This blog isn't the place to come for your average dog training advice. Here, I’m going to focus on the elite, the cream of the canine crop, the working dog breeds that demand nothing but the best. So, if you're looking for generic, cookie-cutter tips, you're in the wrong place. My aim is to provide you with valuable insights to help you nurture and train your canine into a disciplined and well-behaved companion while still embracing the drive and energy that makes these dogs so special.
The Power of the Crate
For me, this starts with the crate. I'm here to tell you why crate training is an absolute must from day one, and if you're not on board, you're risking a whole world of chaos. Crate training your puppy is of crucial importance, especially if you own a high-energy working breed like the Belgian Malinois. So forget the fluff and the hype that has permeated the world of the pampered pooches on Instagram, and let’s get straight to the unvarnished truth about the significance of crate training right from day one.
Working dogs thrive on structure and discipline. They are more likely to excel in their roles when they understand the rules and boundaries. Crate training helps establish a daily routine that is crucial for obedience training. By adhering to a schedule that incorporates the crate, you provide your dog with consistency. This consistency translates into obedience, which is vital for working dogs who need to follow commands and perform tasks accurately and reliably.
Benefits of Crate Training:
Safety and Security
First and foremost, a crate provides a secure and safe space for your pup. It's their den, their sanctuary, their fortress of solitude. Dogs are den animals by nature, and a crate taps into this instinctual desire for a cozy space.
Potty Training Paradise
Crate training is the secret sauce to mastering potty training! Dogs have an innate desire to keep their sleeping area clean. So, when your pup is in the crate and you've taken them out to do their business, they're less likely to have accidents inside.
Prevents Destructive Behavior
Working breeds are known for their boundless energy and curiosity. Without proper confinement, they'll turn your house into a warzone. A crate provides a safe environment for them when you can't supervise.
Establishes Routine
Discipline and structure are key to training a working dog breed. Crate training helps establish a routine for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime, making it easier to instill obedience.
The Risks of Not Crate Training:
Household Havoc: Without the boundaries of a crate, your puppy will run rampant, chewing your favorite shoes, gnawing on furniture, and leaving your home in shambles.
Potty Problems: Expect to find surprise puddles and piles in every nook and cranny of your house. Potty training will be a never-ending nightmare.
Behavioral Issues: Dogs without structure and confinement tend to develop anxiety and behavioral problems, which can lead to aggression, excessive barking, and destructive tendencies.
Training Delays: Good luck trying to teach your pup any commands or tricks when they're too busy exploring the uncharted territories of your living room.
Potty Training Magic: The Crate Connection
Let's address the elephant in the room – the crate is not a prison. It's not a place to isolate or confine your puppy out of cruelty or to be used as a means of punishment; it's a sanctuary, a secure haven that speaks the language of your dog's instincts. One of the most significant benefits of crate training, especially for working dog breeds, is its role in potty training. The crate is the most powerful tool you can leverage when establishing a routine, and having a routine will ensure that you are able to quickly and successfully potty train your dog.
Establish a Routine
Set a consistent schedule for taking your pup out of the crate for bathroom breaks. Typically, right after waking up, after meals, and before bedtime is a good starting point.
No Room for Accidents
Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. When your pup is inside the crate, they'll learn to hold it until you take them out. For this reason, it’s important that you put your dog in an appropriately sized crate. As a rule of thumb, the crate should be a snug fit. Just big enough that your dog can stand and turn themselves around, but no bigger.
Positive Reinforcement
When your pup successfully goes outside, reward them with praise and treats. This reinforces the connection between doing their business outdoors and receiving positive feedback.
Gradual Freedom
As your pup becomes more reliable with potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom around the house, always under supervision.
Final Thoughts
I stand firmly in my convictions that crate training is not just a suggestion; it's a necessity for the well-being of your Belgian Malinois or any other working dog breed. Don't be fooled by those who say otherwise. Ignore crate training at your peril, and you'll find yourself in a never-ending battle against destruction, potty problems, and behavioral chaos. Whether you have a working dog breed or not, the advantages of crate training are undeniable. It provides safety, deters destructive behavior, establishes routine and discipline, and is a cornerstone of successful potty training. For working dog owners, crate training is a tool that can enhance your dog's performance in their role, ensure their safety, and maintain their overall well-being. But remember, crate training should always be done with patience, positive reinforcement, and respect for your dog's needs. When used correctly, the crate becomes a valuable asset in your dog's life, offering them security, structure, and a place to call their own. So, embrace the crate, unlock its potential, and watch as your canine companion thrives!