Getting Started with Crate Training

It is a common misconception that dogs are “den animals".   Domesticated dogs are not wolves, and even wolves only use dens for birthing and raising pups.   Dogs need to be taught to enjoy their crate, and the easiest way is to start by tossing in tiny treats for the dog to sniff out and eat without closing the crate door.

Dogs often need encouragement to get into a box or crate.

This is important--- you do not want to force your dog into his crate in the beginning!  If the dog is terribly nervous, maybe offer a few treats just outside the open crate door.  After a few sessions, or when the dog is comfortable with that, you can toss the treats just inside the crate door for a few more sessions.  Gradually toss the treats in further, praise your dog for going inside, but still you should not close the door!  You can also feed your dog’s food in the crate, keeping the door open until he is comfortable with that environment.  Place the bowl all the way in the back of the crate so the dog needs to turn his back on the door.

When your dog is confidently walking into the crate to chase treats or eat, you can close the door, but only for a few seconds, and then immediately open the door again.  Practice this several times in a 3-5 minute session, and practice several sessions each day.   Your goal is to open the door before the dog starts to whine, bark, or paw at the door. 

Soft crates are only for well-trained dogs!

Ideally, you do not want to open the crate door any time the dog is whining, barking or clawing.  If you do, you will be encouraging him to repeat behavior you don’t want.  If he is acting up when you want to get him out, wait patiently with your hand on the door latch until the split second he is quiet.  If you cannot possibly wait, toss in a treat or a bunch of treats, and the instant he quiets down, open the door.  You don’t want to teach the dog to bark in his crate to get treats, so only use the treat-tossing if you cannot wait for the dog to settle down on his own.

Sometimes you don’t have the luxury of all this training--- you need the dog in the crate, immediately.  In that case you can help the dog adjust by stuffing a Kong or hollow bone with peanut butter and putting it in the crate, or anything else that might distract him for a length of time.

Important note:  some dogs have gotten their collars caught on the wires of the crate and hurt themselves or even suffocated.  For his safety, please remove your dog’s collar before putting him in any crate.