How to Train Your Dog to Go in the Crate on Command

Crate training is extremely important and every dog should be crate trained. At some point in your dog's life he is going to have to travel, visit the vet or get groomed. Each one of these situations requires your dog to go into a crate. It is much better to teach crate training at home with positive associations. I will show you how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crate
• Treats
• Kong Toy

1. The first step in crate training is getting your dog to associate the crate as a good place to go. If your dog has any negative past associations this may take a little longer to teach. Start off by putting your dog's food dish in the back of the crate every time you feed her. Also, any new toys or treats should be tossed into the back of the crate.

2. When your dog goes into the crate to eat or get a toy, don't shut the crate door on your dog. At this point we're just trying to get your dog to associate going into the crate as a good thing. By shutting the door it may panic your dog and back up all of your training.

3. After this has been done for a few days, you can start the next step which is building your dog's desire to go into the crate. Most dogs don't like going into the crate because they know they are going to be cut off from their human pack members.

4. Changing your dog's desire to go into the crate is done through a little frustration exercise. Find a friend that can help you and follow the steps outlined in the rest of this article.

5. Have your friend hold onto your dog's collar, while you wave a treat or stuff a toy with peanut butter and treats right in front of your dog's nose. Don't let your dog get the treat or toy; you are just doing this very close to your dog's nose to get her interested and excited.

6. Remember, your friend is holding back your dog; after a few seconds of waving the treat or stuffing the toy you are going to throw the toy into the crate. Once the toy is in the crate you are going to shut the crate door.

7. At that point, your friend is going to let your dog go. The toy is inside the crate, crate door is shut and now your dog is on the other side of the door wanting to get in the crate. If done properly, your dog should be plotting at the door or whining to get in the crate and get the toy or treat.

8. Hold the crate door shut for a few seconds and then open the door and let your dog go in and get the treat. Repeat this process over and over until your dog goes into the crate willingly.

9. Make sure every time your friend lets go of the collar, you give the command “in the crate.”

Tips & Warnings

• Everyone in the house should be doing the training the same way.
• Use treats that your dog really loves.
• Get my FREE Report: "7 Biggest Housetraining Mistakes and How To Avoid Them!" (see Resources below).
• Never train when you are stressed or tired.
• Don't use too much punishment. It will intimidate your dog.

Resources

• Get the Free Report

[sanderdoe]

on 3/1/2009 Great idea! I'm enjoying your articles as we just got a new puppy and can use all the help we can get! Your instructions are clear and easy to follow.