Crate training a dog is not about locking your dog in a cage for prolonged periods as a punishment. Rather you are providing a “den” that they are comfortable in and see as a safe place, available to them whenever they want time alone. Crate training keeps your dog safe when you are not around or are in your vehicle, and can help quickly housetrain a puppy.
The first step in the training process is to get a crate. There are several types on the market, the most common being the plastic airline kennel and the wire crate. No matter which type you purchase, the important thing is that it is the right size for your dog. It should be large enough so that your dog can stand up, turn round and comfortably lie down. If you have a puppy and decide to purchase a crate appropriate for their adult size, then you should use a divider (typically provided with the crate) to reduce the size. If the crate is too large then your dog will likely use one section to sleep in, the other to relieve themselves.
1) Set up your crate in the place where you want your dog to be. This is often the kitchen or the bedroom where there are people nearby. Place a comfortable bed and some toys inside and leave the door open allowing your dog to investigate and enter and leave at will.
2) Start feeding your dog close to the crate and gradually, over the course of several days, move their food bowl closer and closer until it is eventually inside. When your dog is happy eating with their head inside the crate, start moving their bowl further into the crate until they are fully inside when eating.
3) Once your dog willingly goes into the crate to eat you can shut the door. At first do this only for a short period, gradually increasing the time until you can leave the house with them in the crate. If at any time your dog gets upset or stressed then open the door and let them out. Go back to a point where your dog was comfortable and restart training at that point.
Crate training can be started at any age with any dog. Most dogs like being crated, feeling comforted by the smaller, secure area, but some cannot deal with the confinement, or have had negative experiences being confined in the past. These dogs may try to break out of the crate, potentially seriously injuring themselves. Crate training must be a positive experience, the dog wanting to be in their den. Forcing a dog into a crate or leaving them there when distressed is a negative experience that can cause lasting psychological and potentially physical harm to your dog. If your dog is not happy in a crate, you should talk to a trainer or behaviorist.
Crate training is not instant training. It takes time for your dog to become comfortable with the idea, but it is time well spent, knowing that your dog and house are safe.
