How to Crate Train
| Crate Training |
| Why It's Recommended |
| Who Should Crate Train |
| When to Crate Train |
| Type & Size of Crate to Use |
| Where to Put the Crate |
| How to Crate Train |
| When Problems Arise |
Your dog should thoroughly enjoy spending time in his crate. This can be accomplished by introducing him to the crate properly, making it comfortable and fun to go into the crate, and by giving him something entertaining to do in the crate. Below is a step-by-step outline of the recommended process:
1. Set up the crate with the puppy out of the room, so as not to startle
him.
2. Use old blankets, towels or sheets as bedding. Note: many puppies will chew
bedding which can be very dangerous so take time to observe if he is trying to
chew his bedding. Do not make the bedding material too absorbent because the
puppy needs to be severely inconvenienced if he urinates in his crate.
3. DO NOT use housebreaking pads in the crate because this will attract
and encourage the puppy to eliminate in his crate.
4. DO NOT put a water bowl in the crate because it will spill and wet
the bedding.
5. DO put 1 - 2 safe chew toys in the crate with the puppy so he has
something to occupy his time --a Tuffy Kong toy is one of the best and safest
toys to leave a puppy alone with. Stuffing a Kong toy with freeze-dried liver
or a biscuit can keep the puppy entertained. Do not leave a puppy alone with a
toy that can splinter or break off in small pieces, such as rib bones and
rawhide bones. These are chew toys that should be supervised as they may cause
the puppy to choke.
6. If you are using a wire crate, place an old blanket or sheet over the top
and sides in order to create a den-like atmosphere. Tuck the ends of the
covering under the crate so that the puppy cannot pull them inside to chew on
them.
1. When it is time for the puppy's meal, place the bowl just inside of the
crate so the puppy has to stick his head into the crate to eat.
2. Between feedings, you can make going into the crate a game by tossing in
treats or toys. Allow your puppy to come and go at will --do not force your
puppy into the crate.
3. When the puppy gets in the crate on his own or because their is a treat
inside, this is your cue to start associating a command with the action. You
can use statements such as "kennel up" or "go to bed." The most important
thing to remember in giving commands is to be brief and consistent.
4. Always leave the crate door open when your puppy is out of the crate so he
can get in it when he wants.
5. When you are home, make going in the crate a game. Give your chosen
command, such as "go to bed," and throw a treat or toy into the crate. Let
your puppy walk in and out of the crate at will. Whenever your puppy goes
into the crate on his own, lavish him with praise!
6. Each time the puppy enters his crate for confinement, give him a tasty
treat such as Bil-Jac Liver Treats, jerky treats, cat treats, or a small piece
of hot dog or cheese.
7. ALWAYS use your chosen command when calling your dog to the crate for
confinement. DO NOT simply call him to you, as he may become wary of
approaching you when called.
8. NEVER USE THE CRATE AS PUNISHMENT! Your dog will pick up "vibes"
from you if you put him in the crate when you are angry. The puppy's crate
should be his secure place. It should not be associated with punishment, fear,
or anything negative. If you treat the crate as a wonderful, gentle,
lifesaving tool to prevent accidents, destruction, and behavior problems, your
puppy will feel positive about the crate too.
9. Every time you let the puppy out of his crate, even if he has only been
confined 30 minutes, take him straight outside to his "potty" area and give
him your command such as "go potty" or "hurry up." Praise him when he
eliminates outside. If the puppy does not eliminate within five minutes and
you know it is time for him to do so, put him back in the crate. Wait
approximately 30 minutes and then take him outside again. In the morning, be
sure to take the puppy out the minute he starts to fuss.
10. If the puppy eliminates in his crate, clean it up immediately and
thoroughly. After cleaning up the urine, wipe the bottom of the crate with a
pet odor eliminating product or a solution of vinegar and water. It is
necessary to clean up the odor completely so the puppy does not smell it later
and urinate there again.
11. During all unsupervised times, the puppy should be in his crate with the
door closed. Normal, healthy puppies will generally get into mischief if
unattended. The tendency of puppies to "learn" about their surroundings is too
strong for them to control --learning means chewing, scratching, and digging.
If the puppy is unable to get into trouble, destructive habits will not be
formed.
12. As your puppy gets older (probably close to 1 year old), you can start
leaving him out of the crate unattended for short periods of time. When you
first leave him unattended and out of the crate, restrict him to one or two
rooms in the house. If the puppy behaves in your absence, gradually increase
his time out of the crate with the ultimate goal being never having to close
him in his crate. However, he should continue to have access to his crate
whenever he wants. If the puppy gets into mischief in your absence, begin to
crate him again whenever he is unsupervised and try again later.