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Crate Training a Dog

Crate training a dog is in some ways easier than crate training a puppy, and in some ways its harder.

It is easier because dogs do not have the bladder control problems that puppies have (though edlerly or sick dogs do have bladder control problems).

It is harder because adult dogs may have some fear of the crate as a result of bad crate training, or simply being afraid of small enclosures, or because they are skittish and afraid of all new things.

These are the basic steps of how to crate train a dog. If you want more detailed instructions, consider buying our crate training ebook.

1) Get the crate

The crate should be big enough for the dog to turn around in and stand up in without his head touching the ceiling of the crate. Wire or plastic crates are best -- canvas ones will not stand up to much wear.

2) Put the crate in the right place

The crate should be away from any electrical outlets, curtains or anything else the dog can reach. Do not put things on top of the crate, unless you drape an old blanket over the top of a wire crate to make your dog feel like it has a bit of a den. The crate should be in the kitchen, living room or in your bedroom -- wherever you spend the most time.

3) Introduce the dog to the crate

Set up the crate, talk to your dog in an excited way, and then leave the dog alone to investigate the crate. Encourage the dog with praise and a treat here and there.

4) Get the dog to go into the crate for a moment

Put a treat just inside the crate door and let the dog get it. Keep putting treats into the crate, further back each time.

5) Get the dog to go all the way into the crate

Try throwing a favorite toy into the crate and see if the dog will retrieve it.

6) Close the door of the crate while your dog is inside

When your dog seems pretty comfortable going into the crate, close the door just a moment while they are inside, then open it right back up again. You are just gently swinging the door closed and open again, almost in one motion. Talk to the dog while you are doing this, and give them a lot of treats when the door is open again. This is a pretty big step. Try it again in a few minutes, extending the time the door is closed by just a few seconds each time. If your dog is anxious, this part of the training may take a week or more.

7) Work up to having the crate door closed for five minutes

If your dog gets uncomfortable at any point, do not go forward to the next step until they have relaxed. Undoing crate anxiety takes much, much, much longer than just waiting for your dog to become comfortable.

8) Do a very short chore in the kitchen with your dog in the crate

Give them their favorite toy, or a treat-filled Kong to chew on while you step a few feet away from the crate. Stay within their view. Talk to them a little, but you do not need to talk to them the whole time.

9) Step out of the room for just a second with them in the crate

Now you are introducing them to you being "gone" while they are in the crate. To a dog, "gone" is out of sight. Only be out of site for a moment.

10) Slowly increase the time you are away until you can be out of the room for 15 to 20 minutes

Again, do this slowly. It should take you at least a dozen short sessions to get up to 20 minutes. When you can be away for 20 minutes your dog is basically crate trained.

ARTICLES:
Crate Training a Puppy

Crate Training a Dog

How Crate Training Uses Your Puppy's Den Instinct

Potty Training for Puppies Under 16 Weeks Old

Your Puppy's First Night Home

Puppy Growling & How To Handle It

How to Stop Puppy Biting

Does Your Puppy Whine in Its Crate?

Crate Training for Very Young Puppies

How to Pick the Right Crate for Your Dog

Crate Training for Puppy Mill Puppies

The Importance of Eye Contact in Dog Training

How to Potty Train your Dog

How to Stop a Dog from Pulling When Walking on a Leash