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crate training

Crate training your dog can be invaluable, and most dogs truly enjoy the safe and comfortable feeling they have when they are relaxing in their own crate. Along with positive reinforcement training, it can help speed up the potty training process and prevent your dog from starting destructive habits (chewing, getting into the garbage, etc.) Here are some tips to help you ensure your puppy grows up to be a dog that enjoys spending time in their crate.

Purchase a crate big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably, but keep in mind that he will grow! Check out my store for sizes
Rule of thumb—add one to however many months old your puppy is, and that is how long he should be able to stay in the crate during the day. Example: if your puppy is 2 months old, he should not stay in his crate any longer than 3 hours at a time during the day. Adult dogs should not be in a crate longer than 8 hours. If you need to be gone longer, you might want to look into having a pet-sitter come and walk your dog once during the day, or doggie daycare!

You’ll need to work on crating in two different ways. One is practicing positive reinforcement with treats, the other is practicing your patience when your puppy has a temper tantrum!

Practicing with treats
The following is a series of steps, each one to be repeated many times. Individualize the steps for your own pup, because all dogs will learn at a different pace. Start by feeding your dog treats when he is near the crate. Once he’s taking treats happily at that distance, go a little closer. Toss treats just inside the crate, then a little further. If your puppy is hesitating much, you’re moving too quickly. If your dog is happily taking treats fully inside the crate, close the door, but don’t latch it. Wait for 2 seconds, then 4, then 10. Latch the door and feed your puppy through the crate for 2 seconds, 4, then 10. Latch the door with a stuffed Kong for your puppy to work on. Walk to the other end of the room. If he’s comfortable, leave the room for a brief moment, then return. Leave a little longer, etc. Name of the game = Baby Steps!! For some dogs, this process could take a few weeks, and others several months. Investing time in crate-training will last his whole life.

Practicing with Patience:
Just like you teach your puppy good manners in the home, you’ll need "crate practice".

Put your dog in his crate and sit in a chair next to him. He will go through a few different phases of trying to get your attention. He may start off with a whine, or pawing at the crate. Then it may turn into a bark, or howl. He may even sound like he’s being murdered! You’ll be tempted to give him attention – Don’t do it!! If he is putting up a fuss, the worst thing you can do at this point is to give him attention. Talking to him, telling him to be quiet, or even trying to sooth him is going to backfire at you. Even if you look at him. Yes, looking at him while he is acting like a fool is only going to reinforce what he is doing. You’ll have to be strong and wait it through. If he has a temper tantrum for 20 minutes, and you give in and give him attention, you can bet that his next tantrum is going to be even longer! He will have understood that he eventually got attention for what he was doing, so he is going to try longer and harder next time. Just sit calmly and ignore him, 100%. If you get to a point where you can’t take it anymore, just calmly leave the room. One he has been quiet for a minute or so, calmly return. Most of the time you’ll find that after their tantrum, they end up falling asleep in the crate.

I also like to use the crate as an opportunity to practice impulse control. I start off putting my puppy in the crate when I know they are a bit sleepy anyways, to make it easier for them (because I know they are going to fall asleep soon). But as they get older, I like to practice putting them in the crate when they don’t necessarily want to crate. For example, when there is a lot of activity in the home. Or, when a friend comes over. The first few times you try this, expect that he will act like a fool again! Prep your friend or family and let them know ahead of time to ignore the loud crazy creature in the crate! You will help your puppy to work through their dissatisfaction and actually learn to cope with frustration (and sometimes anxiety) better.

In addition to having patience while you're going through these "baby steps" with your dog, remember that when you have to crate him because you have to leave the home, don't make a big deal out of leaving. Sometimes it can be difficult for owners to leave without telling their dogs "Its okay! You're fine in your crate! I'll miss you!". That kind of "fussing" can make a dog think that something is wrong, and lead to anxiety. Instead, crate him as you're leaving without saying anything or making a big deal out of it. Giving them a yummy stuffed Kong to occupy their time sure is helpful too!

Related Article: Anxiety Remedies

Giene Keyes

Giene Keyes is the owner of Moon Dog Training, LLC, providing positive in-home training, behavior consultations and group classes. After receiving “Best of Madison'' multiple years in a row, Giene sold her dog daycare to focus on her dog behavior work. Giene has been working with pets and their owners for over 30 years. She is a professional animal trainer and behavior specialist in Southern Wisconsin. Giene divides her time between teaching group classes and private lessons – Specializing in manners and aggression cases. Giene works with vets, rescue groups and shelters, evaluating dogs for adoption, developing Canine Aggression Management Programs, and educating staff on dog language and behaviors. She consults for dog daycares and training companies by educating staff on dog body language, cues, managing a pack, difficult dogs and much more. She provides behavior consultations for service dog organizations and rescue groups in the Midwest. She has been an Instructor with the American Red Cross in Pet CPR and First Aid, a Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator with the American Kennel Club, and a Licensed Judge with the WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection. Giene is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She routinely presents seminars on dog behavior and training, as well as chicken training seminars to promote team building. Giene has been a regular guest on popular Madison radio shows and evening newscasts. Giene has also been featured in numerous local magazines, including the cover for Wisconsin Woman. Giene is a published author (see her Chicken Training Book!) and loves demonstrating to people how clever dogs, chickens and pigs can be.