As dog owners, we understand that a quiet dog is a happy dog, and a quiet dog often means a peaceful home. While ignoring barking can be effective for some puppies or less persistent dogs, there are times when a more direct approach is necessary, especially if you haven’t seen improvements after a couple of weeks. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive training strategy to help your dog learn to be quiet in their crate, ensuring a more harmonious living environment.
The initial steps involve teaching your dog the “Quiet” command and implementing the “Surprise” method. During the day, consistently practice the “Quiet” command. Simultaneously, as part of the “Surprise” method, reward your dog with treats when they remain quiet in their crate. Initially, sprinkle treats every five minutes of quiet behavior, then gradually increase the intervals to 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes, and so on, up to an hour. Aim to practice these crate sessions for 1-3 hours daily. If you’re home during the day, incorporate several shorter sessions to accelerate the learning process.
For some dogs, combining the “Quiet” command with the “Surprise” method proves sufficient after a few weeks of dedicated practice. However, if your dog’s barking persists, an “interrupter” technique might be beneficial, as barking can be a self-rewarding behavior. When your dog barks in the crate, calmly say “Quiet.” If they fall silent, offer praise and, after five minutes of continued quiet, sprinkle in treats. If the barking continues or recurs, use a pet convincer to emit a quick puff of air towards your dog’s side while calmly saying “Ah Ah,” and then step away. It is crucial to use only unscented air canisters and avoid spraying citronella or directing the spray towards your dog’s face.
The “Surprise” method involves repeating rewards for quiet behavior and corrections for barking. Once your dog demonstrates improvement while you are in another room, it’s time to use a camera to monitor them from outside. Begin by going outside where your dog cannot see or hear you. When barking occurs, return to quietly correct the behavior and then resume your position outside. When your dog achieves a period of quiet, initially a couple of minutes, gradually extend this duration. Afterward, return to sprinkle treats before leaving again. After approximately 30 minutes of practice, extending this to up to three hours, return when your dog is quiet. Initially, ignore your dog in the crate for 10 minutes, allowing them to settle while you go about your usual activities at home. If your dog becomes excessively loud and doesn’t settle independently, provide a calm correction.
Once your dog is patiently and quietly in the crate, calmly release them. If your dog attempts to rush the door, close it again, requiring them to wait. Continue this practice until your dog can wait calmly inside with the crate door open. At this stage, happily say “Okay” and allow them to exit calmly. Establishing this expectation of calm exiting is vital to prevent anxiety and excitement associated with being let out. As your dog improves while you are outside, gradually increase the duration until you can be outside for three hours with your dog remaining quiet throughout. At this point, you can provide a dog food-stuffed chew toy in the crate to help keep them entertained and encourage long-term quiet habits.
Successfully training your dog to be quiet in the crate requires patience, consistency, and understanding. By implementing these techniques, you can foster a more peaceful environment for both you and your canine companion. If you continue to face challenges, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or exploring resources on how to train my dog to come or training dogs not to jump for additional support and guidance.
December 1, 2021
