WHAT IS THE BEST HOUSING?
What you do with your dog when you are not training or spending time with them as just as important! Working dogs are bred to be smart and will learn to entertain themselves when given the opportunity. Most of the time, what they deem to be entertaining is not what we would consider to be constructive. One of the main reasons I confine my dogs while I am not able to be 100% focused on them, is so I can keep them safe. On the ranch, there is a pleather of situations that can injure a dog. My rule of thumb, is that if I am not able to stop what I am doing to immediately correct a bad habit I will put them up. There are many different ways one can confine their dog, especially in the beginning stages of their puppy and adolescent life. This includes:
Crate
Dog Run
Tie Out
House Confinement
Kennels are not only great for dogs, but unruly toddlers as well! :)
Crate training is beneficial in more than one way. It is a great way for a dog to learn to settle and relax, a place they learn to enjoy. If a dog happens to get injured, which comes with the territory of working cows, confinement is usually part of the recovery. Crating your dog will increase the amount you interact with your dog, creating opportunities for training and bonding. Our dog system includes individual 3x4 spaces, separated by partitioned walls to reduce fighting, kennel pacing, or bullying.
Having a dog confined when you are not able to supervise them, in their developmental stages, gives you the best chance to mold their habits for the rest of their days. You are able to prevent the habits you don’t want and develop the ones you do.
EVEN THOUGH I RECOMMEND KENNELING WORKING DOGS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT, IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO SPEND AS MUCH TIME WITH THEM AS POSSIBLE. THE WORKING RELATIONSHIOP YOU BUILD WITH YOUR DOG WILL BE THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUR TRAINING AND FOLLOW THROUGHOUT.
A good way to think of it, is that your dog needs to earn the responsibility to run loose unsupervised. Working dogs are bred with instinct, and that instinct can become their own worst enemy when it comes to keeping themselves out of trouble. Cats, horses, stock, and the like can provide entertainment at the most inconvenient times.