How to crate train your dog in ten easy steps

Posted on 5 May, 2022

Photo by Ayla Verschueren on Unsplash

Written by Tammi Avallone for Homesitters Ltd

Many dog owners choose to crate train their canine companions. Crate training has many benefits for both dogs and their owners, so how do you go about teaching your dog to love his crate?

Read this guide to learn how to crate train your dog in just ten easy steps.

1. Set Up the Crate

Wire crates are collapsible, portable, easy to clean, and affordable, so a versatile wire crate is usually the best choice of a crate for most dogs.

Before you start the crate training process, you need to decide on the best place for your dog’s crate. Ideally, the crate should be placed:

  • Out of direct sunlight and away from sources of direct heat
  • Out of reach of cables and power outlets
  • Out of drafts and away from aid conditioning units
  • In a quiet place away from doorways and high-traffic areas
  • Near to your family so that your dog doesn’t feel isolated

Keep the crate clear of chewable items that your dog is likely to chew or bite.

Fit the crate with a comfy bed, a non-slip crate liner, and a water bottle. Add a tasty chew toy and a few yummy treats just inside the crate and prop the door open.

2. Introduce Your Dog to His Crate

Start by allowing your dog to sniff around the crate and investigate it. Chat to your dog calmly and encourage him to explore his new “den.” Some dogs are happy to walk into the crate to get the treat, in which case, you’re halfway there!

The crate should be a comfortable, safe, welcoming, fun place where your dog wants to be, so you must never use it as a punishment or force your furry friend to go inside.

3. Feed Your Dog in His Crate

If your dog is reluctant to enter the crate, try feeding him in there. Allow your dog to watch you prepare his food. Now, place the bowl of food inside the crate. Most dogs will go into the crate to get the food. Once your dog is more confident, you can move the bowl to the back of the crate.

4. Close the Door

When your dog is comfortable eating his meal inside the crate, you can try closing the door while your pup is happily eating his food.

The first time you shut the door, open it again as soon as your dog has finished his meal. Try to get the door open again before your dog realises he’s shut it and begins whining or barking.

With each crate training session, shut the door for a little longer each time. At this stage in the crate training process, you’re aiming to confine your dog to his crate for around five minutes after he’s finished his meal.

5. Step Away from Your Dog’s Crate

If your crate training is progressing well, your dog should now associate his crate with treats, meals, and toys.

Provided that your dog remains calm, move away from the crate. Stay where your dog can see you, gradually increasing the duration of confinement. If your dog starts showing signs of anxiety, such as whining or barking, turn your back on him, and wait a few minutes until he’s quiet again. After ten seconds of your dog sitting quietly, turn around and let him out of the crate.

Gradually increase the time your dog is confined to his crate with the door shut. Remember to let your dog out for a potty break every couple of hours.

6. Spending the Night In The Crate

Most owners choose to crate their dogs overnight.

Your dog is safer confined to his crate where he can’t get into mischief while you’re not around to watch him. A dog is less likely to use his crate as a potty spot than if he is allowed to roam around the house, and you’ll get a better night’s sleep, too!

7. Use Verbal Commands

When crate training your dog, you must teach your pet to understand verbal commands associated with entering his crate.

Choose short, clear words that your dog can easily remember and recognise. You might want to use “Crate” or “Bed.” Reinforce your dog’s good behaviour by telling him that he’s a “Good boy,” and use “No!” when things don’t go to plan.

When your dog enters the crate when you ask him to, remember to reward your pet with a treat and tell him what a “Good boy” he is.

8. Up the Ante

As your dog becomes confident in staying in his crate with the door closed, increase the duration of confinement, and move out of sight.

You’ll find it easier to have your dog settle in his crate if you give your pet plenty of exercise between crating sessions. Ultimately, you want your dog to learn that spending time in his crate alone is just a part of his usual daily routine.

9. Dealing with Tantrums

So, what do you do if your dog throws a tantrum during the early stages of his crate training and demands to be let out of his crate?

Don’t panic if your dog objects to being confined to his crate at first. That behaviour is to be expected, and most dogs do complain until they get used to the idea of containment. However, don’t cave in and let your dog out of the crate whenever he starts whining or barking. If you do, you’re reinforcing your dog’s undesirable behaviour! So, only let your dog out of the crate when he’s calm.

Every time your dog throws a tantrum, simply turn your back on him and allow him to settle down again.

10. Always Be Consistent

Consistency is crucial when crate training your dog.

You must use the same commands for clarity, and stick to your guns, even when your furry friend complains and whines!

There are no shortcuts when crate training your pet. Some dogs take to their crates more quickly than others, and a few will never accept using a crate. If you have one of those pups that quite simply refuses to be confined to his crate, we recommend that you consult an animal behaviour specialist for help.

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s crate is a safe place where your furry friend can kick back and relax whenever he wants some alone time.

You can use your dog’s crate for potty training, preventing destructive behaviours, and keeping your dog safe when you’re not around to watch him. Always be consistent, patient, and firm when crate training your dog, and you’re sure to be successful in the end!

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