Crate Training Dogs

It will be an excellent use of your time to learn about how to crate train dogs. Many dogs enjoy having a safe, secure place in the house so they can retreat when things get hectic. Crates are necessary if you ever intend to travel with your dog. Airlines demand them and even if you’re merely traveling by car, your dog will be much safer if he is secured in a crate. Crates can even be very helpful in house training a dog as well.

When you take on crate training your dog you can start when he is a puppy, but even if you are crate training an adult dog, the process is the same and it’s not difficult.

You should begin by choosing an appropriate crate. Some people prefer wire crates which allows a dog to see everything that’s going on outside the crate. Other people prefer the closed-kennel model used for airline travel. These airline-style crates are preferred for traveling since they are hard plastic and offer more protection. Different dogs may like different crates, but many dogs like the closed-kennel type crate because it provides a den-like atmosphere. The dog can “hide” in the crate, which some dogs like to do.

As for size, you should get a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand up in and lie down in. There are usually guidelines on the crate boxes that suggest crate sizes for breeds. You shouldn’t get a crate that is too small OR too large for your dog. They don’t enjoy being in a crate that is too big since it takes away the sense of security the crate gives them. Crates that are excessively large are also a hazard when your dog travels since he can be tossed around in it. The crate should be big enough and no more. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for your pet’s size and you should be all right.

Once you have your crate you should bring it home and set it up in your house. Keep the door open and let your dog explore it all he wants. You can even put some treats in the crate. Make it inviting for him. You can leave the crate out for a couple of days until he gets used to it. He may go inside on his own and try it out.

If your dog typically sleeps in the house (or in your bed)  you may wish to set the crate up in your bedroom, next to your bed. Or you can put the crate anywhere where your dog will be able to see you.

You can also place your dog’s food in the crate. Allow him to begin associating good things with the crate.

Eventually you can close the door behind your dog when he goes into the crate, but only for a few minutes while you are within sight. Praise him and give him lots of treats when you let him out. You can gradually lengthen his stay in the crate. If the crate is next to your bed you can let him stay there in the crate for a short time while you are on the bed.

You can work on letting him stay in the crate while you go outside for a few minutes. Remember to praise your dog and reward him when you come back and let him out.

Gradually you can leave the house for a short trip and come back to see how he did. Your dog should be well on his way by now.

Just remember the basis for crate training dogs is to proceed in a slow, step-by-step fashion. Take things slowly and remember to praise your dog all along the way. The crate is a good place. It’s not a place of punishment and you shouldn’t leave your dog there unattended for an extended length of time. Dogs enjoy their crates but they shouldn’t be misused.