Den Instincts in Dogs

Dogs are born with a natural instinct to find and make a den.  They are drawn to this primarily for safety, not comfort.  It is an instinct because her safety is the driving issue.  When a dog finds or makes a den, she then has a place to go that is her highest safety area.  If it also provides her comfort, then she will like all the better.  You fulfill one of your dogs basic instincts by providing her with a den.  So do her a favor and get her a den. 

 

When you are potty training a dog, you need to think like a dog.  So, just for fun, below you can think like a dog and see the Den instinct issues "from a dog's point of view." 

 

 

"Don't Worry, I got your Back"

With the right size den, I can see out the entrance into the area around me.  I can scan for interesting or dangerous things.  I can also be assured that while I observe what is in front of me, no danger can approach me from behind.  In my den, there is only one way in, and I've got that covered.  In my den, danger can only approach me from in front, where I am watching.  In my den, I am safe, because I don't have to worry, my back is covered. 

A Cave is not a Den

A big cave is too big to be a good den.  Other dangerous things can hide in a cave.  When I am away from my den, other animals can enter it.  But in my small den, I will see the intruder immediately when I come back.  In a big cave, the intruder could hide and attack me from behind once I turn around to guard the entrance.  A cave is not a good den.  A cave is too big to be safe. 

 

The Right Size Den

To be a good den, I can see the entire interior with one glance when I enter.  I can stand up in my den.  I can turn around in my den.  I can stay clean and dry in my den. 

 

 

I Keep My Den Clean

I keep my den clean.  I do my business somewhere else because I don't want to make my den the toilet.  For goodness sake, I lay down here.  I don't want to lay in that!  Unless of course the Alpha forces me into it, then I guess I have to, but I'm not going to be happy.  I bet the Alpha will not like it either. 

 

A Den is Home Sweet Home

My den is my home sweet home.  It is safe, dry, comfortable.  There is no risk of danger from inside.  I can protect myself in my den.  I can also see my world from my den, so I know what is going on out there.  

 

 

The Alpha Picks the Den - The Crate is the Den

The above is a fun example of how a dog thinks.  Thinking like a dog is your best way to understand what is needed to be successful in dog training.  You are the Alpha dog, you pick the crate and show her that it is her den. 

The den is a small safe place for your dog.  Big enough to stand up and turn around in.  Small enough to feel safe and in total control of that space.  (If too big, they might think that it is ok to mess the back corner.)  Select a crate for your dog that is properly sized. 

Generally, your dog will not go potty in her den.  She wants to keep it clean as part of her den instinct.  Don't force her into making a mess in her crate (den) by leaving her in the crate too long.  If that happens, then she will think that's ok.  If she makes a mess there, you must clean it up right away and properly, with enzyme cleaners as described in the accident clean up section.   

Your dog will be very happy to have her own space.  A crate is very comforting to a dog - it is not a jail.  It is not punishment to put her in her crate. 

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