Crate training basics

How to make the most of your dog’s crate and have him love you for it

Make it fun
Your dog’s crate should be his ‘den’, a safe place where he can relax.
Toss a few treats in the crate to encourage him to go in on his own, provide safe chew toys or stuffed Kongs to keep him occupied and in general make this a fun experience for him.  The crate should be a positive place so remember to praise your dog when he goes in. Using the crate as a ‘time out’ area is fine, but avoid using it as punishment. A dog that associate the crate with being scolded may start to put up a fuss at going in.

Whining
If your dog whines or cries in the crate immediately after going in, simply ignore him until he’s quiet. It may be tempting to let the dog out and console him but don’t give in! Letting a dog or puppy out of the crate for whining is only reinforcing that negative behavior. The puppy will learn that crying equals freedom and you will only be in for more and more crying the next time. We recommend a “60 second rule” meaning the dog must be quiet for 60 seconds before being let out of the crate, this will reinforce good quiet behavior. An exception to this rule can be made if you know your dog has to eliminate right away. If he’s been in the crate for a few hours or overnight, then by all means take him out right away and allow him to relive himself outside.

Start Slow
Don’t crate your dog for eight hours right off the bat. If he’s new to the crate starting slow is your best bet, Begin by crating him randomly while you’re home for short periods and then slowly work your way up until he’s comfortable being crated for a few hours at a time.

Don’t over crate
If you cannot be home enough to give your dog adequate exercise and time out of the crate then invest in a good dog walker, or seriously consider getting fish instead. Dogs need attention and plenty of exercise, using the crate for too long each day is not fair to the dog and can create a host of behavior problems. In general an adult dog can comfortably stay in a crate for up to eight hours, any longer is not recommended. A good rule of thumb for puppies is that they can ‘hold it’ for however many months they are old, plus one. So a four month old puppy could be crated for five hours.

Use the power of the crate
The crate is useful beyond simply being a place to keep the dog while you’re at work. It can also be a great ‘time out’ area when guests come over, when you’re eating dinner, or if you just need some space away from fido for a while. Don’t be afraid to crate your dog if you’re home. As long as he’s getting adequate exercise at other times then feel free to crate him for short periods if needed. The crate is your friend use it.