Crate training can give your dog their own personal space where they feel safe and comfortable, as well as preventing them from chewing and destroying items in your home.
Type and size
Before the training actually begins, you’ll want to know which crate you should buy. There are different types of crate, such as plastic, fabric, and metal. The metal crate is the most standard to have in your home.
You also want to get the right size crate for your dog. You don’t want it to be too big or too small. It should be big enough for your dog to stand up and stretch out comfortably.
Training
Every dog is different. Your dog may pick up on crate training right away, or they may take a while to get used to it. Your dog could take a week to a few months to get used to this training.
- First, you can set up their crate in a permanent spot in your home. This could be in your bedroom, living room, or wherever your dog will be the most comfortable.
- Try to encourage them to check out their crate. You can do this by sitting next to the crate and calling them over with a treat or their favorite toy. If your dog is hesitant at first, that’s okay. Keep trying.
- You can step it up and place some of their toys and treats inside the crate. Place the treats at the opening of the crate, and give them praise when they eat them. This will let them know that the crate is a safe environment. You can increase the distance of the treats, so they’ll get used to going inside the crate completely.
- When they get used to going inside their crate, you can then try closing the door. You can leave them in there for a short time and then let them out. Keep increasing the amount of time. If you’re someone that has to go to work during the day, it’s okay to start out with having your dog in a crate for longer. Just make sure they’ve gotten somewhat used to that environment.
- You don’t only have to practice putting your dog in their crate every time you leave your home. You can practice while you’re at home as well.
Things to keep in mind
- Don’t use their crate as a form of punishment. Your dog should feel safe in their crate. You don’t want your dog to feel like they’re being punished each time you’re putting them away.
- You’ll need to distinguish between whining for wanting out of the crate and whining for wanting to go potty. Make sure your dog has relieved themselves before putting them away. If you crate your puppy at night, it’s understandable if they start whining in the middle of the night.
- Don’t leave your dog in their crate longer than 8 hours. Puppies shouldn’t be in their crate more than 5-6 hours because of their bladders. If you have long working hours, you may need to ask a friend, family member, or pet sitter to let your dog/puppy out every so often.
