How to Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy
Crate training is a method of house training your puppy or dog. The crate is used to keep your dog confined when you are not able to supervise. Since most dogs will not urinate or defecate in the same place they sleep, your dog will most likely try to hold the urge when it is confined to its crate.
When used correctly, a crate prevents the dog from getting in the bad habit of having accidents in your home and gives it a safe space that is akin to a doggie sanctuary.
Choose a Crate
There are several types of crates choose from, such as a wire cage, a plastic pet carrier, and a soft-sided canvas or nylon crate.
Wire crates are the most commonly used. They allow your dog to see its surroundings, and many have an extra panel to adjust the size according to your dog's needs. This type of crate is collapsible and features a sliding tray in the floor for easy cleaning.
A plastic pet carrier is a good option for crate training and is often used for airline travel. However, it is enclosed on three sides, restricting light, and is harder to clean than a wire crate.
Soft-sided crates are lightweight and convenient for traveling with your dog. However, dogs that like to chew or scratch might break out, making them unsuitable for young puppies.
Regardless of the type of crate you choose, size is important. The crate should be just large enough for your dog to lie down comfortably and turn around. If it's too big, your dog might use part of it for sleeping and another for eliminating.
Many wire crates come with a divider, which is ideal for crate training a growing puppy. The divider lets you confine your puppy to a small area and adjust the size as your puppy grows. Check out our favorite crates for puppies that have been tested and reviewed.
Introduce the Crate
Crate training should always be positive. Introduce your puppy or adult dog to the crate gradually. Place a soft item at the bottom and add some toys. Toss a few treats inside, and let your dog explore the crate at its own pace without forcing entry.
Praise and reward your dog with a treat when it enters the crate on its own. Keep the crate door open and allow your dog to wander in and out freely until it feels comfortable.
Confine Your Dog in the Crate
Dogs are den animals and enjoy having a safe, secure space to call their own. When done correctly, crate training provides this safe haven and gives you peace of mind when you're not home.
Many dog owners find that their pets continue to seek out their crates long after housetraining is complete. Other owners stop using the crate once their dog can be left alone without accidents or becoming destructive, allowing free run of the home.
Once your dog is comfortable going in and out of the crate, start getting them used to confinement.
Toss some treats in the crate, and when your dog is inside, close the door.
Wait for about a minute, and if your dog is quiet, let them out of the crate.
Gradually increase the time your dog stays in the crate while you're at home until they're comfortable being confined for up to an hour or more.
Once your dog is comfortable with confinement, get them used to being left alone in the crate.
When your dog is calm in the crate, leave the room for a few minutes, then return.
Gradually increase the time you're out of the room until your dog or puppy is comfortable being left alone in the crate for an hour or more.
Problems and Proofing Behavior
Never use the crate to punish your dog. They should see it as a happy, comfortable, and safe place. Using the crate for punishment can cause your dog to become fearful and anxious when left inside.
Never let your dog out of the crate while they're whining or barking; they should be completely calm before you release them. Letting them out when they're noisy teaches that making noise will get them released. This mistake can lead to many sleepless nights waiting for your puppy to settle down.
Never leave your dog crated longer than they can physically hold their bladder or bowels. Puppies can usually hold it for no more than three to four hours. An adult dog that hasn't been housetrained should also not be left longer than three to four hours. Older dogs might hold it a bit longer.
Dogs shouldn't be crated for more than this time without opportunities for exercise, playtime, and cuddles with you.
