Are you struggling to crate train your dog? Do they seem to have a lot of anxiety when confined in the crate? Maybe you’re not quite sure how to get started. If so, don’t worry – we are here to support your pet ownership journey.   Our simple approach to dog crate training will make the process easy and stress-free for both you and your furry friend. So read on for our top tips!

Benefits to Crate Training

Crates are an excellent management tool when you are house training your puppy.  A crate even accelerates the process, because your puppy will resist the urge to go in the area where they sleep and eat. Plus, crating can keep our furry friends safe while giving us peace of mind by keeping our very expensive sneakers out of their little mouths.

But wait crates aren’t only for puppies - there's even more reasons why we think this is an excellent idea!

🐾 Most daycares use crates as part of their strategy so that dogs can rest in between play sessions.

🐾 The animal hospital will utilize a crate pre/post op. when your dog requires a surgical medical procedure.

🐾 For noise sensitive or shy pups, a crate provides a safe place away from household activity and children. 

🐾 Crates enable you to safely transport your dog in the car and are a requirement for plane travel. 

🐾 In an emergency like natural disasters or fires, crates can be used as temporary homes for pets until more permanent accommodations are made available.

🐾 Crates provide your dog with a safe space to rest and relax. 

Choosing the Right Crate

Now that you are sold on the crate training benefits, you’ll need to go shopping.  Look for a crate which is large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lay down comfortably.  As your pup grows, it is likely you will need to purchase more than one size crate. Fortunately, crates are available in a wide variety of price points and materials, so there will be one to best suit your needs. 

Soft-side crates are portable and fold up easily, making them simple to transfer and store. This type of crate is a wonderful alternative for dogs who do not chew. 

Wire-metal crates are strong and when not in use can be folded flat for storage. Wire crates can be given covers to improve their appearance. Many metal crates come readily equipped with a divider which is helpful while your puppy is potty training.

Plastic crates are the most expensive of the group, but they are very sturdy.  If you dog needs to fly across the country or overseas, as air cargo, this is the type of crate you will need to purchase.

Introducing Your Puppy or Dog to the Crate

Once you’ve got the crate in your possession, locate it in an area that you and your family spend the most amount of time.  Dogs love the company of others, and a crate is not a punishment place.

Step 1: Play Crate Games

Start by throwing tasty treats inside, then praise your dog for moving into the space.  Do not shut the door.  Once your dog is comfortable going into the crate, practice closing the door for 1-2 seconds, then treat them through the door. Let them back out. Repeat this step many times, gradually building the time i.e., 10-25 seconds spent inside before allowing them to be free. 

Step 2: Leave Your Puppy or Dog Alone For Short Periods

Prepare a Kong or Toppl with something very yummy or alternatively use a special bone that will take a lot of time to chew. Shut the door, walk away. Return after 30 seconds. Don't make any fusses--just return after each interval as if nothing happened! Pick up the delicious item.  Repeat this step several times, varying how long you’re out of sight.  For example, leave for 45 seconds, then 2 minutes, then 15 seconds, then 7 minutes. 

Step 3: Leave Your Dog or Puppy Alone for Extended Periods

Now it’s the time to start building your absences. Start with short errands, like getting mail or watering plants; gradually extend these outs until you’ve been gone an hour at a stretch. Watch out for signs of excessive stress like uncontrolled barking, howling or destruction, if this happens seek a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) immediately!

Crate Training Tips

For your pup to look favorably at the crate, you will want to make the space both comfortable and entertaining.  Add soft bedding, some toys and perhaps something special reserved just for the crate, like a marrow bone. For puppies learning to potty train, opt to include a reusable pee pad, rather than a blanket.   

It is essential that your dog learns to be alone and entertain themselves. 

Prepare your dog for alone time by practicing when you are home.  Simply place pet inside the crate while you are tending to household chores. Dogs that are unable to be left alone develop separation anxiety could have been prevented if the pup was adequately prepared to be left alone.

Make Crate Training a Success

A crate is a wonderful way to have your dog spend some one-on-one time with themselves. And so, crates are never for punishment nor to be used for an extended period, unless it’s bedtime.  The best way to have a dog that loves their crate is to use it as another fun activity in your pup’s daily routine.

So, whether your pup is just starting to learn about the crate or you’re struggling with getting them to stay in it, we can help. Our virtual training sessions can take your dog’s crate training to the next level. From making sure crate training is a positive experience for them, to helping resolve any issues you may be having – we have you covered. Sign up for one of our upcoming sessions today!

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