Why to Use a Crate for a GSP?

Buying crates for GSPs have created different opinions from people. Most first-time fur parents are often outraged by this idea. Yes, the disagreement of some pet owners on this topic is understandable. Dogs deserve a freedom-loving environment. They deserve a comfortable life around the people that they care about. Some may even think that crates are jails, and that’s not the case. In fact, crate training is not only given for home but also when GSPs go hunting or traveling by car. We all know that this breed is intelligent and is known as hunting dogs. GSPs are intelligent enough that sometimes, they can have some difficulty in household training because of stubbornness. They are known as great diggers in the yard if they are left on their own, and may also enjoy chewing things around the house. That’s why crate training is important. In this review, you will learn what size crate for German Shorthaired Pointer and basic crate training rules. 

What Size Crate for a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Dog length is the most important measurement. GSPs are medium-sized dogs. Ideally. the best size crate for a German Shorthaired Pointer is: 

For Adults:

Crate dimensions of 42L x 30W x 28H inches should be enough for them to stand and sit comfortably. This size is already considered as a large crate.

For Puppies:

Crate size for a GSP puppy varies depending on his growth. We recommend choosing a full-size crate that has a divider so that it will be easier to adjust the crate’s size as he grows. And you don’t want to keep on buying another. 

If you’re not sure what size to choose for a puppy ask or measure the length of the parents. Make sure to choose a crate not shorter than the proposed length. You can adjust it longer though.

The crate should be high enough to allow your dog to sit and stand at full height. It should be wide enough for your dog to turn around and long enough for your dog to lie stretched out.

Remember, don’t buy a crate that’s too big. It’s meant to be enclosed but spacious enough to make him comfortable. Dogs don’t want to soil the space where they eat or sleep, that’s why you need to buy a crate that is exactly your GSPs size.

5 Reasons to Buy Crate for German Shorthaired Pointer

• Crate serves as a personal space for GSP
• Traveling or hunting by car will be more comfortable
• Good start to training your dog discipline and teach positive habits
• Averting destructive behaviour
• Easier house training

Types of Crate for GSP Puppy and Grown-Up

Pet shops have a wide variety of crates for dogs. There are small plastic kennels, spacious metal crates, fabric carriers, etc. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all crate. It is the owner’s responsibility to choose the best home for his buddy.

• Best Dog Crates, Pet Carriers and Kennels
• Best Dog Crate Beds

Soft Sided Carrier

Plastic dog kennels are popular for its compact and secured walls. Easy to clean and wash. However, it’s not open to circulate air. The best time to use a plastic kennel is when traveling by car, not at home.

Plastic Kennel

Plastic dog kennels are popular for its compact and secured walls. Easy to clean and wash. However, it’s not open to circulate air. The best time to use a plastic kennel is when traveling by car, not at home.

Metal Crate

Metal Crates are durable and resistant to chewing. It is something that will protect your home from GSP’s chewing habits and the best choice for a cozy home.

Buying your first crate? Go further and find out all the details.

Where Should I Place a Crate?

You can put the crate near your bed to help your pup adjust to the new environment. With proper training, your GSP will soon understand that the crate is his personal space and there’s nothing to be afraid of. The crate is the best place to stay when he wants some time alone or when the whole family is together. Just remember to not put the crate in some areas of the house where it is too cold or too hot. It is bad for your pup’s health. Aside from that, the kitchen or children’s room is not a suitable place too in terms of hygiene. 

If you buy a crate before you made up your mind about the place in your home, choose a two-door crate. This way you will be more flexible when you finally make a decision, or you can move a crate.

If you have not decided yet where will you place a crate, choose a two-door crate. It will be easier to move the crate from place to place if you find the area not suitable for your dog.

What to Put Inside the Crate?

• Put a comfortable dog bed inside
• Keep your dog hydrated in a crate and provide him with enough water. Special water dispenser bowl is the best.
• Put his favourite toys inside. They help to cope with anxiety and boredom. Snuggle toys with a heart bit are a wonderful solution for puppies at night.
• Food bowls can either be placed inside the crate or you can choose a suitable spot right next to the crate.

How to Crate Train a GSP?

5 Things You should NEVER Do when Crate Training a GSP Puppy

• Crates are not punishments. Do not use it as one.
• Do not force your dog to go inside when he is afraid or anxious
• Do not leave your dog in the crate with accessories (collar, harness, or leash, etc)
• Do not use the crate as a substitute for training and walking
• Do not leave them  locked up for too long

Basic Rules to Crate Train a GSP Puppy

It is important to impose positive impressions when introducing the crate to your GSP.

• Always praise your pup for sniffing, going inside, or coming near the crate. This is the first stage, so don’t try to shut him down. Let him explore what’s inside, do not interfere. Do not limit his time in the crate nor try to get him out forcibly. Give him the most ideal conditions: put a comfy bed, crate training toy, and treats inside.
• When he starts to feel comfortable in his house, try closing it for a while then open it. Commend him for his positive response then let him out. But if your GSP puppy barks or whines when the door is close, disregard his behaviour and wait until he calms down then let him out.
• It’s a good sign when your pup starts to bring his favorite toys inside. It’s the main goal! 🙂
• You can gradually increase the time that he can spend inside his lair. Start from a few minutes, then increase to two or three hours until eight to 10 hours.
• Do not forget to leave water before going to sleep. Water will keep your pup stay hydrated the entire night.
• The best time to initiate a long stay inside the crate is during the night when he’s calm and sleepy.

7 Tips for Initial Crate Training a GSP Puppy

1. The same can be done with a bone or a dog’s biscuit. Throw the bone at the back of the crate and let your puppy find it. Remember, the crate should only cause positive emotions. The first thing to do is to walk your dog. Then take off his collar to avoid awful accidents in his crate. Use toys to attract your dog, praise him with loving words, and give him a treat when he enters inside.
2. Make the crate training enjoyable by turning it into a game. Repeat exercise 10-20 times a day. Leave the door open at first.
3. Do not leave your dog in the crate for an extended period of time. When your dog starts to enter his ‘lair’ without fear, try leaving him there for short periods of time. If, while in a crate, your dog is quiet and calm, praise him. If he barks or whines, ignore him (!) until he calms down and then praise him.
4. If your dog is making a lot of noise, try covering the crate with something like a blanket. Don’t ever get involved with him! At this stage, puppies are clingy. Whining or barking is not a sign that he doesn’t like the crate. He’s fine and he just wants to be with you.
5. If your dog has been calm for quite some time, increase his training. Do not forget to praise him when he is calm, however, there should be more gaps this time. Don’t forget to walk your pup when you let him out of his crate.
6. Once you close the crate door, try to spend some time close to your dog and talk to him about something to distract the uneasiness. If your puppy starts whining, distract him and let him smell his own fingers until he stops, then open the crate. Stay close to him. This training takes 5-10 minutes.
7. If your puppy falls asleep during class, don’t wake him up. When he wakes up, let him out and don’t praise him, play, caress him, or pay any attention to him for a few minutes. Let him think he’s loved much more when he’s in a crate. And don’t let the puppy out of the crate until he’s been quiet for 30 seconds.

3 Tips to Keep Your GSP Puppy in a Crate Overnight

1. Once your pup learned the lessons above, it will now be easier to keep him in the crate at night. It’s important to tire him out, for example by playing or luring him to his crate. If he starts whining, put your hand, or slip your fingers inside and talk to him gently. Don’t get mad or yell at him.
2. As a rule, a tired two-month-old puppy can sleep for four hours. If he wakes up in the middle of the night demanding to be released to go potty, let him do it. Take or take your puppy to a place where he is allowed to do that. If you want to take him outside, dress first, and then open the crate. After he’s done, put him in the crate without playing, turn off the light and go back to bed. If he starts whining again, give him your palm and talk to him gently.
3. It will take two or three nights to make him get used to this completely. In a week or two, try to leave the crate somewhere else in your apartment.

Final Tips to Leave a GSP Puppy in a Crate when You are out of Home

• Once you’ve done and mastered the training exercises above, it will be easier to make your dog stay in the crate when you leave home. Once you decide to leave him for a while, make sure that he’s tired and walked.
• Do not use force. Don’t forget to take off the collar once you invite him inside his crate.
• Close the crate and don’t talk about anything, just go and that’s it. But remember, do not leave him for more than 2 hours. If you’ll be out longer than that, make sure that you have someone to feed your puppy and walk him around in your absence.
• If you’re consistent in training your dog, and you are firm in your demands, start to leave your puppy in the crate when you leave home or go to bed. You’ll eventually find your dog climb on his own. You will notice this happens when he’s sleepy, tired, or simply just wants to be alone. When you’re at home, just open the crate door.

If your puppy is tired after long hours of exercise, playing with the kids or socializing with other dogs, he will fall asleep inside his crate all by himself. Let the crate door always be open when you’re home. Only lock the crate door if you’re traveling with your puppy outdoors, or if you have guests over who are afraid of dogs.

How to Crate Train an Adult German Shorthaired Pointer?

This is not difficult if you only feed him (!) in the crate. Crate training an adult dog is just the same for puppies. Ensure that your dog walks into the crate with a toy or food, don’t close the doors.

After 3 days of crate training, encourage your dog to go inside the crate without giving and showing anything. Commend with kind words, food, toys, and treats but should only be given when he enters his crate.

After a couple of days, put him there by command when feeding or giving him toys. Sit to the crate next to the crate but don’t close the door.  Then try to close the crate for one to two minutes. If he barks or whines, ignore him. Praise him if he’s quiet. Make your dog realie that barking is not a way to open the door. Gradually increase the training as time passes by.

It’s also important to let your dog know that you love him when he’s in the crate so when he leaves the crate – don’t mind him for a few minutes. Continue to do this until he is fully trained. Do not use violence or harsh words.

Lastly, be patient. it takes a two to three months for an adult dog to stay in his crate. When your dog is fully trained, it’s not easier to train your dog at home or when traveling.

Summary

Crate training is important for GSPs for proper house training, traveling, and hunting. The crate is your dog’s lair and you should make him feel that way. It may be difficult to train at the beginning but it’s worth it and will make you and your dog’s life easier in the future.