Key Points for Successful Crate Training
- Crate Training Isn’t Imprisonment: A crate provides your dog with a secure, personal space and can help reduce anxiety.
- Build Positive Associations: Use treats, toys, and games to make the crate a positive place for your dog.
- Be Patient: Crate training can take up to six months of consistent practice. Stay calm and committed for the best results.
Every dog owner wants a well-behaved dog that doesn’t chew up everything in sight and knows where to go to the bathroom, and crate training is a key part of achieving that. A crate provides your dog with a safe space that’s just for them.
Though some see crates as a form of confinement, dogs are naturally drawn to enclosed spaces, similar to dens. Proper crate training provides them a sense of security and can even reduce anxiety when used from an early age.
We spoke with Anna Flayton, senior dog trainer at PUPS Pet Club in Chicago, for her expert tips on effective crate training.
Step 1: Choose the Right Crate for Your Dog
Selecting the ideal crate is essential. “You want a crate that’s durable, comfortable, and suitable for the training you’re doing,” says Flayton. Dogs who enjoy sleeping in the dark may prefer kennel or airline-style crates, which are more enclosed, while wire crates work better for others. Ensure the crate is appropriately sized; don’t go too big. “Choose a crate that fits your dog’s adult size, and use a divider to adjust the space as they grow,” Flayton recommends.
Step 2: Create a Calm Mindset for Crate Training
Flayton emphasizes that a calm mindset is crucial for successful crate training. If the dog associates the crate with relaxation, they’ll naturally enjoy being there. Start by putting your puppy in the crate during calm moments, not playtime, for about 10 minutes. Gradually increase this time to reinforce the crate as a restful place.
Step 3: Make the Crate Comfortable, But Be Cautious
Adding a bed or towel can make the crate cozy, but use caution as some puppies may chew or soil these items. It’s not uncommon for dogs to prefer the crate mat itself, and a hard surface can be comfortable for them.
Step 4: Reward Your Dog for Entering the Crate
Positive association is key. Flayton recommends using a KONG toy filled with frozen peanut butter as a treat in the crate. This keeps the dog occupied, helping them get used to being in the crate while enjoying a treat.
Step 5: Limit Crate Time and Ensure Breaks
Remember that your dog needs time outside the crate for play, meals, and bathroom breaks. Avoid long stretches without a potty break to prevent accidents, as dogs typically don’t want to soil where they sleep.
Step 6: Make the Crate Fun With Games
Keep the crate a positive space by incorporating it into games. For example, play fetch by tossing a ball into the crate or hide treats inside for your dog to discover.
Step 7: Keep Your Dog “Naked” in the Crate
Flayton advises against leaving collars, tags, or any items that could catch on the crate, as these pose a strangulation risk.
Step 8: Gradually Increase Crate Time
As your dog grows accustomed to the crate, start increasing their time in small steps. Start by leaving the house for a short errand and returning. Flayton suggests using a remote dog camera to observe your dog’s reaction. If they seem calm, you’ll know they’re adjusting well.
Step 9: Be Patient With the Process
Crate training takes time, often several months. There will be progress and setbacks, as dogs learn in stages. But with consistency and calm, your dog will eventually respond positively, and you’ll be able to reinforce good behavior.
With dedication and patience, crate training can be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog, leading to a well-adjusted pet that’s happier and more comfortable in their new environment.