Crate training is a relatively new idea for many, but is a very effective training tool for adult dogs and puppies. It will take a little time and effort to train your dog to use the crate, but it can prove useful in a variety of situations. For instance, if you have a new dog or puppy, a crate is a simple and effective way of teaching it the boundaries of the house as well as keeping him out of danger. When you’re travelling in the car, visiting the vet or any other time you may need to confine your dog (eg. after surgery or if it has been injured), it’s much easier, safer and far less stressful if your dog has been trained to enjoy spending time in a crate.

Size of crate

A crate has to be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down. There are a variety of crates e.g. plastic (used on airlines), wire (collapsible, metal pens) or collapsible fabric crates.

A crate is like a security blanket and safe area for your dog. When dogs feel unsure or threatened for any reason they like to find small enclosed spaces where they can “escape” to and know they will be left alone and not be pestered or disturbed. They also actually need to have a break or time-out from a situation that may scare them or just be too much. For instance when a new dog or puppy goes to a home with small children the noise and excitement and hype of the children playing may just be too overpowering for him initially. Therefore being able to get away from the high activities will help him settle into his new environment at his own pace and help eliminate any possible unwanted behaviours occurring. Over excitement with children and dogs can lead to possible nipping and mouthing which then is easily avoided.

Training your dog to use the crate

The period of crate training varies according to the dog’s age, temperament and past experiences. It is very important to remember that your crate must be associated only with good experiences and training be done at your dog’s pace. Vary the length of time that your dog will spend in its crate, especially during training. This helps to avoid your dog anticipating or expecting to be let out at a particular time and in turn reduces any issues such as whining or scratching to get out and keep him calm and relaxed.

Introduce your dog to the crate

Put your crate in a part of the household (living room, TV room, etc.) making it look inviting and comfortable for your dog. Normally, dogs will go over and investigate and as soon as your dog goes near the crate, reward it by throwing a food treat into the crate or near its entrance. Keep repeating this every time the dog goes near the crate. If the dog settles down inside the crate, reward this behaviour either with your voice or with tasty food rewards. You want him to view the crate as a wonderful place to be, full of goodies and treasurers. He should only associate good things with the crate.   Do not at this early stage make any attempt to shut the door of the crate. He needs to understand that he can come and go as he pleases and it is a comfy and very pleasing place to be. Make sure you always set up your dog up for success. Never try and push him in to the crate as this will create an aversion that will take a very long time to rectify. Most important the crate must never be used or associated with any type of punishment.

Feed your dog in the crate

Start feeding your dog his regular meals in the crate. Place the bowl just inside the crate and encourage him in. If he dog goes in easily at dinner time, start encouraging him to go in and then place the food bowl inside. As he becomes more comfortable eating in the crate, you can calmly begin to close the door. Begin by closing the door as he eats its meal. Make sure you open it before he finishes his meal. Then as you progress, gradually leave the door closed for a few minutes at a time. Soon you should find that he will happily stay in the crate after finishing his meal. If he whines; ignore the behaviour and wait until he is quiet. As soon as he has stopped go and open the door, give lots of praise and let him out.   Next time, make sure he is in the crate for a slightly longer period of time. Under no circumstances rush this as he needs to be completely comfortable before you start increasing the length of time.

Increase the length of time in the crate

Once your dog is happy in the crate for about 10 – 15 minutes after finishing his meal, you can start to keep him in the crate for longer periods. Begin getting him into the crate using a cue such as “crate” or “bed”. As he enters give it a treat, praise and calmly close the door. Quietly sit nearby for a few minutes and reward him for remaining calm and happy. You might even want to open the door and give a toy such as a Kong filled with peanut butter to make him want to settle and stay longer. Continue with your daily activities and return regularly to reward him for his calm behaviour inside the crate.
Start with short sessions and gradually increase the length of time that you leave him inside the crate over several days or weeks. Work at his pace.

Crating your dog at night

Once your dog is happily spending time in its crate with you around, introduce it to crating at night. Always ensure he has toys or Kongs or something really yummy to help settle into the routine. Keep the crate in a familiar, central area so he feels comfortable and relaxed. With young puppies or older dogs you may need to take them out for toilet breaks during the night. But again by making the crate a ‘fun’ and enjoyable place to be, night time crating will be an easy transition.

Too much time in the crate

Be careful when you have a puppy not to let him spend too much time in a crate. Even though it is a great tool for toilet training they can only last for a couple of hours before needing to relieve themselves.   So help them learn the routine of coming out and going to relieve themselves in the appropriate place you want them to go to. Give lots of praise and treats to help reinforce this behaviour and quickly they will be house trained.   Also, it if unfair to keep them contained for too long as they are still developing and growing and puppies have lots of energy that needs using up. They also need more social interaction than adult dogs and be able to explore their surroundings. If they aren’t given these experiences and opportunities while they are young, they can develop fears and unusual behaviors of many kinds.

With patience, practice, and consistency your puppy and dog will learn that his crate is a safe place and not a prison and may well become his most favorite place to go to where he can take “time out” from his busy life and relax in total comfort.

By Joanna, Trainer