Before you start to crate train your Shiba Inu to keep in mind that you have done all the preparations, which will help you with the training. Here we have tried to gather up all the information and the steps you can follow to crate train a Shiba Inu. As a result, you will get some essential tips and information on crate training and what to avoid during the crate training process. So let’s begin.
Perfect age for training
If you have decided to crate train your Shiba Inu, Make sure that you are doing it at the right age. Your Shiba Inu needs to be at least 10 to 12 weeks old before beginning. If you started it at a young age, it could cause mental and behavioral problems for Shiba Inu. On the other hand, starting it at an older age will make the training procedure difficult. So the perfect age is between 10 to 12 weeks old.
First Thing First:
Get everything ready for your Shiba Inu. Make yourself prepared first. Create Some notes and plan the process. Gather all the information about the best crate and how to use it. Check out the options in the crate. Also, see the reviews about the different crates. And observe which one best suits your dog’s needs according to its habits.
Size Matters:
The crate should be comfortable, as this place will be part of solitude, relaxation, and sleep. Crate size is directly related to achieving these benefits. The smaller size will make them feel trapped or congested. This will pressure them, and they may not use the crate. The first experience with the crate should be to make positive remarks. The bigger size of the crate will cause problems as they may use the extra space like a bathroom. The crate should be big enough so that your dog can easily sit, stand and stretch out in it. Getting the ideal size for your dog will ease the further crate training steps. If your dog is young and still growing, remember to buy a crate that can be used easily for upcoming years. Add 10 to 12 inches extra so it may not become small when they are growing.
Make it appealing:
The crate is not enough. Shiba Inu will not be happy in the crate where it is only a place to sit with no accessories. Try to provide toys and objects in the crate to make it more appealing for your Shiba Inu. For example, add a quilt or blanket, Toys, and other items to play with, a water tray, and food bowl, pee pads, and other pet-related accessories. Making it a perfect rest house for you, Shiba Inu. Adding these items will encourage him to use the crate more often.
Introduce crates as a gift or reward
Once you are finished setting up the crate, introduce it to your Shiba Inu. Remember, the first experience is the last. Just introduce it when he is in a good mood as a reward or a gift. Also, be careful that this introduction to the crate does not become a tense occasion for your dog. You have to keep patience and observe his first move towards the crate and how the dog is exploring it. Don’t rush or make him panic, don’t try to force him to get inside. Let it happen on its own. Once he gets familiar and done exploring, then move to the further steps.
Reward with food, object, or action
If you have finished preparing the crate according to Shiba Inus preference. It will not take more time to adapt to the change and accept the crate. Shiba Inu will start using it on its own without any training. But if you face a problem and Your Shiba Inu is not taking the crate seriously, then the best thing is to start with food. Provide his food in a crate for the first time, whether he eats it or not. Once he gets in the habit of eating food near or in the crate, then starts putting his toys in the crate. Keep all his favorite toys in the crate, and gradually, he will play with those toys in the crate. Now once he is ready with his toys, it’s time to give signals and actions. Whenever he sits in the crate, show him love, respect, or pat him on his chest and head as a reward. He must understand that to get food, toys, or attention from my owner; then i have to use the crate.
Clean the mess
The crate should always be clean, tidy, and smell-free. It should be the best comfort area for your Shiba Inu to adapt quickly. If the create stinks or gives an unpleasant smell, your Shiba Inu will avoid sitting in it, making it hard to train for the crate. Clean the food wastage, dust, shed hairs, and other mess in the crate regularly.
Open and Close the door:
After your Shiba Inu goes inside for the treat, shut the door and wait for a few
seconds. Then, open the door for a few seconds and then close the door again. Repeat this method every day by gradually increasing the time limit.
It is not necessary:
Training your Shiba Inu is very important. It will allow your dog to perform some basic activities, like finding its den, without any problem. Usually, Shiba Inus are subjected to crate training to display acceptable behavior. You will need to exercise patience during the whole training process. After doing all the needful, if your Shiba Inu is still not accepting the crate, just let it be. It should always be the choice and not with force implementation.
The crate will essentially become a Shiba Inu’s house. Crate training gives your pet a den – a safe place for them to hide from danger or where they can find comfort and solitude. The crate can limit their access to the rest of the house while they learn other rules, like not to chew on furniture. Crates are also a safe way to transport your dog in the car. It is only necessary if your dog accepts it and uses it on its own without any force. Otherwise, it may be a cause of aggression and depression if done forcefully.