with your pooch, or even just a Sunday mooch, view the full results here to find the best national park for you.
- Published in Blog