Crate training is one of the best means to give your dog a safe space, but it can also help you with house training and even behavior issues. Crate training, when done right, will indicate to your dog that it is safe and satisfying. In this guide, you’ll learn all about the entire crate training process — from selecting the ideal crate, to successfully teaching your dog to love it.
Why Crate Train Your Dog?
The process of crating a dog has several advantages for both the dog as well as the owner. Below are some of the main reasons why you should consider crate training:
House Training:
Dogs have an innate tendency to avoid eliminating make they sleep, which is why crate training can be one of the most effective forms of potty training.
Safety & security:
A crate provides a private area for your dog to unwind and find their comfort.
Hindrance to Destructive Behavior:
Chewing and other destructive behavior may be prevented if the puppy is inside the crate without supervision.
Choosing the Right Crate
Choosing the right crate for your dog is important long before you get started with training. Take note of the following:
Crate Size
The crate must be large enough to enable your dog to stand up, spin around, and lie down comfortably.
If you are getting a puppy, a crate with a divider will let you make the space smaller while your puppy is growing.
Comfortable Bedding
Put down a soft mat or blanket to make his space more comfortable, but skip plush bedding if you have a pup that likes to chew.
How to Train Your Dog to Love (and Live in) the Crate
Should be a positive slant to the pit stop that actually weakens your dog’s association with the crate as a punishment. And here is how things need to go for success:
Step 1: Introduce the Crate
Put the crate in a quiet but comfortable spot where your puppy female spends time.
The crate door should be left open and examine your dog that he can do it as he will.
Make positive associations with the crate — toys and treats will help.
Step 2: Provide Food in the Crate
Begin by feeding them right in front of the crate.
Take baby steps by moving the bowl further into the crate and let your dog be in the crate while eating.
This process teaches your dog to link the crate with good things.
Step 3: Implement the Voluntary Ingress
Drop in treats or favorite toys to convince your dog to go in voluntarily.
Encourage them to go inside, but don’t make them.
Step 4: Step Out of the Room for a While
When your dog is comfortable indoors, close the door for a few seconds.
Start staying away for short periods and increase the duration as time goes on.
To keep the experience positive, open the door before your dog expresses discomfort.
Step 5: Extend Crate Time
Increase the amount of time you leave your dog in the crate, as long as you are still in the same room.
Provide a durable chew toy or treat-dispensing puzzle to keep them occupied.
Keep your dog calm and relaxed inside.
Step 6: Leave the Room
As soon as your dog can tolerate being crated with you in the space, begin stepping out of the room for short periods of time.
There are plenty of resources about how to crate train your pet, but the main point is to build up how long they stay crated over time as a way to get them used to being left alone in the crate.
Step 7: Nightly Crate Your Dog
Start with the crate in your bedroom, so your dog feels safe.
Gradually relocate the crate to the spot you want it to be.
Step 8: New Crate for When We’re Gone
An alternative is to crate your dog for short periods, but only while you are out.
When you leave, leave without making a big deal about it so it does not create separation anxiety.
Mistakes to Avoid When Crate Training
Crieta Training Mistakes to Avoid: Fear not, if you make the following mistakes, it can hinder a successful crate training!
Punny Punishment with the Crate
Never use the crate for punishment; this will only lead to a bad association.
Leaving the Dog in the Crate Too Long
Do not keep your dog crated all day without breaks.
Puppies should not be crated for more than 3-4 hours at a time.
The Gradual Introduction is not always that practical
This way, they will not be scared or resistant when you try to force them into the crate too soon.
Not Providing Enough Exercise
Add plenty of exercise and mental enrichment outside of the crate!
What to Do if the Puppy Won’t Settle in the Crate
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Whining Dog in Crate: If whining doesn’t stop, make sure your dog’s needs (to go to the bathroom, to eat, to exercise) are fulfilled before crating his or her in house.
Dog Is Afraid of the Crate: Use higher-value treats, and introduce positively reinforcing the crate slowly.
Dog Pees/Poops in Crate: Make sure the crate is sized right and takes bathroom breaks more often.
When to Stop Using the Crate
Crates are valuable training tools, but your dog should eventually be able to be loose in the house without problems. Indications that your dog is prepared to be left out of the crate:
Nom destruction when alone outside the crate.
House trained — no indoor accidents.
Can be cerquoural and not be confined.
You can slowly add free time inside the house and see what they do. Many dogs still use their crate as a resting area when they are no longer being trained with their crate.
Final Thoughts
Crate training is great for giving your dog structure, safety, and comfort. Focusing on positive training and giving your dog time to adjust, you will be creating their own comfortable safe space in the form of a crate. Crate training will be successful with consistency, patience, and reinforcement. This one takes time and effort, but many dogs will learn to enjoy their crate as a safe, warm place to sleep.
