How to Crate Train a Puppy
Dogs love to have a den – a cozy place that they can call their very own. A crate is a great way to give your dog the den he wants while aiding you in housebreaking and managing destructive behaviors. Not only that, a crate will make traveling with your dog easier! Every dog should have a crate to call home. But before we learn how to crate train a puppy we’ll need to know some basics about crate.
Crate Size
The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. If you have a puppy, you will have to start with a smaller crate and upgrade as your dog grows, otherwise your puppy will poop in one corner and sleep in the other!
Crate Furnishing
Your puppy’s crate should include his favorite toys and treats, a water dispenser, and soft bedding materials like towels or blankets.
Crate Location
The crate should be in an area where you spend a lot of time, like a living room or kitchen. This way, your puppy will be able to be in his crate, but still close to you.
Puppy, Crate. Crate, Puppy.
Training your puppy to see the crate as his den takes patience. Remember, everything you do must associate the crate with good things in the eyes of your puppy. Tie the crate door open. Throughout the day, drop pieces of kibble or treats into the crate. Praise him when he enters the crate (even a little bit!). Give him his meals in the crate. If he’s wary about getting into the crate to eat, feed him near the crate first, then with each meal, move the bowl further into the crate until he is comfortable eating while fully inside.
Never force your puppy into his crate. This is traumatic and will cause the puppy to associate the crate with bad feelings. You will need to put him in the crate at night, but make this the ONLY time you force him into the crate. (And really, try to lure him in with treats and praise before resorting to pushing!) At night, the puppy’s crate should be next to your bed so he feels secure being close to you.
Other Crating Tips
When your puppy isn’t looking, put a treat in his crate. Then call the puppy to you and ask, “Where’s the treat? It’s in your bed!” Get your puppy to follow you to the crate and praise him when he discovers the food.
- Never use the crate as punishment for anything. Remember, your dog must associate the crate with good things in order for crate training to be successful.
- Crate your puppy for short periods while you’re at home. Give him a toy to chew on (a Kong filled with kibble or peanut butter works great). Leave the room for a bit and come back. Your puppy needs to get used to being in the crate when you are away, but start with small periods of absence first so he doesn’t associate the crate with you leaving the house.
- Never leave your dog’s collar on while he’s in the crate unless it is a breakaway collar. Collars can get stuck in the bars of a crate and choke your dog.
- Come home to an accident in the crate? Do not make a big deal of it. Bring your puppy out to relieve himself and clean the crate using a solution designed for pet odors.
- Don’t let children play in or around the crate or poke their fingers into the crate while the dog is inside. Explain to the children that this is the dog’s bed and he should be left alone when he is in it.
Crate training puppies is a great way to give your puppy a sense of peace and a home of his own. It is well worth the time and effort to crate train your puppy.
