Crate Training Dogs the Easy Way

Why is crate training dogs a good idea?

There are several reasons for crate training dogs that are both beneficial for the dog and the owner. A crate should be seen as a great place by the dog, it’s a place of his own where he can retreat for peace and quiet in a noisy household. It’s also a place where he can sleep and feel safe. For the owner the benefits of crate training dogs are that you know where your dog is – in his crate he is safe, and not destroying anything (i.e. if your dogs chewing is a problem). A crate can also help with house training puppies and dogs as most dogs do not like to soil their sleeping area. Crate training an older dog could be useful if you also have (or plan to get) a younger more energetic dog, as it gives the older dog a chance to have some quiet time on its own.

What type of crate do I need for my dog?

There are various types of dog crates that you can choose, from a wicker dog crate to a wire or plastic dog crate. A lot will be down to personal preference and budget. If you choose a wire dog crate you might also want to consider a crate cover to make the crate feel more enclosed and den like for the dog. Make sure that whichever dog crate you choose that the crate should be large enough for your dog or puppy to be able to stand up and move round easily. If your dog is going to be put into the crate for any length of time you will also need to have water available for the dog, there are water bowls available with hooks made specifically for use in a crate. You can also consider putting a blanket in the dogs crate, though if you are using the crate as an aid to housebreaking your dog you may want to leave the crates floor bare at first to avoid accidents. Portable dog crates are also available for use in the car.

What to remember when crate training dogs

Above all things that should be remembered is that you want your dog to perceive the crate as a good place to be, it should never be used as a formof punishment.

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Crate training dogs step 1

Start your dog’s crate training by having the crate door open and keep leaving treats in the crate for your dog to find. Most dogs are naturally curious and will wander into the crate to have a look. Of course finding the treats inside will be an added bonus. At this stage do not shut the door just let your dog wander in and out as they please. The more they find treats in their crate the more the dog is likely to keep wanting to go into the crate. You could also start feeding your dog in the crate, place the dogs bowl a little way in the crate but don’t shut the door. All this will build up to the dog thinking that the crate is a good place to be.

Crate training dogs step 2

You can then start putting a treat in the crate with your dog watching and when he goes in start associating a voice command with it, I personally use “In your basket” but you can choose anything you like. Then give the dog a treat still leaving the door open. Once the dog is comfortable with this the next time he goes in the crate briefly shut the door, treat him and praise then open the door again so he can come out. The dog needs to feel like this is fun place to be and not a way of trapping him. After repeating this several times gradually build up the time the dog is in the crate with the door shut, start with a couple of minutes, praise the dog while in the crate and give them a treat.

Crate training dogs step 3

The time the dog is in the crate can them be extended to five or ten minutes, ideally while the dog can still see you are around. You do not want the dog to think that when he goes in his crate it means he is going to be left on his own. When the dog is comfortable in the crate you can extend the time until you are able to leave them quite happily in there for a few hours.

Not sure if dog crate training is right for you and your dog?

At first I hated the idea of crate training my dog, as I was looking at it from a human point of view and from the idea of being locked up. However, my dog seems to love being in his crate, he seems to feel safe and secure in there and will put himself in there of his own accord after his morning walk.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

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