There are conflicting opinions on crate training an English Springer Spaniel. Some people believe that confining a dog to a crate for any period is cruel punishment. The opposite is, in fact, true. By crate training your English Springer Spaniel, you allow them to seek refuge when needed.
To crate train your English Springer Spaniel, first introduce them to the crate slowly and allow them to investigate the crate and its surroundings. Encourage them to enter the crate by giving them treats and food inside the crate. Practicing enclosing them in the crate for short periods.
The key to crate training your English Springer Spaniel is introducing them slowly to the crate and the experience of spending time inside it. By creating positive associations with the crate, you are allowing the dog to see the crate as a happy, safe space as opposed to some form of punishment.
How To Crate Train English Springer Spaniels
To begin crate training your English Springer Spaniel, you must purchase a correct size crate. Firstly, the crate must be big enough for the dog to lie down and stretch out. Bear in mind that this refers to the dog’s fully-grown adult size instead of their puppy size.
The Springer Spaniel’s crate should be large enough that the dog can use it comfortably as they grow older. The crate should be sufficiently large to allow you to place a bed on one end, a place to eat and drink water, and potentially a place to relieve themselves, especially when they are puppies.
Once you have found a crate of the correct size, place the crate in a comfortable spot in your home. The spot in which you place the crate should be in an area free from loud noises and other distractions. The crate must represent a safe, serene space where the dog will feel at ease at all times.
After finding the ideal spot for the crate, allow the dog to investigate it to ensure they are fully comfortable with it. Leave the crate door fully open, and allow the dog to do as they please to explore and investigate this new object that has been placed in their space.
It’s important to allow the dog to engage with the crate positively in their own time. It’s important not to rush the period when the crate is introduced to the dog. Sit with the dog and help build a positive association with the crate by offering their favorite treats as they interact with the crate.
Begin introducing the dog to the idea of spending time inside the crate. First, place some treats just outside the crate’s door. Next, place some treats inside the crate. It’s important to leave the door open throughout this process. Try feeding the dog their usual meals while inside the crate, keeping the door open as you do so. This will also help to build a positive association.
Encourage healthy play with the crate by allowing the dog to jump in and out of the crate to fetch treats. When they go inside the crate to fetch a treat, encourage them by using the command word “crate.” Once they have retrieved the treat, praise the dog for doing so.
Allow your dog to start spending time inside the crate. Keep these periods as brief as possible, and provide proper toys for the dog to enjoy their time inside the crate. Gradually increase the time the dog spends inside the crate with the door closed, and soon you will be able to leave your English Springer Spaniel unattended in its crate for a few hours.
One of the most important considerations for crate training is that you should never use the dog’s crate as a method of punishment. You do not want the dog to begin associating the crate with negative emotions. Spaniels are inherently sensitive dogs who learn far better and more quickly through positive reinforcement.
Suppose you punish your spaniel instead of providing them with positive reinforcement. In that case, the spaniel will be more reluctant to obey your commands and will not grow up as a well-adjusted animal.
Why Crate Train An English Springer Spaniel?
English Springer Spaniels, much like many other types of dogs, are inherent “den animals.” As a result, these dogs find tremendous comfort in small, enclosed spaces. These spaces allow them to retreat to a place of peace and solitude where they can rest and recuperate.
While some people may see a crate as a cruel punishment source, crates serve the opposite purpose. However, the crate must be used correctly to ensure that the dog associates the crate with positive thoughts and happy occurrences.
A properly introduced crate will provide the springer spaniel with a safe place to sleep, relax, and enjoy their toys without any feelings of anxiety. The crate will provide a feeling of security and confidence for the spaniel.
Another benefit of crate training your springer spaniel is that the crate will help with certain aspects of training, such as housebreaking and creating healthy sleeping habits. A crate will offer the dog a safe, quiet place far from any major sources of excitement that could potentially cause stress.
All dog owners should try to train their dogs to use a crate. It’s important for dog owners not to think of crates as cages but rather as a den or safe space where the dog can feel genuinely safe and secure.
A crate will help a dog transition into its new home, ensuring they remain happy and stress-free throughout the transition period. Crates are also great at assisting dogs with the housebreaking period. This will allow you to control what the dog can eat or play with at any time.
If there are other pets in your home, the crate will ensure the new dog’s safety throughout the introduction. It’s almost impossible for you to supervise your dog 24/7, so a crate will prove extremely useful in keeping your dog safe while you attend to other matters.
Training your dog to use a crate at home will ensure they are subjected to far less stress when they are confined to a crate if visiting the vet or being booked into a kennel.
Conclusion
Crate training your English Springer Spaniel is important to the dog’s upbringing. You should always ensure that the dog is comfortable throughout the introduction process. A springer spaniel should always be allowed to feel safe in their crate while seeing it as a refuge.
