Crate Training

Crate training is a key part of training your new puppy or dog. Read on to find out more about what crate training is, why it’s important, why it works, and most importantly, how to crate train your dog.

As with all aspects of puppy training, crate training requires time and patience.

What is a Crate?

What are Common Uses for Crates?

What is crate training?

• Crate training involves teaching your dog that a crate is his/her room in your house, that it is a good thing, that it is not punishment, that he/she should not use the bathroom in the crate, and that he/she does not need to be afraid of the crate. It teaches your dog that he/she will not be left alone to chew or otherwise destroy items in the house, that he/she cannot go to the bathroom in the house, and that your dog has a safe place that is all his/her own.

Leaving my dog in a cage all day? That seems mean! Why is crate training a good thing?

• Most dogs like their crates. A crate provides a place of their very own, where they can feel safe and secure.
• Crate training can help give you peace of mind while you’re out of the house. No one wants to come home a chewed up sofa. A crate helps to ensure that your dog will not chew up something in your house and possibly ingest something dangerous.
• Crate training plays a key role in easily housebreaking a dog.
• Dogs are unlikely to use the bathroom in their crate, because they do not want to have to be in a small enclosed area that is soiled, so they will wait until you take them outside. Check out the “Housebreaking” section of our puppy training tips to learn more.

• Why is crate training so important in training my dog? Why should I do it?
  • Crate training works because a crate is a relatively small area.
    • Dogs are very unlikely to soil a crate if left in it for a reasonable period of time. They do not like to use the bathroom in small areas because they do not want to have to sit in urine or feces.
    • Dogs in the wild are den animals. This trait was passed on to most domesticated dogs. This means that they like to have a small space of their own. They find this spot comforting and cozy.
  • Crate training works because a crate provides a “happy place” for your dog.
    • A crate is a place your dog can feel secure.

• I’m ready to crate train my dog. Where do I start?
  • Choosing the right crate is important. There are different sizes and materials to choose from, and it’s important to find the one that is the best for your dog.
    • Choose a crate that is big enough for your dog to lie down, stand up, and turn around – not much bigger. A crate that is too small will be uncomfortable for your dog. One that is too big will be ineffective.
    • Puppies grow up fast! Growing puppies need different sized crates as they grow.
      • • You might want to check thrift stores for your first one or two crates, since your growing puppy will need larger crates as he/she gets bigger. The sizes you need will vary depending on your dog. Your dog’s breed will have an effect on his/her size.
        • You can try to estimate the size that your puppy will grow up to be, and get a crate that will be big enough for your dog’s full-grown size, then block off part of the crate to create a smaller area for your puppy. Remember that a crate that is too big will be ineffective, so don’t put a small puppy in a large crate unless you’ve blocked it off!
• Choose a crate that is made of appropriate material.
  • • • • Cloth carriers can be good for travelling, but are probably not the best choice for crate training.
        • Some over-anxious dogs might chew through a plastic crate or bend a wire one. For these dogs, a stronger metal crate would be more appropriate.
• Your dog might be nervous about the new crate at first. Show him/her that it is nothing to be nervous about. Make your dog comfortable in the crate.
  • *Never use the crate as punishment!!!* This is extremely important in making sure your dog does well with the crate. Using the crate as punishment can cause your dog to associate the crate with reprimand from you. This can cause him/her to resent the crate. It’s important to make sure that your dog knows that being put in the crate is not because he/she did something wrong.
  • You can try putting blankets and toys in the crate to show your dog that it is his own place, and to help make him more comfortable.
    • • • • Make sure to monitor this closely – having something to chew in the crate is not always a good thing. If your dog chews/eats the blanket or toy, take it away immediately and do not put it in the crate again.
  • Reward good behavior. Give your dog a treat as he/she walks into the crate. Praise your dog in a gentle voice.
• Having a word for the crate can be useful.
  • Dogs who are accustomed to the crate will usually walk right in. Having a word or “command” for the crate can help train your dog.
    • • • • Choose a word or short phrase that you are comfortable with and that your dog can recognize. Some commonly used words to let a dog know that it’s time to go into the crate include “in,” “go to bed,” “crate,” “kennel,” and “place.”
        • To teach your dog to associate this word with getting into the crate, say the word a few times as you gently direct your dog into the crate. Once he/she is in, reward the action with a little treat and verbal praise. Your dog will start to learn what the word means, and you can wean him/her off of expecting a treat every time. Continue to use verbal praise.
• Your dog will need to get accustomed to his/her new crate.
  • When you first bring home the crate, let your dog sniff it and check it out.
  • Your dog might be a little afraid to walk into the crate at first. To help get him/her used to it, you may want to try having feeding time take place in the crate. Put the food bowl inside and have your dog go all the way in to the crate. Try it first with the door open, then after a few times, close the crate door. This will get your dog accustomed to the crate, while providing some distraction, as well as a positive thing for him/her to associate the crate with.
  • The first time you put your dog in the crate, try it out while you are home.
  • Start with small periods of time. Start with a few minutes, then half an hour, then an hour. Make sure you are home during this time. Use these short periods of time a few times throughout the day. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog in the crate.
  • Your dog might whine and cry the first few times he/she is in the crate. This is normal and ok. It is important not to take your dog out of the crate while he/she is whining! Do not talk to your dog while he/she is crying. This would make your dog think whining is ok, and teach him/her to expect to be taken out each time he/she whined. Instead, wait until your dog is calm and quiet. This will teach him/her that being calm in the crate is the right thing to do.
  • Reward good behavior in the crate. Use verbal praise and sometimes treats to help teach and encourage good behavior.
  • When you take your dog out of the crate, take him/her directly outside for an opportunity to use the bathroom.

• Remember that crate training and housebreaking go hand-in-hand.
  • After being in the crate and “holding it” (not using the bathroom), your dog will likely need to go. Take him/her directly outside to provide an opportunity to use the bathroom in the appropriate place. Reward this behavior. If he/she does not use the bathroom outside, put him/her back in the crate for a few minutes and try again. To learn more about housebreaking your dog, refer to the “Housebreaking” section of our puppy training tips.
  • As previously mentioned, “good behavior” in the crate includes not using the bathroom inside the crate.

• Remember that this is a learning process for your dog, and patience is of utmost importance! If you have any questions, please feel free to call Outer Banks Veterinary Hospital at 252.715.1407.