Crate Training: A Safe and Trusted Place for Your Dog
There are many opinions and speculations about using a crate for your dog. In this blog post, we discuss the benefits, pitfalls, and tips for effective and responsible crate training.
The benefits of a crate.
A crate offers your puppy or dog a safe and comfortable place to rest. When your dog goes into the crate on their own, they're showing they need some rest. Respect this and leave them alone. A crate can also be a useful tool for housetraining your puppy.
However, it's essential to never use the crate as punishment. Give your dog time to get used to the crate at their own pace, so it becomes a positive and familiar environment for them.
Choose the right size and the right location for the crate.
It's important that the crate is the right size: not too big and not too small. Your dog, regardless of age, should be able to stand, turn, and lie comfortably in the crate. A crate that's too large, which is common with puppies, isn't ideal either. You can make the space smaller by using a box or shelf, for example, but make sure your puppy can't climb onto it or get stuck.
It's also essential to place the crate in a suitable location in your home. Avoid drafty areas or directly next to a heat source, so your dog can rest comfortably and safely.
Crate training:
A crate can be a valuable tool in training your puppy. It offers them a safe place to relax and can support potty training and learning independence. To ensure your puppy has a positive experience with the crate, it's important to introduce it gradually and build it up carefully.
Feed your puppy in the crate.
To get your puppy used to the crate, you can feed him there. Place the food bowl as far back as possible, so your puppy has to go all the way inside to eat. If he's hesitant, start with the food bowl near the door and gradually move it further back with each meal.
Once your puppy is comfortable eating in the crate, you can start closing the door occasionally while eating. Open the door again immediately after your puppy is done. Gradually increase this process until the door can remain closed for about five minutes after eating.
It's important to prevent your puppy from whining before you open the door. This is a sign you've gone too fast. In that case, take a few steps back and gradually build it back up. This way, the crate remains a positive experience for your puppy.
Commando bench.
If eating is going well and you can close the door for up to five minutes after eating, you can start teaching your puppy a command to go to the crate. For example, choose a word like "crate" or "place." Important: never use this command as punishment! The crate should remain a positive and safe place.
Reward your puppy as soon as he calmly enters the crate, and then close the door briefly. After a few seconds, open the door again and reward him again if he remains calm.
Repeat this process until your puppy understands the command. Then, try keeping the door closed for a little longer each time, but make sure you stay in the same room so your puppy feels safe.
Leave the room.
If your puppy remains calm while in the crate with the door closed for extended periods, you can start leaving the room briefly. Gradually increase these periods by staying away for longer periods. Once you can leave your puppy alone for about 30 minutes, you can take the next step and briefly leave the house.
Keep practicing this and vary the length of time you're gone. Make sure your goodbyes aren't too long or emotional. Reward your puppy if they calmly enter the crate before you leave, and give them a treat when they return home if they remain calm when you open the crate.
If all goes well, your dog will usually have a positive association with the crate. This can not only help them feel safe but also teach them to stay home alone. However, please note that you should never leave your dog in a crate for longer than four hours.
What should you never do when using a crate?
Never hit the crate to calm your dog or puppy. This can startle them and cause them to associate the crate with fear. Furthermore, your dog may become fearful of you, since you're the one who hit the crate.
When your dog or puppy whines, they always do it for a reason. It might be because they need to pee or poop, are hungry, lonely, or bored. Try to figure out why your puppy whines and respond appropriately. This way, you'll help your puppy better and maintain a positive bond between you.
Always make sure you remove the collar before your dog or puppy enters the crate. One wrong move could cause the collar to get caught, which can lead to a traumatic experience for your puppy and even a choking hazard. Safety first!
What else can you use the crate for?
An adult dog can also live in a crate. Sometimes an adult dog needs to get used to the crate, for example, when they come from a shelter or rescue, or when they need to rest after surgery. Crate training for an adult dog is essentially the same as for a puppy, but it may take a little longer for them to feel comfortable in the crate.
A transport crate can be a smart and safe choice for taking your dog along in the car, especially if you have a large trunk and want to make room for other belongings. In some European countries, using a transport crate is even mandatory. Training for a transport crate is essentially the same as training for a crate at home, but there's one important difference: your dog also needs to get used to the car.
Start practicing by placing the crate in a stationary car with the trunk open. If that goes well, close the trunk and then practice with short drives to a fun place where you can play with your dog. Over time, once your dog has positive experiences with car rides, you can gradually increase the length of the rides and go further.
With proper training and patience, a crate can be a great way to make your dog feel safe, comfortable, and independent, both at home and on the go. Make sure the crate remains a positive experience, and your dog will come to see it as a familiar place where they can relax and unwind.