Crate training is a crucial aspect of dog ownership, but many new pet parents underestimate the time and effort involved. While dogs are naturally denning animals, simply placing them in a crate and closing the door is a recipe for an unhappy pup. The duration of successful crate training varies, typically ranging from days to weeks, depending on your dog’s personality, age, and past experiences with confinement. To ensure a safe and successful crate training journey, understanding the essential do’s and don’ts is paramount. This guide will walk you through key strategies to help your dog love their crate.
Do: Crate Train in Short, Positive Intervals
Keep your crate training sessions brief and positive. Short bursts of happy crate time are far more effective than extended periods of distress. The ultimate goal is for your dog to view their crate as a safe and comfortable personal space. Begin with very short durations, gradually increasing the time your dog spends inside. Consistently pair crate time with ample rewards and praise, and your dog will soon find contentment in their den.
Don’t: Leave Your Dog in the Crate for Extended Periods
Dogs are not designed to be confined in crates all day. They require social interaction, exercise, and regular opportunities to relieve themselves. This is especially true for puppies, who have limited bladder control. Prolonged crate time can lead to behavioral issues stemming from pent-up energy and frustration. Once fully crate trained, if you need to leave your dog for more than three to four hours, consider alternatives like doggie daycare or hiring a pet sitter.
Do: Encourage Daily Crate Use
Your dog’s crate should be more than just a nighttime sleeping area; it’s a valuable space for relaxation, napping, and even behavior management. To ensure your dog is happy to spend time inside, encourage them to enter the crate throughout the day. If crate use is limited to nighttime, it can be more challenging for your dog to settle in during other times.
Don’t: Reserve Crate Time Exclusively for Nighttime
While many dogs adapt to using their crate as a bedroom and are content spending the entire night inside, it’s important to recognize how dogs form associations. If a dog only experiences the crate at night, they may quickly link it with prolonged solitude. This can be difficult for dogs not yet fully comfortable with their crate. Integrating short, positive crate intervals during the day is essential for balanced training.
Do: Provide Safe Chew Items
Equip your dog with safe chew toys, such as bully sticks or puzzle toys filled with treats, while they are in their crate. Chewing is a natural and enjoyable activity for dogs, helping to prevent boredom and keep them occupied. These items can also foster positive associations with the crate, especially if certain special items are exclusively available when they are inside. Always supervise your dog with new chew items to ensure their safety and appropriateness for their chewing style.
Don’t: Allow Chewing on the Crate Itself
The crate can be a tempting object for some dogs to chew on. However, chewing the crate is unsafe and should be discouraged from the outset. Supervise your dog closely during initial crate periods and redirect them if they show signs of chewing the bars or plastic. Boredom or frustration can contribute to inappropriate chewing; therefore, providing suitable chew toys or edible chews can help entertain your pup and redirect their natural instincts effectively.
Do: Supervise Your Dog During Crate Training
Close supervision is vital during the initial stages of crate training. This allows you to ensure your dog is behaving appropriately, such as chewing their designated toys instead of the crate. It also helps you identify signs of distress. If your pup exhibits whining or fussing, it likely indicates that you have asked too much too soon. Whenever possible, remain within your dog’s line of sight while they are in the crate, reassuring them of your presence. This helps them associate the crate with a positive and safe environment before they learn to be alone in it.
Don’t: Leave Your Dog Alone Initially
While a fully crate-trained dog can be left alone for short periods, leaving your dog by themselves in the crate during the initial training phase can foster negative associations. Your dog should not perceive their crate as a place of isolation. Therefore, remain nearby as they acclimate to their personal space. Placing the crate in a frequently used room during the day and in your bedroom at night can provide comfort through your sounds and scent, and allows you to easily monitor their needs, such as potty breaks.
Do: Make the Crate a Positive Experience
To cultivate a positive relationship with the crate, create as many positive associations as possible. Place treats or toys inside, or even better, hide them within the bedding to encourage a fun game of hide-and-seek. Offer verbal praise and encouragement whenever your dog enters the crate voluntarily. Incorporate games that involve the crate, such as tossing a ball inside during playtime. Furthermore, utilize mealtimes by placing your dog’s food bowl inside the crate to build positive associations.
Don’t: Use the Crate for Punishment
While a crate can serve as a valuable space for an overexcited dog to calm down, it’s crucial to distinguish between a time-out and punishment. Never use the crate to discipline your dog, as this will undermine all the positive training efforts and make it harder for them to accept the crate in the future.
Crate training requires patience and consistency, but the reward of a dog who loves their crate is well worth the effort. For more in-depth information on crate training, explore our other blog posts on the subject. If you are in search of the ideal crate, the Diggs Revol Dog Crate offers a perfect combination of safety features inspired by baby products and an aesthetically pleasing, functional design.
