Crates are NOT the enemy!
The Usefulness of Crate Training When we look at a crate we may feel distaste, as it appears cramped and cage-like. As humans, cages are anathema to our very existence. We prefer the freedom to move about, without confining walls. Yet, as infants, that’s exactly how we are consoled and relaxed; to be swaddled and hugged snugly.
Most dogs feel safe within a crate. It imitates a den-like environment. Wild canines will always seek a space where they can feel the walls around them, as they know they are protected from unseen predators. This is where they choose to have their babies, as they know they will be safe. When
domestic dogs give birth, they also seek a safe area. Dog Breeders provide a high-walled box for whelping (giving birth). This enclosure has several benefits. First, the mother feels safe. Second, it contains wandering puppies, keeping them close to each other and their mother.
Due to their natural inclination to seek out a safe space, crate training your puppy to aid in house training can be the best means of achieving a dog with good house manners. Dogs are less likely to relieve themselves within a crate as it is a small space, and most dogs prefer to not step on waste. If taken to their relief area regularly, they will keep a clean crate.
Pet parents can enhance their dog’s preference for crates by creating a positive atmosphere within.
Here’s a few suggestions:
1. Keeping the crate in a quiet area, away from commotion.
2. Placing a comfortable mat with in the crate, provided the puppy is not chewing the material.
3. Teaching your dog to go into the crate on cue.
4. Placing a high value toy or treat within the crate as your dog enters.
5. Gradually increasing the crate time in a positive manner.
6. Remaining consistent on crate time.
7. Feed your dog in the crate.
Crate Location
Crate location is very important. If you want your dog to quickly settle in and relax you need to consider placing the crate in a quiet location. If the crate is in a busy area, he will not easily settle down, regardless of your approach to conditioning. Puppies get excited when there’s commotion around them. The more active they are the more often they need to relieve themselves. This makes crate training more time consuming.
Bedrooms can be ideal as they are not a high occupancy area of the house during the day. Laundry rooms work, too, as they don’t get a lot of foot traffic. Dogs tend to be able to relax for long hours at night because their surroundings are quiet.
To bed or not to bed?
We often look at things through our human eyes, instead of what might be best for the dog in our life. You are sure to love your dog very much and want the best for them. You may be
tempted to give your dog a fluffy bed in their crate. This way they can sleep more comfortably, right? We often look at things through our human eyes, instead of what might be best for the dog in our life. You are sure to love your dog very much and want the best for them. You may be tempted to give your dog a fluffy bed in their crate. This way they can sleep more comfortably, right?
Fluffy bedding can be a big mistake!
While many dogs do prefer some cushioning, it can be detrimental to successful house training, if placed in the crate. You may want to hold off on the lofted bed until you’re certain that your dog won’t relieve itself on the bedding. Or, get bored and decide that the bedding is a great chew toy. It is far more difficult to clean up the remains of bedding, than to be frugal about it in the first place. A flat mat is usually sufficient to ensure your dog’s comfort as well as support a clean crate environment.
Positive Associations with Crate Time Your dog will easily acclimate to any new situation provided they are introduced to it in a positive manner. It is important to gradually condition your dog to a crate or they can develop horrific separation anxiety behaviors.
Here is a way to introduce your dog to their crate:
1. Sit with your dog near the crate.
2. Work on targeting techniques – show your dog your hand with a treat in it. When he puts his nose near your hand, use a marker (a special sound used only when your dog has performed correctly), such as “Yes!” Or, “Good!” in an enthusiastic tone of voice.
3. Put your hand with the treat in it inside the crate. When your dog follows your hand into the crate, use your marker word and give your dog the treat. Repeat this at least 4 times. At this point your dog will begin to anticipate your action and move into the crate as they see your hand moving in that direction.
4. Next, throw the treat into the far side of the crate. Your dog will follow it in. As they do so, use your maker word. Repeat at least 4 times.
5. Begin using a verbal cue with your visual cue of throwing the treat into the crate, such as “Kennel” or “Go to bed.”
6. When your dog is comfortable entering and exiting the crate, close the crate door after he enters. Be sure to praise and speak softly as you sit near the crate. After 10-20 seconds open the crate door and allow your dog to exit the crate. If, however, your dog remains within the crate, give them another reward as you praise. This is a sign that your dog feels very comfortable within the crate and is offering you proof of their feelings about it.
7. Repeat this about 4 more times. Then add another 10 seconds to the time your dog remains within the crate with the door closed. If your dog begins to get anxious, i.e. moves around or presses against the door, place a high value toy inside. Treat dispensing toys are perfect for this situation.
8. Feeding in the crate will further enhance your dogs’ desire to remain in it. While they eat, you can close the door. Your dog will have a positive association being inside with the door closed. Nothing motivates like food!
Time is of the essence The best means of ensuring your dog easily accepts, and even prefers, crate time is to be consistent with the time of day they will be within the crate. Dogs tend to be most relaxed when they know what will happen and when. They are creatures of habit. If they are taught that crate time means time for bed, they are conditioned to behave in a specific way at that time. Or, if you set up a daytime nap for your dog because you need to get some work done and want to be certain your dog is secure, then do this around the same time, daily. Crate training is a means of making your dog feel safe while also helping to teach them to behave while in your home. Crating is mainly used for housetraining but can also be utilized when your dog is teething. Crating them prevents your home from destruction during this developmental period, as you cannot always watch and redirect when they put their mouths on objects other than their toys.
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