A Guide To Puppy Crate Training

So you've just arrived home with your new puppy. Puppies are very cute, so it is easy to fall into the habit of letting your puppy do whatever he pleases. This can lead to behavior problems and undesirable traits when the puppy becomes an adult. The best way to combat this is to begin training early and a great way to do this is with crate training!

 

 

What Is Crate Training?

Crate training is teaching the puppy to associate the crate or cage with comfort and security. It is also a useful tool in aiding toilet training, self control, anxiety and separation issues. It is also very beneficial when traveling, preparing for vet/grooming visits and generally providing a safe place where your puppy can settle and relax.

What Crate Should I Choose?

When choosing a crate make sure that it is the correct size for your puppy. They should always have enough space to stand up, lie down, stretch out and turn around. Anticipate how large your puppy may grow and choose accordingly.
It is possible that a crate can be too large. If this is the case you can always partition off a section of a large crate until the puppy has grown in size. Another important thing to remember is always choose a crate that is well ventilated.

Things To Avoid When Training. 

Using the crate as punishment or for time out.
 This will teach the puppy to associate the crate with punishment instead of a secure place.

Allowing children or other people into the crate.
A crate should be a place that a puppy can retreat to when he feels the need to settle, relax or feel safe. Just like humans dogs require personal space and should always have this choice when they want it.
  
A crate is not for toileting!
Dogs do not like to soil where they sleep. Allowing your puppy to toilet in the crate can teach your puppy to learn to tolerate mess while also making the crate less appealing.

Locking the dog in a crate for long periods of time.
While the crate can be a used as a restraint method for things like car/plane/ferry journeys, it is not acceptable to keep your puppy confined for long periods of time. Dogs should be provided with regular toilet and exercise. Leaving your puppy in a crate so you can relax for long periods, or to prevent him from roaming the house while you are at work for the most part of the day is cruel and should not be practiced.  Doing this will ruin the desired effect of the crate and can end up causing unnecessary stress to your puppy.

How Do I Begin Training? 

You have your crate and know what it is used for so you are ready to go! Below are 10 easy steps to help guide you in your training.

1  Add blankets or other bedding to make the crate comfortable for your puppy and place it in a location that is close to you.

2 Place small amounts of things that the puppy will like in the crate such as his food, nice treats and toys. The puppy will begin to investigate what is inside and should wander back and forth.

3 Once the puppy is inside begin to give more treats bit by bit. If the puppy wanders from the crate ignore him and patiently wait for him to venture back in. Once he is inside add more treats. He will soon learn that the crate means nice things!

4 The puppy will soon become comfortable spending time in the crate and being fed by you. At this stage you can begin to close the door for short periods. Change the treats to something of a higher value and continue to feed one piece of food at a time. Open the door of the crate only when the puppy is calm. If the puppy becomes stressed while the door is closed, toss a treat to the back of the crate and then open the door.

5 By this stage the puppy will be content with the door being closed. Now is the time to start leaving the door closed for longer time periods! You can also start spacing out the time between giving treats.

6 When the puppy is content with staying in the crate with the door closed, you should start to move around the room and then return to the crate and reward with food.

7 Gradually start moving further away towards the door. Each time you take a step towards the door you should return to the crate and reward your puppy. This should be continued until you are at the other side of the door and out of sight. .

8 As the puppy becomes more relaxed, start increasing the time you are out of sight outside the door and wait short amounts of time before returning to the crate to reward him.

9 Always end each training session before the puppy becomes distressed and continue to reward him at the back of the crate with the latch open.

10 Remember to give your dog something really tasty at the end of each training session. A Kong toy can be filled with various food items and will help your puppy to relax and and build confidence in his new environment!

 Below you can find videos that can help you with your training.

 


 

Training Takes Time

It is important to remember that crate training takes time and should never be rushed. Each of the above steps should be practiced numerous times before moving on to the next stage. Puppies can become tired, bored or frustrated easily so try to keep training sessions short, ideally five minutes at a time.  

Now you are all ready to go. Good luck!