What is Crate Training?
Dogs have a natural instinct to find a consistent, safe space when their environment becomes overwhelming, or they need some quiet time for themselves (similar to human introverts out there!). Crate training works off this instinct, teaching your dog to view their crate as a special space just for them.
It must be noted that used incorrectly, crating your dog can cause more harm than good. For some dogs, crate training will not be appropriate so please consult your veterinarian if you’re ever unsure about using a crate for your puppy.
Find a vet near you -> Benefits of Crate Training
When implemented effectively, crates can be useful tools for dog owners and the dogs themselves!
Provides a safe space for your dog.
Helps minimize potential damage around the home while you’re gone.
Helps to prevent potential poisoning cases when you cannot watch your dog if hazardous food and/or materials are within their reach.
Aids in the potty-training process.
Important Notes Before Crate Training
Do not use a crate as punishment.
You want your dog to create a positive association with their crate. Putting your puppy in their crate after they misbehave will condition them to believe the crate is their punishment and not the safe, stress-free space you want it to be.
Know the amount of time between your puppy’s bathroom breaks.
Young puppies (~under 6 months) can only hold their bladders and bowels for 3-4 hours maximum. Before beginning to crate train, have a rough idea of your dog’s relief needs to ensure they are let outside. If accidents consistently happen in their crate, a negative association can begin to form due to feeling trapped and having to sit in their own excrement.
Remember that dogs should not be left in a crate for a long period of time.
Dogs need daily exercise, stimulation, and human interaction. Spending all day and night inside a crate can lead to anxiety, depression, and weight gain so it is incredibly important that crates are only used for a few hours at a time.
It you’re worried about leaving your dog free roaming during the workday, consider doggie daycare, pet sitters, or adjust your schedule so you can best provide the love and attention your puppy needs to thrive.
Ensure the crate is always kept dry, warm, and comfortable.
You wouldn’t want to cozy-up in a hard, cold, and/or wet area, neither do our dogs! Line the crate with blankets or a dog bed and ensure the crate is located in a temperature-controlled area away from the elements. If your dog has an accident in their crate, wash all bedding immediately.
Only Leave Safe Toys in the Crate
Avoid putting any dog toys that require human supervision inside the crate. This includes bones that are susceptible to splintering, small toys that could be a choking hazard, or squeaker toys that can be easily destroyed.
Crate Training Process
Crate training a puppy should be a slow and steady process if you want it to be successful. Your dog’s age, temperament, and past experiences will all influence how long crate training will take.
Here we’ve laid out a step-by-step guide for how to crate train a dog. Please keep in mind that this might not work for every puppy but our veterinary teams are here to help if you need additional help or guidance.
1. Choose the right crate
There is an overwhelming selection of different dog crates available, from plastic kennels to collapsible fabric pens. Wire crates are typically best for crate training since your dog will likely try to chew their way out during the beginning stages.
Make sure there is enough room in the crate for your dog to fully stand and turn, but not so large that the area no longer feels cozy. If your puppy is still growing, try finding a crate that can be adjusted in size as your dog progresses to adulthood.
2. Set up the crate & make it cozy
Choose a place for the crate in a temperature-controlled area of the house where household members tend to spend time. Try to keep it in the same spot to build consistency. Ensure there is adequate padding and add some of your puppy’s favorite toys. Cover the top and at least one side with a blanket or crate cover to make the crate seem more like a personal cave (just make sure the entrance point is not covered).
3. Introduce the Crate & Encourage curiosity
At the beginning, you want to leave door open and allow dog to freely go in and out of the crate. Some dogs will be naturally curious and enter the crate to explore. If this happens, make sure you provide a treat and/or praise any time your puppy voluntarily goes inside the crate.
If your dog is reluctant to explore the crate, try placing some treats inside at varying distances from the door. It may take some time for your dog to fully enter and reach the treats near the back – just remember to be patient and never force them.
4. Give Meals Inside the Crate
Dogs love their mealtimes, so a great way to create a positive association with the crate is provide their food inside the crate! Keep the door open and put the dish near the entrance, slowly moving the bowl further back inside the crate with each subsequent meal.
If your dog is more of a grazer, this technique will be more difficult. Instead try using a toy that can hold treats or paste. Peanut butter is a great option for these toys as it can take many dogs a good amount of time to finish. Introduce the toy to your puppy outside of the crate first, then start placing it inside the crate.
5. Start Closing the Door
Once your dog is eating their meals or finishing their stuffed treat toy fully inside the crate, try closing the door until they finish. Slowly increase the amount of time the door is shut to help them get used to the idea.
If your dog begins to show signs of fear or anxiety, slow down the process and decrease the amount of time the door is closed.
6. Teach Crate Cue
When your puppy seems ready, choose a command that you want them to associate with the crate (e.g., “crate” or “bed”). Every time your dog enters the crate, say the cue, and give a treat. It is very important to be consistent with this; make sure anyone regularly interacting with your puppy does the same.
Also try leading your dog to the crate with treats, give the cue, and treat if they enter. Repeat as much as possible!
7. Increase Crate Time
To increase the amount of time you can leave your dog in the crate, start by closing the door and sitting near them for 5-15 minutes, providing treats and encouragement if needed.
After this, try leaving the room briefly, increasing the length of absence with time until you feel comfortable crating your dog when leaving the house. Be sure to act neutral when you leave and return, showing your dog that it’s a regular part of the day-to-day life.
Additional Crate Training Tips & Reminders
Never force your dog into their crate – this creates a negative association and makes it feel like punishment.
Wait until your dog is not whining to let them out of the crate – letting them out while actively whining will teach them that this is how they get attention.
Dogs can injure themselves trying to escape a crate – if your dog has anxiety, halt crate training and consult a veterinary behavioral specialist.
Always give your dog an opportunity to eliminate outside before crating – this helps you know that any whining is not due to their bathroom needs and should be ignored.
Reach out to your veterinarian with any questions or concerns – crying/whining is a normal part of crate training. Any destructive or soiling behavior beyond this should be discussed with your vet to determine if crating is appropriate for your dog.
