CRATE TRAINING
WHAT IS IT?
Crate Training is the process of creating a positive association with the crate for your dog. The key to successful crate training is to make sure that your dog always has positive experiences in the crate, and never made to stay in the crate longer than they are comfortable with.
Crates are handy tools for a variety of purposes. They serve as a house-training aid, and as den-like safe space for your dog to relax. Crates are helpful for separating pets during meal time, and they can be a great management tool for a variety of unwanted behaviors. Crate time may also become necessary if your dog is ever injured or sick, so getting them comfortable early on can pay off in the future!
HOW TO TEACH IT
Fade the motion: Repeat step 2 several more times, gradually making your hand motion less obvious. Try going from a full toss to a slight point towards the crate.
Add a verbal cue: Once your dog is reliably entering the crate when you point at it, introduce a verbal cue just before you point. For example, say the word “crate”, pause for one second, then point to the crate. Reward them for entering, as usual, and repeat this step several times.
Fade the hand signal: Pause for a few seconds longer between your verbal cue, “crate”, and your hand signal (pointing). If your dog enters the crate prior to your hand motion, reward them with a jackpot! Continue to practice using only the verbal cue. If your puppy waits for the point, continue practicing with pauses between the cues. Eventually, your puppy will respond to the verbal alone.
Shut the door: Now that your dog is entering the crate on cue, start shutting the door and treating them through the closed door. Open the door as soon as they’re done eating.
Increase duration: Gradually increase the amount of time that the door stays shut. Continue to give treats periodically through the closed door.
Troubleshooting: Some dogs are a bit too clever for this step. Try this up to 3 times, and only go back to the real toss if all attempts are unsuccessful. If your dog enters at all for a fake toss, be sure to give them a treat jackpot once they’re inside the crate.
Training tip: At this phase, you may give your dog a longer lasting treat to enjoy in their crate, such as a kong stuffed with peanut butter, or a bully chew. You can also start feeding your dog their meal inside of the crate.
Increase distance: Once your dog is inside the crate with a closed door, take a few steps away. Click your clicker, then return to toss a treat into the crate. Gradually increase the distance you travel away from the crate until you can leave your dog’s sight while they remain calm.
Troubleshooting: If at any point during the training process, your dog begins to fuss inside the crate, or refuses to enter, it means that they are having a negative experience in the crate. Go back to an earlier step in the plan, and gradually work them back up to longer stays in the crate.
TRAINING TIPS:
We recommend keeping your dog’s crate in an area of your home where you spend a lot of time, such as your living room. Line the crate with soft bedding, so long as your dog is housetrained, to encourage your dog to stay in the crate for long periods. Covering the top of the crate with a sheet or blanket also helps make it a cozy space to relax.
Be sure that each dog has their own crate. If your dog becomes possessive of their crate, prevent the other dogs from accessing it by keeping the door shut when not in use. If your dog does not guard their crate, the door can remain open so that the crate is available as a resting place, or a way to take a break from the other dogs.