Dog Crate Training Basics

Why use a Training Crate?

In the wild, dogs will instinctually seek out and live in a den. This den provides both physical protection and offers psychological comfort as well. In a home that does not have a training crate for the dog, you may notice the pet curling up in a chair, curling up on the floor in the corner, or even curling up under a table or other piece of furniture. The pet is simply trying to find a space to call his/her own.

When you use a training crate your puppy will feel more secure. This is a place that is all his own that he can curl up in and relax. Your puppy will not feel isolated because training crates provide both visibility and ventilation – just like a baby in a playpen.

Your dog’s natural instinct is to keep his home clean. He will try not to use his home as a restroom. This behavior is very useful in establishing a schedule of “potty breaks” to help eliminate accidents.

Since your puppy will feel safer and more secure, a properly used training crate will actually help in reducing behavior problems such as excessive barking or chewing.

How to use a Training Crate?

It is rather easy to use a training crate as long as you always remember that it is not to be used as a punishment. If your puppy/dog begins to associate the training crate with punishment or other negative event he will begin to fight against using the crate rather than making it his home.

Introduce your puppy to his new home by leaving the door open and encouraging him to go in. Toss a biscuit into the crate to help draw him in. Do not force your puppy in, and do not force him to stay in. Your puppy may quickly back out the first few times – this is normal. Take it slow and offer lots of praise when he goes into the crate. Once he is comfortable with his new home, simply hold your hand up at the door to keep him in. Have him stay in the crate for a few minutes and then gradually increase the time. Remember to always praise him – let him know you are pleased and he is doing what you want.

It will likely take a few hours or days of these short training sessions for your puppy to feel at ease in “his home”.  Once he is comfortable, you can begin restraining him with the door. Again offer lots of praise and slowly increase the amount of time he is in his room. Once he is comfortable with the closed door you can begin to move yourself farther and farther from the cage. Once again, remember to praise him for doing so well. Your goal is to remove yourself from his line of sight and for him to simply sit quietly or lie down and go to sleep.

It is interesting to note that dogs that were trained with a crate will return to their “room” to sleep or wait for their owners return even when the door is open. The crate has become their space, their security blanket.

A training crate is also a very helpful tool to use to help potty train your puppy. Keep in mind that puppies “need to go” every 2 to 4 hours. Set up a schedule which includes letting your puppy out, showing him the route to the door (praise him for getting to the door), and let him into the yard to “go”. You should also have set times for feeding each day and again direct him outside as soon as he is finished eating. Eating and drinking stimulate the digestive system which makes a restroom break very necessary. A set schedule helps establish a pattern to your puppies day and teaches him how to “hold it” until let out. Do not place newspapers or housebreaking pads into the crate. You do not want to encourage your puppy to use his room as the restroom. As you puppy grows up he will be able to “hold it” for longer periods of time and eventually be able to wait all day (if necessary) for someone to come home and let him out.

Visit the Jack’s location nearest you for more advice and for help in selecting the appropriate crate for your pet.