Crate training your dog is a step-by-step process that may take as little as a few days, or up to a couple of weeks maybe even months. It can be a trying process at first but in the long run your unchewed sofa, unsoiled carpet and more importantly, your beloved puppy will thank you for the hard work and crate training.

By the time you’ve completed the steps contained in this article from preparation all the way through to the final stages of completing the training your pet will have a haven where both you and your puppy can rest assured of it’s comfort and safety.

Preparing your Dog Crate

Preparation for training your dog to use his or her new dog crate can be crucial in the acceptance of the crate as a safe haven and part-time home. There are just a few easy steps in the preparation stage to ensure that your pet has a better experience and sees the crate as a positive place.

1. Location
Dog’s by nature are pack animals and enjoy the company of their pack members, in your dogs case this is you and your family. Take this into consideration when placing your dogs enclosure – find a suitable place where they can see or hear you and is away from any drafts or hot places that may be in direct sunlight.

You should always try and make your dog as comfortable as possible when they are spending time inside the crate to reinforce the crate as being a positive place. The location and furnishing being the most important.

2. Furnishing
Just like you, your dog likes to be comfortable and have his favorite things around. Try and accommodate your dog or puppy by putting their favorite toy and a comfortable dog crate mat inside their crate. Water bowls that attach securely to the side or front of the dog crate are available.

Ensure there is nothing inside the crate that your puppy or dog could swallow or choke on.

Dog Crate Training

The time it takes to train your dog can differ depending on it’s age, temperament and previous experiences. It can take just days or weeks to get your dog entirely comfortable with the crate. Just remember to remain patient and no matter how long training takes you should never get outwardly frustrated or aggressive towards your pet, as this may further slow the training process.

Two important things to remember are a) not to try and speed the training process, small steps are best and b) the crate should always be associated with something pleasant.

1. Introducing your dog to the crate

Bring your dog to the front of the enclosure and maintain a positive tone of voice.  Try to encourage your dog to enter the crate by dropping some food or treats near the front of the crate and then inside. If your dog refuses to enter the crate at first that’s fine, continue to throw treats inside the enclosure until your dog will enter and retrieve the treat.

If your dog is still uncomfortable with the entering the crate we suggest removing the top cover or roof from the enclosure (if your crate allows this) and spend some time training without the top on. This strategy is generally used for dogs over 6 months old that are having difficulty with getting used to entering the crate, but can be used on younger puppies if needed. Just remember to try and keep your dog comfortable throughout the process and always make the crate a positive experience if you can.

Never push your dog, or force them to enter the crate. This will enforce negative associations that your dog may have with the crate and slow the time it takes to train your puppy.

2. Feeding your dog in the crate

After your dog becomes accustomed to entering the crate and is feeling somewhat comfortable while inside you should start feeding him his regular meals inside the crate. If he’s entirely comfortable inside the crate you can and should put the bowl right at the back of the crate.

Alternatively if he is still somewhat reluctant about entering the crate put his food bowl near the entrance or the crate, or just inside the door and over the proceeding days move the bowl closer and closer toward the back of the enclosure until he is standing entirely inside the crate to eat his meals. It is important to only ever put the bowl in as far as your dog feels comfortable with, if he’s fearful or anxious about going in to eat you might be moving a little too quickly.

Once your dog is comfortably eating while completely inside the cage you can start closing the door of the crate to get him accustomed. To start with only ever leave the door of the crate closed for as long as it takes your dog to eat his dinner. During the following days slowly increase the amount of time that you leave the door closed by 1 or 2 minutes at a time. Remember take this step slow!

You do not want to let your puppy out if he starts to whinge or whine, this only enforces that whinging will get you to come let him out. If this does happen, you may be moving along a little to quick, wait until the whining subsides to let him out and remember to reduce the time you leave the door closed next time you feed him

3. Training your dog to stay in the crate for extended periods of time

Now that your dog is calmly entering the dog crate and eating his meals without any signs of anxiety you can start to train him to enter the crate and remain in it at times other than feeding.

Start off by encouraging your dog to come over to the crate and give him a command to enter the crate. You may encourage him to enter by placing food or a treat inside the crate or by pointing at the crate with a treat in your hand. After he enters the crate praise him and feed him the treat and close the door.

The first few times you go through this procedure you should sit by the crate quietly for 5 or 10 minutes before building up to leave the room for short periods of time.  Return and wait with your dog for a short period of time and then let him out.

This process should be repeated a few times a day, prolonging the amount of time you leave your dog alone in the crate each time. Once you feel that you can comfortably leave your dog alone for half an hour or longer you can start leaving him in there for short periods of time and even get your companion to sleep in his dog crate at night.

4. House breaking (or Potty Training) your dog

Crate training at night needs to be coupled with positive reinforcement for when your dog is taken outside and goes to the bathroom in the designated area.

When taking your dog outside to this designated area its very important that you follow a few simple steps to make sure everything goes smoothly:

• Always put your dog on a leash when taking them out of the crate to the designated bathroom area.
• If your dog or puppy is small enough it can be a good idea to carry them out to make sure there are no accidents along the way. Either inside or at the front door.
• Repeatedly give your dog a command while waiting for them to go outside, make sure that everyone who takes your puppy out to the bathroom uses the same command.
• When your dog succesfully goes to the toilet immediately follow this up with praise. Treats or food are a great idea and don’t forget to tell them what a good boy or girl they are.

Dog crate training doesn’t have to be a laborous trying procedure, in fact it’s encourageable to make training your puppy a fun experience as long as you set clear boundaries. After all you want your brand new puppy or dog to have happy and good associations with their dog crate.

If you are in the market for a new dog crate be sure to take a look at all of our different dog crate reviews. Or if you are wanting to deck your dog crate out with some cool new accessories, check out our dog crate accessories page.

I wish you and your family (including fido) all the best…if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us, we love to hear from you!

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