Crate Training a Dog
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Purpose of the Crate
It is natural for dogs to want a secure, den-like space, and a crate or kennel provides a comfortable out of the way space just for your dog. Crating your dog helps in dog behavior training such as housebreaking, destructive behaviors, and just keeping out of the way when you’re cooking dinner! You also want your dog to feel comfortable when she requires crating such as recovering from injury, at the vet, or at dog shows.
Puppy Crate Training – Puppy Training Tips
The main difference between training a puppy and a dog is the length of time a puppy can stay in the crate. Puppies should never stay in a crate longer than three to four hours – their bladder doesn’t last that long!
Your puppy’s crate should be just big enough for her to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. When the crate is too large, she is more likely to eliminate in one side of the crate – not what you want when puppy training! If you don’t want to buy different size crates as she grows up, you can block off part of the crate with a box or divider.
How to Train Your Dog or Puppy
The best dog training method is positive reinforcement – reward behaviors you want and ignore behaviors you don’t. Reward when your dog is calm and quiet. Ignore whining and let them out as soon as they become quiet. The crate training basics:
- Start by introducing your dog to the crate. Place it in a high traffic location and reward your dog whenever she shows interest in the crate. Toss some treats in and have fun!
- Now train your dog to enter the crate by luring her in with treats or toys. Close the door only a few seconds at a time. Reward when she is inside the crate, not when she exits.
- Once she is comfortable inside the crate, close the door for a couple of minutes and stay with her. Lengthen the time by short increments.
Online Dog Coach provides dog training tips in the complete Crate Training Lesson. The dog training video found on this page demonstrates the steps in crate training a dog.