How to crate training your dog.
Introduction
Crating your dog can be a great way to keep them safe and secure when you are not able to supervise them. It can also be a helpful tool for housetraining and preventing destructive behaviors.
Common Misconceptions
- You should never use the crate as punishment. This can make your dog associate the crate with negative experiences and make them less likely to go in it voluntarily.
- You should never leave your dog in the crate for too long. The maximum amount of time that a dog should be left in a crate is 4 hours, but this should be reduced for puppies and older dogs.
Crate - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase:
- Start by making the crate a comfortable and inviting space. Put a soft blanket or bed inside the crate and make sure it is in a quiet area of the house.
- Lure your dog into the crate with a treat or toy. Once your dog is inside the crate, mark and reward them with the treat or toy.
- Repeat steps 1-2 several times. Gradually increase the amount of time that your dog spends in the crate before you give them the treat or toy.
Reinforcing Phase:
- Once your dog is comfortable spending short periods of time in the crate, you can start to introduce distractions. For example, you can try opening the door to the crate and walking away for a few seconds. If your dog stays in the crate, mark and reward them.
- Gradually increase the amount of time that you are away from the crate and the level of distraction.
Proofing Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably staying in the crate with distractions, you can start to practice in different environments. For example, you can try practicing in your backyard, at the park, or in a car.
- Gradually increase the level of distraction in the environment.
Maintenance Phase:
- Once your dog is reliably staying in the crate in different environments with distractions, you can start to move into the maintenance phase. This means that you will need to continue practicing the "Crate" command regularly to keep it fresh in your dog's mind.
- You can also try practicing the command in new and challenging situations, such as when you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time.
- It is important to make sure that the crate is always a positive experience for your dog. If your dog starts to show signs of anxiety or distress, you may need to take a step back and revisit the earlier phases of training.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1:
A client came to Partners Dog School with a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Buddy who was chewing up furniture when he was left alone. The client was worried that Buddy would destroy their home if they left him alone for too long. We started by teaching Buddy how to use a crate. We used a combination of positive reinforcement and proofing to help Buddy learn the command. After a few weeks of training, Buddy was reliably going into his crate when he was left alone and he was no longer chewing up furniture.
- Case Study 2:
Another client came to Partners Dog School with a 3-year-old Border Collie named Bailey who was anxious when he was left alone. Bailey would bark and whine when he was left in the house and he would sometimes try to escape. We started by teaching Bailey how to use a crate. We also taught Bailey some relaxation exercises to help him calm down when he was left alone. After a few weeks of training, Bailey was reliably going into his crate when he was left alone and he was no longer barking or whining.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be patient and consistent. It takes time and patience to teach a dog how to use a crate. Don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't get it right away. Keep practicing and eventually they will get the hang of it.
- Make the crate a positive experience. Always associate the crate with good things, such as treats, toys, and praise. This will help your dog learn to see the crate as a safe and comfortable space.
- Don't use the crate as punishment. If you use the crate as punishment, your dog will associate the crate with negative experiences and they will be less likely to go in it voluntarily.
Conclusion
Crating can be a great way to keep your dog safe and secure when you are not able to supervise them. By following the tips in this article, you can teach your dog how to use a crate in a positive and effective way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What if my dog is still having trouble getting used to the crate?
A: If your dog is still having trouble getting used to the crate, you can try consulting with a professional dog trainer. They can help you assess your dog's individual needs and develop a training plan that is right for them. - Q: What if my dog is destructive in the crate?
A: If your dog is destructive in the crate, you can try making the crate a smaller space. This will help to reduce the amount of space that your dog has to destroy. You can also try covering the crate with a blanket to make it feel more secure.