Crate training can be a game-changer for dog owners, providing a safe space for your furry friend and making potty training, traveling, and alone time much easier.
But getting a dog acclimated to their crate takes patience and the right approach. If you’re considering crate training, or struggling to make it work, these four tips will set you up for success.
Make the Crate an Inviting Den
The key to crate training is helping your dog view the crate as their own cozy den rather than a punishment or prison. Cover the crate with a blanket or crate cover to make it feel more den-like. Place soft bedding inside along with a few favorite toys.
You can even try putting treats or chew bones in the crate when your dog isn’t looking so they discover them and associate the crate with good things.
Selecting the right size crate is also important. It should be just large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
A crate that’s too large may actually deter your dog from using it as a den and could lead to accidents if they decide to use one corner for bathroom needs.
Introduce the Crate Gradually
Throwing your dog directly into a crate and closing the door is a recipe for stress and crying – not the calm den vibe you want them to associate with the crate.
Take it slow by first just leaving the crate open and letting your dog explore at their own pace while you provide treats and praise for any interaction with the crate.
Once they’ll readily enter and exit on their own, you can move to closing the door for very brief periods while you’re present, treating and praising calm behavior.
Slowly increase the time over days and weeks until your dog is comfortable being crated for reasonable stretches. Be sure to let them out regularly for bathroom breaks and playtime.
Make Crating a Routine
Establishing a consistent routine around crate time helps dogs understand when and why they’re being crated.
Immediately after exercise and playtime is often ideal crate time since dogs naturally want to rest afterwards.
You can incorporate other cues like a simple command like “kennel up” and providing a favorite chew toy or food-stuffed toy in the crate.
Over time, your dog will start to anticipate these patterns and accept entering their crate more readily when they recognize the routine you’ve established.
Consistent verbal cues and routines create positive associations.
You can even crate your dog while you’re home and present at first to build the positive association further.
Feed them meals in the crate, leave a dog-monitoring camera nearby to keep an eye on them, and be sure to reward calm, quiet crate behavior.
Don’t Go Overboard on Crate Time
While crates are extremely useful tools, they shouldn’t be a dog’s permanent living space outside of overnight periods.
Dogs need time to roam, play, and be part of the family. Aim for no more than 4-6 hours per stretch in the crate once your dog is fully crate trained.
And never use the crate for punishment by forcing your dog in after bad behavior – it should remain a calm, happy space.
With time and patience, crate training provides dog owners with major benefits while giving dogs a cozy den of their own. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to crate training success!
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