The Crate: A Safe Haven for Rest and Relaxation - How to safely introduce your dog to the crate
By using the techniques outlined below you can use a crate to properly house train your dog and as a safe place for your dog to go to rest and relax.
Why Crate Training a Dog of Any Age is a Good Idea
- The crate will keep your dog safe and out of trouble when you cannot watch them
- It will help housetrain your dog by using the dog's natural instinct not soil her sleeping area
- The crate gives the dog a place to find comfort when they are nervous or frightened, or when they just want to be alone.
- It provides the dog a safe way to ride in the car
- The crate also provides a comfortable piece of home when traveling
Finding the Right Crate
There are three different types of crates, each has its advantages and each dog may have their preference.
Plastic Travel-Type Crates: These solid-sided crates give a true den feel to dogs while begin adequately ventilated at the same time. Some dogs prefer this enclosed environment. Keep in mind that some dogs enjoying chewing the plastic and could destroy the crate in short time.
Wire Crates: Wire crates are more open and let the dog see what's going on around them. They are very well ventilated. This crate can be dangerous for dogs who panic and try to escape as the hard wire can damage their mouth and they could get caught in-between the bars.
Mesh Crates: Mesh crates are light weight and highly portable. They are an excellent step-up for dogs who are already crate trained. Puppies and adults who are not trained could easily chew through the fabric and mesh walls of this crate.
Finding The Right Size
The size of your dog's crate is very important. If it's too big it will not be useful in the housetraining process. If it is too small it will be uncomfortable and inhumane for your dog. The crate should give enough room for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down. If you buy a crate that your puppy will grow into, block off most of the area with a box or a crate divider you can purchase with the crate.
The Crate Training Procedure
Crate Training Do's
- Make all interaction with the crate positive.
- Always reward your dog when they enter the crate on their own, either to investigate or to lie down.
- Keep the crate in a place where the family hangs out most of the time, like the den or living room. Move the crate into the bedroom at night.
- Make the crate welcoming: fill it with a cozy bed or blanket and your dog's favorite toys.
Crate Training Don'ts
- Never leave your dog's collar on when she is in the crate. It could get caught on something and she could hang herself.
- Never force your dog into the crate, the dog should always enter by themselves or on command.
- Do not leave the house with your dog in the crate until she has proven she is ready. If the dog panics, she could cause serious harm to herself.
- Never reward barking or crying while the dog is in the crate by talking to them or letting them out. Ignore it, or use a startle technique like a shaker can or other loud noise.
- Never leave a puppy in a crate for longer than they can hold their bladder. If you force them to soil their crate, it can no longer be used as a training tool. A general rule for the amount of time your puppy can hold it for is: your puppy's age in months plus one, equals the number of hours they can hold their bladder for.
Training Day by Day
Day One
Bring the crate into the house a put it in a room where you spend a lot of time. Keep the door open, or take the door off. Put your dog's bed and some of her toys inside.
The Introduction: Call your dog over and encourage her to investigate it. Toss some treats into the crate and praise her when she goes in to retriever them. If she doesn't venture in to get the treats do not force her in, place a treat closer to the opening and praise her for taking it. Gradually place treats deeper and deeper until she will go all the way into the crate to eat them.
Meal Times: You should feed all meals inside the crate with the door open, this creates a positive association with the crate.
Nap Times: If your small dog or puppy falls asleep outside the crate gently pick them up and place them inside the crate. Stay with them as they fall back asleep.
When you know your dog is tired direct them into the crate. Sit or lie down in front of the crate opening and sooth your dog into sleeping with touch and a soft voice.
Day Two
Continue feeding your dog in the crate.
All naps should be taken in the crate now. You can begin to use a command to direct your dog into the crate like "Go to bed" or "Go to your crate." Say the command and walk with your dog over to the crate and toss a treat in.
Day Three
Continue with the steps outlined in days one and two.
While you are reading or watching TV, ask the dog to go to her crate. This time, close the door. Leave the door closed for one to five minutes. Then, casually open the door again. Do not make a big deal when you close or open the door. Do not let your dog out if she barks or cries, this will reward the behavior and teach your dog that barking gets her out of the crate. Always wait for a moment of silence before you open the crate.
Day Four and Beyond
Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the crate while you are present until she is comfortable spending a longer amount of time in the crate.
To keep your dog happy and quiet while she is in her crate is to keep her busy with a Kong toy stuffed with kibble, peanut butter or leftovers, or a bone. To make her enjoy her crate even more, you can save these special treats for only when she is in her crate.
Leaving Your Dog Alone in Her Crate
The next step is to begin leaving the room when your dog is in the crate. At first, only leave the room for a few minutes, then return and let her out of her crate. Gradually increase the length of time she can be alone in her crate over the next couple of days. Do not jump from 5 minutes to 2 hours alone - this is moving too fast and it may stress your dog out.
Always remember that all dogs are different: some may readily accept their crate while others may be fearful. If the initial introduction is relaxed and positive your dog will come to enjoy their crate as much as you enjoy relaxing in your favorite chair.