How to Get Dogs Used to Crates
Even if you don't plan to leave your dog in a crate much of the time, it's still an important and useful tool. If your dog is used to a crate, she won't be as stressed when boarded, or kenneled at your vet or groomer. She can be put safely in a crate for traveling or when you need to separate her from other animals. Finally, most dogs like their crates and will choose to sleep in them if the door is left open.
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Instructions
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Make the crate a comfortable place, with a dog bed, crate pad or blanket. Save money by using old quilts or a sweater or sweatshirt. (It's even better if it smells like you.) Put one or two of his favorite toys in the crate.
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Set the crate up in a central, convenient location, making sure it's not too close to a heat or air conditioning vent. Leave the door open.
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Feed your dog in the crate for every meal. Don't let her stand outside the crate and stick her head in to eat; make it a rule that all four paws must be in the crate before she gets food. Keep leaving the door open while she gets used to it.
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Have a consistent command like "Crate up" every time you want him to go in. Make a game of throwing treats and toys into his crate so he can run and get them.
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Start closing the crate door for short periods of time. When you close her in, give her an interactive dog toy stuffed with treats, a tasty chew or something else she loves. The whole point is to make her associate the crate with positive things. Never use the crate for punishment.
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Encourage him into the crate when he's getting ready to take a nap. If it's comfy and you have been rewarding him for going in there, he may well start going in by himself.
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Ignore her if she whines at first when the door is closed. Praise her when she's quiet, and avoid letting her out when she's in the process of barking or whining. Don't leave her closed in her crate unless necessary, and she'll adjust to it quickly.
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Tips & Warnings
Some dogs chew their crate pads or blankets, so don't leave one in there. You can leave a cardboard box (with any staples removed) that he can both shred and lie on.
Don't put her crate in an isolated spot like the basement. Instead, put it in the bedroom, kitchen or somewhere she can still feel included while crated.
There are many crate styles. Some fold up, others are soft sided, and some even double as coffee tables or bedside tables.
Don't overuse a crate. When you are home and it's safe for him to be out, he should be out with his family.
Never leave your dog with a collar, tags or leash on inside the crate. It can get caught in the bars and strangle your dog.
