7 Tips for Crate Training Your Dog

Crate training is a necessary part of dog ownership, especially for puppies. Crates keep them safe and out of trouble while you can’t have your full attention them. As humans, the idea of being locked inside of a crate or “cage” for hours at a time seems inhumane and cruel. However, dogs are den animals, and a small space they can call their own makes them feel safe and secure. If you’re bringing home a new furry friend soon you’ll want to be prepared to crate train. Today, I’m sharing 7 tips for crate training your dog. 

Why Should You Crate Train Your Dog?

There are a variety of reasons that crate training your dog is important. For most dogs, they treat their crate as a safe, comfortable space – similar to how we treat our bedrooms. Crate training gives your dog somewhere to go when they’re feeling stressed or nervous. For example, if you’re hosting multiple people in your home, your dog may opt to go in his crate rather than be surrounded by strangers.

Crate training also keeps dogs safe. Dogs, especially puppies, are curious animals and if you don’t have a constant eye on them they may get themselves into trouble. When you’re out for the day, your dog may get bored and as a result, eat something they shouldn’t. Crate training your dog keeps them from getting hurt, eating foreign objects, etc.

It’s also important that your dog is properly crate trained because there is a very good chance they will have to be crated at some point in their lives. Even if your dog is trusted to roam the house when you aren’t home, they’ll likely need to be crated elsewhere. The vet, grooming, and boarding facilities are examples of places your dog will eventually have to be placed in a crate. Dogs who are not crate trained are more likely to become extremely stressed or even hurt themselves in these cases.

Tips for Crate Training Your Dog

Because most dogs learn to enjoy their crate, crate training is usually pretty simple. However, if you recently adopted an adult dog who was never trained to a crate, doing so may be difficult. Likewise, even some puppies and young dogs, especially those that experience separation anxiety, may give you a harder time with crate training. For those harder to train pups, here are 7 tips for crate training your dog:

1. Pick the Proper Crate

There are a large variety of dog crates on the market, and ensuring your crate is the proper choice for your dog plays a key role in how they will respond to it. Be sure your crate is the correct size for your dog. They should be able to stand, lay down, and turn around comfortably. Too small of a crate can be physically uncomfortable for your dog, and too big of a crate can be overwhelming so be sure your crate is just the right size. 

Size is only one of the factors to consider when choosing the right crate, and you may go through a couple before you find one your dog is comfortable with. Some dogs may prefer an enclosed crate that will be darker and allow less access to the room outside of it. Others may prefer a wire crate, where they will feel less closed in and be able to look around easily. If you find that your dog really isn’t responding to a certain type of crate, try a different style altogether. 

2. Reward Them for Entering

When you first begin crate training your dog, be sure to reward them every time they enter. This means when you’re crating them to go to work, crating at bed time, and when they enter on their own. Use a high value treat such as chicken, cheese, or peanut butter to encourage them to want to enter the crate. Eventually you’ll be able to step away from the treats but they’re helpful when your pup is first getting used to being crated. 

3. Never Use the Crate as Punishment

You want your dog to see his crate as a good, safe space so don’t ever crate them as punishment. Yelling at your dog and putting them in their crate when they misbehave will teach them to associate the crate with negative emotions and will completely undo any prior training. 

4. Don’t Always Crate Them When You’re Leaving

Put your dog in his crate for short periods of time while you’re home. This is best if their crate is in a room that you are also in. This will teach them that the crate doesn’t necessarily mean you’re leaving. When you only crate your dog on your way out the door, they learn that the crate means they’re going to be alone. For dogs with separation anxiety, this is an important step to crate training. 

In general, keep the crate in a heavily populated area of the house so that your pup doesn’t feel alone when they’re crated.

5. Keep Them Occupied

Keep your dog happy in their crate by giving them things to do, especially if you’re gone for many hours at a time. Chews such as bully sticks and cheese chews are great to keep them occupied. You can also use treat puzzles, lick mats, or Kong toys. 

Consider having a few “crate only” toys that they only have access to when they’re crated. This will give them something special and exciting to play with while you’re gone. 

6. Make the Crate Comfortable

Use a bed, blankets, or towels to make your dogs crate a comfortable space for them. You can also throw in a t-shirt or pillow of yours so that they have your familiar scent while you are gone. The comfier and safer the crate feels, the more likely your pup is to enjoy it.

7. Know That it’s a Slow Process

Crate training isn’t as easy at teaching “sit”. For many dogs, becoming accustomed to being crated is a slow process, and that’s okay. Be patient and understanding when your dog is stressed in his crate. Eventually, they’ll learn that the crate is a good place to be.

Important Notes for Crate Training Your Dog

• Remove any clothing or collars before crating your dog, especially in a wire crate. Clothes, bandanas, and collars can got caught on the crate and strangle them.
• Don’t leave your dog crated for too long. As a general rule, adult dogs can be crated for up to 8 hours and puppies can be crated for up to 5. Anything longer than that is cruel and can do harm both physically and mentally to your dog. If you have to be gone longer than 8 hours, hire a dog walker or put your dog in daycare so that they’ll have an opportunity to stretch their legs and use the bathroom.
• Don’t force it. Some dogs may never be comfortable in a crate and that’s okay. If your dog gets extremely stressed in a crate, despite your best efforts, have alternate plans for when you’re gone. Some dogs may be trusted to roam the house when nobody’s home. Other dogs may need a dog sitter or dog daycare. Forcing your dog to be crated when it causes them extreme stress can cause health and behavioral problems down the road. 

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