Box training for dogs - a place of retreat instead of a coercive measure

Was ist Boxentraining?

Crate training means gradually familiarising your dog with a dog crate as a safe, pleasant and voluntary retreat. A dog crate can be a place of rest, sleep and safety - if it is introduced correctly.

We - Lui & Paulina - like to use crate training with puppies, insecure dogs or in special situations such as travelling, visits to the vet or after operations. It is always important to us that the crate is not a place of punishment, but a place of security.

Why is a box useful?

Dogs are cave animals by nature. A confined, manageable space gives many dogs a sense of security - especially in stressful or stimulus-flooded situations. A crate can help with:

• house-training of puppies

• the promotion of rest and relaxation

• Transport (car, train, plane)

• Medical rest after injuries

• overanxious or sensitive dogs

• Dogs that cannot stay alone (as part of the training)

But a crate is not a panacea. It is no substitute for training, exercise and attention.

How do you insert the box correctly?

1. the box is always open

The door remains open at the beginning. The dog should explore the box independently and build up positive associations.

2. reward instead of pressure

Food, toys or chews in the crate make it attractive. Never force the dog in or lock it up!

3. build up rituals

If the dog goes in of its own accord, we say, for example, "Go into the box" and praise it. This creates a signal that can be used later.

4. slowly increase the duration

First just seconds, then minutes - with and without a door. The aim is for the dog to be happy and relaxed in it.

5th box is quiet and protected

The box does not belong in the middle of the chaos, but in a quiet place with good air and visual contact with the family.

Typical mistakes in boxing training

• Use the box as a "place of punishment"

• Cage the dog too early

• Boxing times too long without supervision

• Ignoring stress signals (panting, scratching, whining)

• Do not establish a positive link

Our approach at Vitomalia

For us, a crate is not a must, but a valuable option - especially for sensitive, insecure or learning dogs. We pay attention to:

• Individual duration

• Sensible integration into everyday life

• Sufficient exercise & mental utilisation

• Rest periods outside the box

A crate should only be used if the dog really accepts it - and never for convenience or isolation.

Our conclusion

Crate training is a tool - not a compulsion. Used correctly, the crate can help the dog to calm down, feel safe and have a protected place to retreat to.

At Vitomalia, we see the box as an invitation to relax. Not as a place of control - but as a space of trust.