One of the most useful and compassionate, yet often misunderstood and misused aspects of dog training is "crate training". When suggesting crate training, most people take a look at the crate and immediately become horrified, "I can't lock my dog up in a cage". While others who have attempted crate training almost always tell me, "I tried to crate train my dog, but now there is no way it will even come near the cage. Even if I leave their favorite food or toy". Crate training is neither cruel or difficult and when done correctly your dog will not fear, avoid or hate the crate, but will consider it their very own safe place.
About a month ago, my little rescue crate-trained Arty was cruelly kidnapped during one of our walks in the park. Eleven days later she was returned to me. Upon entering the house, little Arty ran straight to her crate rolling around in it, before she even came to greet me. I don't think I realized till that day the sense of security that dogs develop when properly crate-trained.
Crate-training is not only a great way for your dog to develop a sense of safety and its very own private space, it is also a great way to teach young puppies bladder control and eliminate unwanted destructive behaviors like chewing and separation anxiety.
Crate-training is a gradual process for a dog who has never had a negative experience with confinement. It is even a slower and more gradual process for a dog whose had a negative experience with confinement.
1) Make the crate comfortable: Make sure your dogs crate is comfortable, line it with a thick warm rug, place soft bedding and cover it so its nice, dark and cozy.
2) Make the crate interesting:: Put your dogs favorite toys in the crate. Include long lasting stimulating toys like a Kong or their favorite chew toys. You can even feed your dog inside the crate.
3) Never force your dog into the crate: Gradually introduce your dog to the crate, never push it in, carry it or shove it. The dog must enter the crate through its own curiosity. If you feel you need to force your dog, then STOP, reflect for a minute and take it slow.
4) Gradual, gradual, gradual.. : Crate-training is a gradual process, don't expect to bring a crate and for your dog to settle in the crate immediately, depending on the dog's age and previous experience it could take up to ten days. Start with just having your dog explore the crate, keep the door open, allow the dog to go in and out as it pleases for a few days. You can even tie its favorite chew in the crate so it doesn't take it out and can only enjoy it while inside. Pick a time when you know your dog is tired and will want to sleep to introduce them to the crate. If you are lucky your dog will fall asleep in the crate. Every day while your dog is either napping or busy enjoying their chew gradually close the door just a little bit more without eliciting a reaction from your dog. Once you are able to completely shut the door make sure you do not lock it at a time your dog will want to play or go outside. Start locking the crate at times you are sure your dog will not want to go out.
5)Use reverse-psychology: Once you see that your dog has started to love the crate, keep it closed with your dog's favorite toy or chew inside. Watch your dog as it tries to get into the crate to get its toy and then let it enter the crate.
6) Never use the crate to punish your dog: Once your dog is okay with the crate it should never be used as a punishment, it is in fact a reward for your dog. You should actually wait till your dog voluntarily enters the crate and then give it a treat by placing it on the floor of the crate.
7) Use it moderately: Once your dog is crate-training make sure that you only put the dog in the crate during their long sleep time, or for a maximum of 4-5 hours at time. Do not exceed it, it should not become constantly confined.
8) Never let your dog out of the crate if its barking or whining: If by any chance once you shut the door your dog starts whining or barking, do not let your dog out right away, wait till it stops then allow it out of the crate.
9)Do not give your dog a lot of attention when it comes out of the crate: Once you let your dog out of the crate do not give it a lot of attention this will only make the dog develop separation anxiety, a brief "hello" should suffice.
10) Keep it clean: Always keep the crate clean, if your dog accidentally poos or pees inside the crate, make sure you let your dog out right away and clean it up.
Happy crate-training and remember TAKE IT SLOW!!!
