HOW TO CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG OR PUPPY

Why crate train? How to crate train. How to choose the right crate for your dog.

Crate training is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog. Crate training prevents and solves a variety of dog behavior problems, including pottying indoors, separation anxiety, food aggression, destructive behavior, and more.

It's easiest to crate train a young dog, but a dog of any age can be crate trained. The first step in crate training is purchasing a crate that is the right size for your dog. The crate should be large enough for your dog to comfortably stand up and turn around, but not so large that he is tempted to eliminate in the crate. If you are crate training a young puppy, buy a crate that includes a temporary divider. Use the divider to make the crate small while your puppy is young, and progressively make the crate larger while he grows. I personally like the Midwest Full-Feature Home Training Crate, as it is quite durable and it comes with an easily removable divider.

Midwest Crate w/ Divider

To crate train your dog:

• Step 1: Start the crate training process by simply getting your dog to comfortably walk in and out of the crate. Put treats and toys into the crate to encourage your dog to enter. Don't worry about closing the door at this point; just let your dog walk freely in and out of the crate.
  
  If your dog is reluctant to enter the crate on his own, don't force him into the crate. The pressure will create unnecessary anxiety and make the crate training process more difficult for you. Just relax and give your dog time. Put a really tasty treat in the crate, and leave the room. Few dogs can resist the temptation of a little peanut butter.
  
  
• Step 2: Once your dog is comfortable walking in and out of the crate, begin closing the door for very short periods of time -- 5 or 10 seconds is long enough at first. As your dog becomes more comfortable, quickly extend the length of time he is in the crate. For example, once he is comfortable in the crate for 10 seconds, lengthen the time to a minute, then 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 30 minutes, etc. It often helps to start this process at the beginning of your weekend, so that you can spend a couple of days on the process, if necessary.
  
  
• Remember: Once you close the door to your dog's crate, do not open the door when he vocalizes. If your dog begins to whine or cry, turn your back and ignore him until he is quiet. Once he's been quiet for 10 - 15 seconds, calmly open the crate door. If you open the door when your dog cries, you have rewarded him for a bad behavior which he will now very likely repeat.

CRATE TRAINING TIPS

Kong® Biscuit Ball

• Make the crate your dog's happy place. Give him treats and a safe toy (like a Kong Biscuit Ball) every time you crate him.
• Only use bedding in the crate if your dog is not destructive. Leaving a pillow in a crate with a dog who may eat the stuffing can be dangerous. If your dog has destructive tendencies, line the crate with a towel or nothing at all.
• If your dog consistently eliminates in his crate, try moving him to a slightly smaller crate. Most dogs will not eliminate where they sleep. Also, remember to take your dog outside for a potty break before crating him, and consider restricting water for 30 minutes before your dog enters his crate.