I was wondering if anyone had advice on how to integrate my two dogs into the house after crate training them. I have a 9 month old pitbull mix, and a 7.5 month old german shepherd mix. They're both good dogs and I'm fairly certain that within the next month or so I could start to allow them to be home alone, out of the crate. Right now when I go to work they are crated. It has been a great housetraining tool and has worked wonderfully. I am moving into a new place in a week or two, so I will keep them crated for a week or so in the new house to maintain a comfort level, but after that, are there any suggestions on how to allow them more freedom-- without them possibly hurting themselves or my house?

I look forward to all the help!

Thanks!

It's easy. When you send them to their crates, just don't secure the door. At first, close it, but don't latch it. Then don't even bother closing it-- just leave it open. Try this while you are home first, then leave for brief periods, like walking to the mailbox, taking out the trash, or taking a shower. If all goes well, try going to the store. I wouldn't actually ditch the crates unless the dogs physically outgrow them, or stop using them entirely. The crates become like their own bedroom, and they tend to like being in them.

[wishbone]

Give them enough supervision and training when you arrived at new house. They slowly, leave them for few hours to see how they are doing. When you see they are ready, just make sure that things will be safe for them on which ever room they roam, keep away those that might hurt them or accidentally swallowed. Good luck!

The two issues regarding dogs that I'm asked about most often are problems with house breaking and how to prevent destructive behavior when dogs are left home alone. These two problem behaviors are also the main reasons why so many potentially wonderful pets are sent to shelters. Both could probably have been avoided in the first place and both have the same solution....Crate Training.
================================================== ====
jack009

Wyoming Drug Treatment