Why and How to Crate Train Your Dog

The only bad dog is an untrained dog.”– Unknown

Crate training is a popular method for dog owners to provide a safe and secure space for their pets. It can be a highly effective training tool when done correctly. It will help…

• manage behaviors
• ease anxiety
• aid in housebreaking.

Here’s why crate training is beneficial and a step-by-step guide on how to crate train your dog effectively.

Why Crate Train Your Dog?

1. Safety and Security: Dogs are den animals by nature. A crate can mimic a den-like environment, providing your dog with a sense of security.
   • It acts as a personal space where they can retreat to when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need some quiet time.
2. Housebreaking Aid: Crate training is one of the most efficient ways to housebreak a dog.
   • Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so keeping them in a crate can help teach them to hold their bladder and bowels until they are let outside.
   • This method helps create a routine and establish a bathroom schedule, which is so important in the early stages of training.
3. Ease of Travel and Vet Visits: A dog that is accustomed to being in a crate is easier to transport and handle in different situations, such as during travel or vet visits.
   • It reduces stress for both the dog and the owner, which makes these experiences more manageable.
4. Prevents Destructive Behavior: Puppies and even some adult dogs can be notorious for chewing on furniture, shoes, and other household items.
   • Crating your dog when you are not around can prevent them from engaging in these destructive behaviors.
   • It is also a safety measure, it keeps your dog safe from ingesting something harmful.
   • It also saves your belongings.
5. Emergency Preparedness: In case of emergencies or natural disasters, a crate-trained dog can be safely confined in a crate, reducing the risk of them running away in panic or getting injured.

How to Crate Train Your Dog

Crate training should be a positive experience for your dog. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Choose the Right Crate:
  • The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one corner as a bathroom.
  • There are various types of crates, each with its benefits. Choose one that suits your dog’s size and personality…
    • wire
    • plastic
    • fabric
• Introduce the Crate Slowly:
  • Place the crate in a high-traffic area of your home where your family spends a lot of time, such as the living room.
  • Make the crate inviting by placing a soft blanket and some of your dog’s favorite toys inside.
  • Leave the door open and let your dog explore it at their own pace.
  • Do not force them inside.
• Create Positive Associations:
  • Start feeding your dog near the crate.
  • Gradually move their food dish closer until it’s just inside the crate. This helps them associate the crate with positive experiences.
  • Praise them and give treats when they enter the crate willingly.
• Short Crate Sessions:
  • Once your dog is comfortable going into the crate on their own, encourage them to stay inside for short periods with the door closed.
    • Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration.
    • Always stay nearby at first, and gradually move further away.
• Extend Crate Time:
  • Slowly increase the amount of time your dog spends in the crate.
    • Begin to leave the room for short periods, eventually building up to leaving the house.
    • Make sure your dog is calm and not showing signs of distress before you leave them alone in the crate.
• Crate Overnight:
  • Once your dog is comfortable being crated for several hours, try crating them overnight.
    • Place the crate in your bedroom or nearby, so your dog feels secure.
    • This also helps you hear if they need to go outside for a bathroom break.
• Never Use the Crate for Punishment:
  • The crate should be a safe space for your dog, not a place of punishment.
    • Never use it to discipline your dog.
    • This could create a negative feeling about the crate, which makes the training process more difficult and stressful for you and your dog.
• Be Patient and Consistent:
  • Every dog is different, and some may take longer to adjust to crate training than others. Consistency is key…
    • Stick to a routine and be patient.
    • If your dog shows signs of stress or anxiety, go back a few steps and proceed more slowly.

Crate training can be such a valuable tool for dog owners, providing safety, security, and an effective method for housebreaking. As you follow a gradual, positive approach, you can help your dog see the crate as a comfortable and safe space…their own retreat.

At BowWow Fun Towne, we offer self-serve grooming, or we can do it for you.

Dogs are our business, and our friends, and we understand how important your dog is to you.