How to Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy

Dogs and puppies can learn to enjoy or even love their crates! Dogs are naturally den animals; if done properly, a crate can offer a quiet, safe retreat for your canine companion, and can also aid in house training.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A suitably sized dog crate (wire or plastic)
• Small (about pea sized), soft dog treats
• Toys
• Blanket, towel, something soft

1. Take into consideration the size of your dog before choosing what kind of crate to purchase. A chihuahua isn't going to need 36" long crate, nor should a mastiff be forced to scrunch into a 42" crate.
   
   You should choose a crate that offers enough room for your dog to comfortably stand up without hunching over, be able to turn around without too much resistance, and somewhat stretch out.
   
   A puppy or a dog who is not housebroken may need slightly less space. Often, dogs who are not accustomed to holding their bladders throughout the day will soil in one corner of their crate and rest in the other. Dogs don't like to soil close to where they sleep, but if they have enough room to have some distance from it, they will.
   
   Wire crates are best for growing dogs as they offer a divider panel which can be placed anywhere in the crate. This helps keep puppies isolated to one part of the crate and is also easier on your wallet as you aren't constantly buying new crates as your pup grows.
   
   Plastic crates also work well and act like more of a den than wire crates, as they are closed in. They work well for adult dogs or dogs who are done growing.
   
   If sized correctly, a crate will aid in housebreaking because the dogs are forced to hold their bladder until they're let out of the crate and taken outdoors.*
   
   * With very young puppies, they should only be kept in their crate for up to an hour at a time, but 30 minutes or less is preferable. As they get older you can increase their amount of crate time.

2. Once you have a suitable crate, make it cozy. Add a crate pad, a blanket, a towel, an old pillow - anything will do as long as it's soft. Add a favorite toy or two (not too many, as they do need room to lay down).

3. Sit on the floor with your dog or pup with treats at the ready. Get them interested in the treat but instead of giving it to them, place it near the opening of the crate and hold the door so that it doesn't accidentally bump against them - even something as mild as a slight bump can make a dog fearful of the crate in the beginning, which ultimately slows things down.
   
   The crate must always be something positive and comforting and never used as punishment. Think of it as the dog's little cozy apartment.
   
   Continue to hold the door during each training session until they're used to the crate. Each time you throw in a treat, throw it in a little further so that they have to go deeper into the crate to get the treat.
   
   Praise them when they do good! Ignore any other behaviors.

4. When they're entering the crate easily and without fear or hesitation, throw a treat into the back of the crate and close the door behind them (making sure not to close it on their tail or foot) for about 3 seconds. Don't latch it yet; just push it to.
   
   Before they have a chance to react, open the door and let them come back out if they wish. If they want to stay in, praise them profusely and offer more treats!

5. Increase the duration of time in the crate with the door closed. Go to five seconds, then thirty, one minute, five minutes, and so on -- as long as they aren't too worried about being shut in. Praise them a lot!

6. Now close the door all the way and begin feeding treats through the openings in the crate, praising them the entire time. If they begin to whine or act worried, simply wait for a moment of calmness or quiet and let them out. Start again a few hours later after you have both calmed down.

7. Your goal is to be able to walk away with the door closed without them protesting or worrying about being locked in. This is where their favorite toys come in; not only are they comforting but they're also entertaining. You can even add something like a Kong or Buster Cube that they have to push around with their paws or nose to get treats out, which will keep them busy for a while.
   
   If you'd like, you can even add an article of clothing that has your scent on it to help them adjust faster.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog or pup likes to chew on fabric, try to avoid pillows, crate pads, or anything that has foam or stuffing that may get ingested and swell inside a dog's stomach. Instead, throw down an old towel or blanket... and always be sure to add a toy or two to keep them from wanting to chew other things in their crate.
• Always go at your dog's pace. Never force them into the crate or make it negative for them; it's supposed to be their home, not their prison.
• Never leave young puppies longer than 30 minutes to an hour. Older puppies and young dogs can be left alone for up to four hours, but must be let out to relieve themselves and burn off some energy. A dog walker may be able to help.
• Kongs, Buster Cubes, interactive toys and treat dispensing toys will keep your dog/pup occupied, but avoid leaving things like raw hide, bones or anything that might be swallowed whole or splinter in their mouth. They can be dangerous and cause choking.
• Avoid fabric or wicker crates with young dogs, pups and dogs who like to chew and dig. They won't last long and your dog may be able to escape!

Resources

• www.canine-einstein.org

[timinaustin]

on 9/3/2009 You advice worked for me.

[cdog1790]

on 9/3/2009 Obviously a lot of time and effort went into this. Great article. 5* & rec.

[mvalora]

on 8/31/2009 Good advice on crate training. 5*