TRAINING ARTICLES

Contrary to what some believe, a dog crate is not the place to put a naughty pet for a time out. Instead, used properly, a crate should provide safety, security, help in house training, prevention of destructive behavior, and benefits to both you and your dog.

For you, the crate can provide quicker house training as dogs do not want to empty their bladder where they sleep. In addition, it provides peace of mind by helping to avoid destructive behavior while you are gone, offers a safe place for your pet when you travel, and prepares your pet for potential emergencies such as evacuations or surgeries.

For your dog, the crate should be a place of comfort and security. Dogs naturally seek out small places and the crate is a retreat when your dog is stressed or not feeling well. The crate also provides a space where your pup can remain indoors, with the family, rather than having to be isolated outside or downstairs when he/she needs to be restricted from something. Dogs are social creatures and leaving them outside for long periods is not only isolating to your furry friend, but can lead to other potential behavior problems.

Selecting a Crate

Crates come in different materials (plastic, often called flight kennels or Vari-Kennels, and collapsible metal pens), and different sizes. The crate should be just large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around without bumping the top or sides. (Keep in mind that a puppy will outgrow a small crate.) You want your dog to be comfortable when he’s inside. Put his bed or a comfortable blanket or pad on the floor of the crate. You can try different items to find out what he prefers.

Crate Training Your Dog

Note: When following these steps, sit near the crate so that your pet feels secure when near or in the crate.

If possible, have the crate waiting when your new pet arrives. Put the crate into the room where you and your family spend most of your time. You don’t want your pet to experience the crate as a lonely place where he’s left out of what’s happening. He wants to be part of the family. Put the crate where your pet can see the family, taking care not to be in the pathways of the room. Secure the door open so it can’t swing shut. Put a dog bed, or something soft and comfortable, inside the crate.

Let your dog notice the crate as he investigates his new home. If he seems interested and looks in the crate, toss in a treat and say “home” (or whatever word you choose.) If he goes inside, praise him and give another treat. Repeat this multiple times each session and do not close the door. Then begin to close the door and give a treat when the door is closed – then open it immediately.

Once he is comfortable being in the crate, extend his time there by closing the door for successively longer periods of time. Supply him with toys and something to chew on, such as a KONG toy filled with peanut butter and frozen. However, once he is comfortable being in the crate for an extended time, e.g., a half-hour, leave the door open so he can enter whenever he wants to feel safe while resting. Leave a favorite safe toy in the crate so he is tempted to go inside the crate to rest. You want your dog to view the crate as a haven from tension, worry, and chaos.

If your dog doesn’t enter right away, wait a while, and when your dog goes near the crate entrance, quickly put a treat between the dog and the crate door. The next time he goes near the door, put a treat closer. Repeat this, until you put the treat just inside the door. This first part of the training will probably take between several days and a week.

When your pet is comfortable around the crate and puts his head inside the crate to get a treat, put a treat against the back wall of the crate. If he won’t go all the way inside the crate, put the treat successively further and further toward the back. Continue this process until your pet is comfortable being inside. You might try putting his food in the crate and see if that entices him inside.

The Result

With patience and perseverance, you will eventually have a well-behaved pup that knows where to find a peaceful refuge from noise, chaos, and confusion. Should an emergency arise, your pup will already be comfortable in a crate and avoid the stress of a new situation. And you’ll have a safe space for him to chew a bone and stay out of the way when the situation warrants it. Of course, some dogs are quicker learners and more relaxed from the start. Don’t be ashamed to seek professional help if things don’t work out as planned. At Mostly Mutts, we’re here with many types of behavior help.

At Home Alone

One of the benefits of a crate-trained dog is safety and security when you leave the house. Some dogs can be destructive when left alone due to anxiety or excess energy. (See our article on chewing). You can train your pet to remain crated when you leave. Begin the training by closing the door to the crate when he is inside and sitting next to it. Start with short periods of time, then slowly increase the length of time the door is shut. A toy will help. Eventually you should be able to leave for several hours. But make sure he has had a chance to do his business first, and remember that puppies have small bladders. Leaving your pet in a locked crate for hours and hours while you go to work is cruel and a bad idea. The crate is not designed to be a dog sitter. If you have to be away from the house for extended lengths of time, employ a dog sitter or a kennel where your pooch can run free.

Do's and Dont's Regarding the Use of Crates

DON'T:

Use a crate as a baby sitter.
Leave your dog in a closed crate (after it has become comfortable in it) for more than a few hours.
Use a crate as punishment.
Expect to crate train your dog in a couple of days.

DO:

Be patient when crate training.
Get help if needed. Mostly Mutts offers many types of training help.
Be positive. Use treats, praise, and encouragement, not punishment or yelling.
Teach that the crate is a safe and calm environment.