Why Crate Training?

Pets are prepared for travel

Creates a safe haven during stressful times

Pets are more at home at vet, groomer and during boarding

Potty train in less time 

The Do’s and Don’t of Crate Training

NEVER use the crate as a punishment for bad behavior.

Puppies don’t have bladder control.  Do not leave a puppy for more than 4 hours.

Do not leave a pet in a crate for a long period of time without exercise.

Always make the crate a warm inviting place.  Include toys and chews.

How to Crate Train Your Dog

Step 1:  Introduce The Crate

Place the crate in a quiet corner of a regularly used room, and put a soft blanket or bed and a few toys inside.

Give praise if they explore it on their own.

Sit near the crate and call to them in a happy tone.  Offer treats and praise when they come near the crate.

Step 2:  Stepping Inside

Gradually work up to asking them to step inside the crate.  Eventually ask them to walk entirely inside, using small treats as rewards.

Add a command, like “Crate” or “Go to bed”.  Keep it simple and consistent each time you’re working with the crate.

Step 3:  Closing the Door

Once they are comfortable going in and out of the crate, ask them to go in and close the door.

Only close it for a second or two, then open it.  Give lots of praise for quiet, good behavior.

Slowly work up to having the door closed for a few minutes, up to 30 minutes while you are sitting nearby.

Step 4:  Meals and Nap Time

Your dog is now comfortable going inside the crate with the door closed.

Begin to feed all of their meals inside the crate with the door closed.  This will help make the crate a desirable place!

You may notice your puppy retreating to their crate for naps.  If they don’t do this on their own, you can put them in their crate when they are sleepy.

Step 5:  Leaving the Room

It is time to advance the training.  Ask them to go in the crate and close the door.  Leave the room for a few seconds and come back.

Act calmly, ignore any excitement and whining.  Once they are calm, let them out and praise them for good behavior with praise and treats.

Work up to leaving the room for one hour or more at a time.

Step 6:  Leaving the House

Begin getting ready to leave the house.  Calmly, and without any long goodbyes, direct your dog to their crate.

Leave the house.  The first few times only leave for a few minutes working up to longer absences.

When you return, wait for you dog’s excitement to die down.  Ignore any whining and let your dog out to greet you once they are calm.

FAQs

How long does crate training take?

It depends.  Some dogs get used to their crates right away.  Others are frightened and take much longer to acclimate to being alone.  Go only as fast as your dog is comfortable.  If your rush the process, you’ll do more harm than good.

What do I do if my dog whines?

Does your puppy need to go to the bathroom?  Once you’ve determined that they are whining because they want out of the crate, you’ll need to ignore the behavior.  Wait until the whining stops to let them out.  Otherwise, you are teaching them that if they whine, they can get what they want.  this can be frustrating!  Never yell or shake the crate, just ignore the behavior.

Can crating my dog cure separation anxiety?

No, crating does not cure separation anxiety.  It can keep some dogs safe while their parents must go away, but others get so agitated that they injure themselves trying to escape.  Consult with your veterinarian and a professional trainer to get help with separation anxiety.  it is usually treated with very slow desensitization and sometimes along with anxiety medication.