Crate Training
We highly recommend crate training, and hope this information will help you.
Crate training is a strategy to prevent and cure several behavior problems. Crating a dog makes house training easier, eliminates destructive chewing, and is a safe way for a dog to travel. Crate trained dogs also incur less stress should they have to stay at the vet or any other place where they are required to be in a crate.
The crate, also called a cage or kennel, is a small enclosure made of wire or solid material yet large enough for the dog to lie down, stand up, and turn around. This is a safe enclosure where he can rest undisturbed in "his very own space". Once accustomed to it, dogs often seek out their crates and want to go into their crate to nap.
The following is a quoted testimony:
"We remember the first time someone suggested crating our dog who was a destructive chewer. We were horrified, thinking it was cruel to cage her. However, we didn’t think to consider how cruel it was to be angry with her about the destruction of the day, which caused her additional anxiety and stress. Once she got used to her crate, we all found that it was not cruel at all, in fact, she sought it out as her room, her bed, the place she went when she wanted to rest. She didn’t mind the crate, even though we minded it at first. Once we got used to it, we recognized the value of the crate and of crating a dog."
To train your dog to use and like a crate, regardless of age, follow the steps below:
Rules:
Always give your dog a treat for getting in the crate.
Don’t show apprehension or act apologetic for putting the dog in the crate. You wouldn’t want to be in it, but you’re not a dog. Don’t identify with how you think he feels. Act as if it’s no big deal, and he will too.
NEVER use the crate for punishment. Avoid putting him in it angrily, or while you are chastising him. He will associate your anger with the crate. Always praise him for getting in.
If he’s barking in the crate, make him be quiet before letting him out. If he does not have to go to the bathroom then let him carry on. If you take him out every time he barks and carries on you are creating a bad habit and he will do it more. You will learn if he has to go potty or is just carrying on.
If your dog urinates or defecates in the crate, don’t yell or punish him. He has suffered enough by merely being unable to get away from the mess. Simply take him out, and clean the crate.
Set up the crate in an area you use frequently, such as the kitchen or family room, and allow time for your dog to explore it on his own, inside and out. Encourage him to investigate it, talking to him in a happy voice, even laughing. Rattle it, to show him that it may make a noise. Talk happily and laugh, showing no concern.
Armed with treats, take your dog over to the crate, and give him a command such as "kennel" or "bedtime". Entice him into the crate, praise him and immediately give him a treat. If he chooses to get right out again, let him. If he reluctant to get in, put a treat just inside the door, then a little further in, and a little further, etc, until he gets in on his own. If necessary, put him in a few times, giving him a treat each time. Repeat this step until he is getting in the crate on his own.
Command him in, give him a treat, and close the door. Scratch him through the bars, praising and telling him how terrific he is, then open the door and let him out. Don’t make a big fuss over his coming out, freedom is its own reward. Make a bigger fuss about his being in the crate at this point.
Command him in, give him a treat, close the door and leave the room. Go and do something in the other room and wait a while, when he gets quiet let him out and praise him.
Command him in, give him a treat, close the door and leave the house and go to the store or do yard work someplace where he can not hear you. When you get home if he is sleeping, wake him up and bring him right out and praise him.
You can also feed your dog in the crate, this is optional.
Puppy Crate Training:
This is more important with puppies than older dogs:
Have the crate by your bed, and put your puppy in it to sleep. When a young puppy wakes during the night, carry him out, wait until he urinates and defecates, take him back to the crate and both of you go back to sleep.
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