Your dog's crate should become their personal den where they find peace and solitude. This will only happen if you introduce it the right way—positively. In the end, it will provide comfort for your dog, and peace of mind for you. Just knowing your family member is safe, secure, and not shredding your house or getting into trouble while you're gone is worth the effort. We believe that how you crate train is just as important as why you crate train. Keep reading to find out why...
Recently there has been a stigma against crating your dog. Some of the reasons cited are:
- that it is unnatural and inhumane
- that it is a punishment
- that dogs don't like to be away from their people
benefits of Crate Training
There are several benefits to crate training. Some of the benefits include (and are not limited to):
After training is thoroughly complete, your puppy should be comfortable in a crate and hopefully enjoy spending time there.
- House-training. Dogs don't like to soil their dens. You can use this to train them when/where to go.
- Creating boundaries. The crate can limit access to the rest of the house while he learns other house rules. This will reduce their ability to participate in destructive or nuisance behaviors.
- Transportation. Crates are a safe way to bring your dog with you to places like the veterinarian and groomer.
- Security. Dogs love a space they can call their own. A place to retreat to, be fed or treated, and rest.
After training is thoroughly complete, your puppy should be comfortable in a crate and hopefully enjoy spending time there.
selecting a crate
There are several types of crates available (plastic, fabric, metal), there are benefits for each of the different kinds. So as you select one that fits your needs, you can be successful with any type of crate.
At Shurbeez for our adults we use plastic crates for the simple reasons:
We recommend you get a crate that will fit your puppy when it's an adult. The rule of thumb is to add approximately 4 inches to the overall length and height of your grown dog to get the length and height of the crate (as a puppy you can make a guess at the adult size of your dog). We generally recommend an 18x24 crate, this is the size we use for our adults.
If the crate is initially too big for your puppy, get a crate divider or make one of your own. This will prevent your dog from eliminating in one end and retreating to the other. You can move the divider as the puppy grows.
Your Shurbeez puppy has had access to and experience with all types of crates while here. They sleep in a metal crate, have used a plastic crate, and have had practice moving around in a fabric carrier to get ready for go-home day.
At Shurbeez for our adults we use plastic crates for the simple reasons:
- they are easy to clean, and
- the release mechanisms cannot be reached by a dog like they can in metal crates. ;)
We recommend you get a crate that will fit your puppy when it's an adult. The rule of thumb is to add approximately 4 inches to the overall length and height of your grown dog to get the length and height of the crate (as a puppy you can make a guess at the adult size of your dog). We generally recommend an 18x24 crate, this is the size we use for our adults.
If the crate is initially too big for your puppy, get a crate divider or make one of your own. This will prevent your dog from eliminating in one end and retreating to the other. You can move the divider as the puppy grows.
Your Shurbeez puppy has had access to and experience with all types of crates while here. They sleep in a metal crate, have used a plastic crate, and have had practice moving around in a fabric carrier to get ready for go-home day.
the crate training process
We introduce crates to our puppies at an early age - usually around the age of 3 weeks. It is introduced without closing the door and puppies are given soft bedding, toys, and given treats in the crate - they think it a great place and can often be found entering on their own and napping in there. Eventually we add the door back on and place puppies in the crate alone with a treat to learn that it is a great place to be. In your home, if you choose to use a crate or ever want to use one for taking a dog in the car, to the vet, or plan to have your dog groomed it is important to continue to make the crate a wonderful place to be. ** If you take your puppy/dog to the groomer they will be placed in a crate to wait to be washed,to be dried off, and to wait for you to pick them up. It is important to incorporate the crate training process early, while the puppy is still developing habits and learning your house rules. Full crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s age, temperament, and past experiences. It's important to keep these things in mind while crate training:
- The crate should always be associated with something pleasant.
- Never use the crate as a punishment.
- Training should take place in a series of small steps. Please take your time and don't go too fast, for your sake and the puppy's.
step 1: introduce the crate slowly
(At this point, your Shurbeez pup has not had any negative crate experiences while at our home- so hopefully this first step should be easy.)
First things first, make sure you place the crate in the center of the house, in the 'puppy safe area', or where the family spends a lot of time (it is helpful to move the crate around the home with you). That way your puppy won't feel like he is being isolated or banished. I find that it's helpful to put toys or a soft blanket in the crate.
This is when patience comes in. Don't force your puppy in the crate. Some puppies will naturally be curious and explore the crate right away. If this is not the case for you, I would recommend placing a toy or treat near the crate, depending on if your puppy is ok with the crate or shows fear around it. Gradually place treats closer to the crate, right at the entrance, and finally inside the crate. Your puppy may be fine and walk right into the crate and need no coaxing.
At no point during this step should you force the puppy inside the crate or close the crate door. This step may take a few minutes or possibly as long as several days.
step 2: feed your dog in the crate
After your dog is familiar with his crate, place his/her food bowl near the crate. That way, your dog will begin to associate the crate with pleasant experiences. Depending on how fast your dog readily enters the crate at this point, you can start putting the bowl in the crate itself or scatter some food inside. Because animals don't want to go potty where they eat or sleep, this step also teaches them to hold it. If your dog is still reluctant to enter the crate, put the food bowl as far as the dog is willing to go, gradually increasing the depth each meal.
Once your dog is comfortable with the crate, you can close the door while your dog is eating so he/she gets used to it. However, especially the first time, make sure that you open the door again as soon as he's finished. Gradually increase the length of time after the meal is finished before you open the door again, up to 10 minutes. If done right, your dog shouldn't whine because he/she is used to the crate by now.
However, if your puppy starts to whine to be let out, it's probably because you've increase the time too much. It is better to let him out when he's still comfortable. Don't wait until he realizes he wants to be let out and makes a fuss.
Remember, it's important to associate the crate with happy feelings. If your puppy does whine, try giving a fabulous treat to quiet him down so you can successfully let him while he is still happy, and next time try to anticipate the timing a little better so he won't whine.
Once your dog is comfortable with the crate, you can close the door while your dog is eating so he/she gets used to it. However, especially the first time, make sure that you open the door again as soon as he's finished. Gradually increase the length of time after the meal is finished before you open the door again, up to 10 minutes. If done right, your dog shouldn't whine because he/she is used to the crate by now.
However, if your puppy starts to whine to be let out, it's probably because you've increase the time too much. It is better to let him out when he's still comfortable. Don't wait until he realizes he wants to be let out and makes a fuss.
Remember, it's important to associate the crate with happy feelings. If your puppy does whine, try giving a fabulous treat to quiet him down so you can successfully let him while he is still happy, and next time try to anticipate the timing a little better so he won't whine.
step 3: lengthen the crating periods
Because the long-term goal of crating training is for your dog to find peace and security in the crate, you'll need to get your dog used to the crate while you're gone. At this point, your dog has experienced the crate positively with family close by. Now you need to begin withdrawing from the room or out of sight while he's relaxing or playing in his crate (Note: do not entirely leave the house just yet). Make sure to keep the separation time short initially; as he gets more used to it, you can extend that time.
I find it helpful to start associating the crate with a command, such as "kennel". The best way to do this is to give a treat and praise him when he enters the crate upon command. Keep your dog entertained in the meantime with a toy or chew, particularly a puzzle. Bored dogs tend to get destructive.
Once your dog will stay quietly (a.k.a. -not whining) in the crate for about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight, you can transition into the next step. This might take several days or weeks.
I find it helpful to start associating the crate with a command, such as "kennel". The best way to do this is to give a treat and praise him when he enters the crate upon command. Keep your dog entertained in the meantime with a toy or chew, particularly a puzzle. Bored dogs tend to get destructive.
Once your dog will stay quietly (a.k.a. -not whining) in the crate for about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight, you can transition into the next step. This might take several days or weeks.
step 4: crate your dog when you leave or at night
After your dog can spend about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving him crated for short periods when you leave the house. Your departures should be short and undramatic— Praise your dog for entering the crate, give him a treat, and then leave quietly. When you get back home, don't respond to your dog in an enthusiastic way to avoid increasing anxiety for your return. Follow the normal procedure of letting your dog out to go potty in a non-excited manner.
At night, put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it would be a good idea to put the crate in or near your bedroom. Often puppies need to go outside in the middle of the night, and you'll want to be close enough to hear your puppy when he whines. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you can gradually move it to a more preferable location by degrees. Remember, any time spent with your dog is a chance to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. We don't want to just randomly crate the dog so we don't have to watch them...
At night, put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Initially, it would be a good idea to put the crate in or near your bedroom. Often puppies need to go outside in the middle of the night, and you'll want to be close enough to hear your puppy when he whines. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with his crate near you, you can gradually move it to a more preferable location by degrees. Remember, any time spent with your dog is a chance to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. We don't want to just randomly crate the dog so we don't have to watch them...
possible issues to note
- Never use the crate as a punishment. Your dog will come to fear it and refuse to enter it.
- Don't leave your dog in the crate too long. A dog that’s crated day and night doesn't get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed, anxious, or develop strange or destructive behaviors. In addition, puppies under six months of age shouldn't be in a crate for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time, because they can't hold it for that long.
- Make sure you don't reward bad behavior. For instance, if your dog whines or cries, it may be due to wanting to be out of the crate, or because he needs to go outside to eliminate. You should never reward whining; Instead, you should wait until he stops. Don't pound on the crate or yell at your dog to make them stop.
- The crate is not a remedy for separation anxiety. The Humane Society of the United States notes "A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but he may injure himself in an attempt to escape from the crate. Separation anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures. You may want to consult a professional animal-behavior specialist for help."
using a crate to house-train
This is not a long-term solution. If you push your puppy's limits too far you will also have more problems to solve, like:
Crates can be effective to train your puppy to hold it until taken outside. But, you must be attentive to your puppy and learn his cues as he tries to tell you he needs to go.
- re-training your puppy how to keep their crate clean- because they will most likely have an accident in the crate
- a pup who develops coprophagia to avoid your angry outbursts- (he may start eating poop so you won't find it... or because he is bored in the crate)
- get covered in their mess, then you have to wash the dog, bedding, and crate
- fostering anxiety so he begins to destroy things in an attempt to get out...
Crates can be effective to train your puppy to hold it until taken outside. But, you must be attentive to your puppy and learn his cues as he tries to tell you he needs to go.
a few guidelines to remember
- Make sure the crate is big enough for the puppy, but not too big. There should be enough room for the dog to stand up, lay down, and turn around. If there is too much room, your puppy will sleep in one corner and eliminate in another.
- Don't leave your puppy in a crate for long periods of time, especially the first couple months. If your puppy cannot hold it, they will slowly learn that it's ok to go potty or poop in the crate.
- The crate should be a safe comfortable place, never a punishment.
what to do when your puppy has an accident
First of all, accidents are bound to happen when your puppy is still learning how to hold it. Do not punish your puppy or cause any negative associations with its bodily functions.
If you put in a little, or a lot of additional work at the beginning and remain consistent through the whole process, your puppy should learn in little time. Once you develop a schedule, it will be so much easier. Remember, this is a very natural process. Enjoy this time with your new best friend!
- If you find a spot but didn't see it happen, don't get angry. Rubbing your puppy's nose in it, taking them to the spot and scolding them, or any other punishment will only make them afraid of you. Puppies cannot connect your anger with their accident.
- If you do catch them in the act, clap loudly to grab attention and quickly remove the puppy to the correct location.
- If you're fast enough to catch them before they have the accident, again - clap loudly, say no, or use the sound that means no and scoop the puppy up and take them to their litter box or directly outside.
If you put in a little, or a lot of additional work at the beginning and remain consistent through the whole process, your puppy should learn in little time. Once you develop a schedule, it will be so much easier. Remember, this is a very natural process. Enjoy this time with your new best friend!
advanced crate training
When your dog is learning to extend crate training time and learning to enter on command you can add games to make it fun.
Training sessions should not last more than 5-10 minutes at a time. Give the puppy/dog a rest and then do it again.
**Start by using the command 'kennel', 'crate', or 'place' (whatever word you choose.)
** It is important to use low energy when letting your dog out of the crate. Don't greet your dog with high energy when coming home, into the room, or when using your release word. Using low energy will teach your dog that coming out of the crate is just the same as being in the crate. When greeted or released from the crate with high energy the dog will learn to be overly excited when leaving the crate*, may begin to feel antsy to get out , paw or claw at the door instead of waiting patiently, or go potty in excitement, etc.
*Any time we use high energy our dogs don't really know what to do with that energy.
Training sessions should not last more than 5-10 minutes at a time. Give the puppy/dog a rest and then do it again.
**Start by using the command 'kennel', 'crate', or 'place' (whatever word you choose.)
- As your dog enters the crate you use the command word. You can use a clicker or praise word to let your dog know that this is the desired behavior and treat with praise or an edible treat as soon as they enter the crate. **When giving a treat... it should be eaten in the crate - so give the treat through the bars or side openings so the treat is associated with being in the crate.
- Be sure to use a release word like 'ok' or 'good' to let your dog know that the time for being in the crate is over. Be sure to use a word that you only use for that purpose. If you always praise your dog with 'good dog', you shouldn't use 'good' as your release word. We use 'ok' as our release word and it can be generalized for all of your training releases.
- The crate is a great place to give treats often. Practice often by giving a 'high value' treat in the crate. (A 'high value' treat is something your dog goes nuts over, a raw meaty bone, a bully stick, a filled kong, a frozen slice of watermelon, a tiny piece of cheese or boiled chicken - whatever they love the most). If your dog knows that treats happen in the crate, they will associate crate time with good emotions.
- Use the crate for traveling to fun places often. This means every excursion (especially at first) in the car - in the crate should be filled with a good treat, happy emotions, and fun places. Don't just put your dog in the crate at night, when you leave, to take to the vet or the groomer or he may develop some anxieties about traveling in the crate.
- Get creative. Your dog will love to go into their crate the more you work on that skill. It will be a fun experience. Try new things - have your dog learn scoot back, stay with the door open, etc.
** It is important to use low energy when letting your dog out of the crate. Don't greet your dog with high energy when coming home, into the room, or when using your release word. Using low energy will teach your dog that coming out of the crate is just the same as being in the crate. When greeted or released from the crate with high energy the dog will learn to be overly excited when leaving the crate*, may begin to feel antsy to get out , paw or claw at the door instead of waiting patiently, or go potty in excitement, etc.
*Any time we use high energy our dogs don't really know what to do with that energy.