Crate training is very beneficial for both dogs and their owners. Some say that clinging exercises will restrain the dog and feel unnatural. However, the small, enclosed space of a kennel is similar to a dog sanctuary in the wild, so the dog will feel safe and natural in it. If you gradually introduce the crate to your puppy with lots of positive support, the crate will soon become a safe space for your dog to rest. You can train both puppies and adults to gradually like their crate over a few days or even weeks, or just over the weekend. It all depends on your free time. Adult dogs take longer than puppies to get trained to like their crate. Therefore, be patient and in time the dog will like the crate.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Cage
Step 1. Choose the appropriate cage size
The crate should be large enough so that the dog can stand, turn and lie comfortably in it. One of the reasons cage training is effective alongside potty training is that dogs don't poop in their beds. If the crate is too large, the dog may defecate in one corner and sleep in the other.
- If your pup is still growing, you can buy a crate that will fit your dog's size as an adult. Block off some of the crate space with a “room divider” (usually sold with the crate) so that the crate space isn't too big for the puppy.
- Pet shops or veterinarians may have kennels available for rent. Try borrowing and swapping as the dog grows in size.
- If the cage is intended to be used for boarding, be sure to use a cage authorized by the airline.
Step 2. Choose the appropriate type of cage
There are many different types of cages to buy, including wire, plastic, and soft-sided. Choose the breed that best suits your dog and the circumstances of your home.
- Wire cages are usually the cheapest and have good air circulation. Usually, these cages come with room dividers to accommodate growing dogs.
- Most dogs feel more comfortable in a plastic crate. This cage can also be used on a plane. However, this crate is not ideal in hot weather as the dog will overheat.
- Soft-sided cages are very light and easy to carry. However, many dogs can bite the walls until they break and the crate is difficult to clean.
Step 3. Find a good place for the cage
When you start cage training, it's a good idea to place the cage in a place that is often used by family members during the day, such as the kitchen or family room. Dogs are social animals and love to feel part of a herd. The cage should not be placed in an isolated place, such as a basement or garage. Cages should not feel like a place of punishment for dogs.
- It's a good idea to plan to move the crate to the bedroom when training your puppy, to make it easier for the puppy to be taken outside to relieve himself.
- Some employers have two cages, one in the living room, one in the bedroom.
Step 4. Make the cage as comfortable as possible for the dog
Place a blanket or towel on the floor of the kennel for the dog to sleep on. If you're using a mesh or wire cage, you can also spread a blanket or light towel on the roof of the crate to make it more comfortable and feel like a shelter for your dog to feel more secure.
Some dogs and puppies mistake the bed for a chew toy, or a place to go to the toilet. If so, take the bedding and clean the cage, then repeat the process without the bedding. You can put it back when the dog is a bit older
Step 5. Get excited about the kennel
As the crate is installed, the dog may come over and inspect the crate. Say positive things about the crate to show your enthusiasm, and let the dog explore the crate. However, don't force the dog into the crate or close the door immediately when the dog is inside. It takes a lot of time and patience to get your dog used to the crate. The more enthusiastic you are about the crate, the happier your dog will be.
Part 2 of 3: Doing Caging Exercises Step By Step
Step 1. Open the cage door
Leave the crate door open and persuade the dog to check the contents of the crate. The dog may look around, or not seem convinced. If your dog isn't in the crate, make sure you give him positive praise to appear satisfied.
Do not close the door if the dog enters the crate. Wait until the dog feels safe in the crate before closing the door
Step 2. Put some catlians in the cage
You can put treats in the crate to spark your dog's interest, or let your dog eat them right away. It's okay if the dog just sticks his head in the crate at first. Slowly work the treats deeper in the crate until the dog is fully in the crate.
Step 3. Put the dog's favorite toy in the crate
If your dog doesn't respond to treats, try putting the toy (or a new toy that interests the dog) in the crate.
Step 4. Feed the dog in the crate
When the dog is willing to enter the crate voluntarily, you can start putting food there. Fill a plate of dog food and place it deep in the crate, then leave the door open while the dog eats.
Step 5. Start closing the door
Once your dog is used to standing and eating in the crate, try closing the crate door while he eats. You should stay close and be visible to the dog when it eats. Open the cage door immediately when the dog is finished eating. Then, slowly add a few minutes to open the door after the dog has finished eating. Continue until the door can be waited 10 minutes before opening.
Step 6. Encourage the dog to stay longer in the crate
Once your dog is used to eating in a cage with the door closed, you can leave it for a while. Call the dog into the crate and give him a treat. Then, choose a command, such as “enter” while pointing at the crate, and coax the dog into it. Once the dog comes in, give him a treat and close the crate door. Stay near the dog for the first 5-10 minutes, then leave the room for a while. Go back into the room, and take the dog out of the crate.
Repeat this process several times a day for a few days. Gradually increase the amount of time the dog is in the crate
Step 7. Cage the dog when you leave the house
When your dog is willing to stay in the crate for 30 minutes without whining or looking stressed, you can leave the dog in the crate while you're away from home for a while. Make sure the dog has defecated before putting it in the crate. Leave a toy or two with your dog.
Step 8. Cage the dog at night
It's a good idea to keep the crate in the bedroom from the start, especially if you have a puppy who poops at night. Once the dog is used to sleeping in the crate at night, the crate can be moved to where it wants to be.
Step 9. Do not leave the dog in the crate for too long
Dogs need exercise and socialization to stay physically and mentally healthy. Holding it too long will cause problems. Make sure you follow the kennel guidelines and don't leave your dog for more than 5 hours, except at night.
- Age 9-10 weeks: 30-60 minutes.
- 11-14 weeks of age: 1-3 hours.
- Age 15-16 weeks, 3-4 hours.
- over 17 weeks: 4-6 hours.
Step 10. Respond appropriately to a dog's whining
Don't let your dog out of the crate just because he's whining, unless he really wants to go to the bathroom. In addition, you are supporting bad behavior by giving in to the whining of the dog. Ignore the whining of the dog for a few minutes. If it doesn't stop, take it out as soon as possible and get things done. After that, return the dog to the crate. Make sure you don't teach your dog to whine to get out of the crate.
Part 3 of 3: Homework Practice on the Weekend
Step 1. Schedule and train your dog at the end of the week
Many people don't have time to train dogs on weekdays/schools. If you follow the steps suggested here, and remain positive and patient with your dog, most dogs can be conditioned to love their crate within a week's time.
Step 2. Prepare the cage ahead of time
Buy a cage and place it where you want it. You can do this a few days in advance to get your dog used to the presence of the crate. Leave the crate door open for the dog to explore.
Step 3. Start placing treats in the coop every Saturday night
Put some treats in the crate on Friday when it's late, and replace the treats when your dog has eaten them. Please continue feeding into the cage after the initial training period to maintain a positive association with the cage.
Step 4. Feed the dog in the crate on Saturday night
Place the dog food plate deep in the crate. If the dog is still reluctant, place the plate of food near the door of the crate. However, when your dog is about to start eating, try pushing the plate further into the crate. If the dog seems comfortable, close the crate door until the dog has finished eating, but only if all is well.
Step 5. Start active training on Saturday morning
For the first training session, sit near the crate and call your dog. Show the dog a treat, and command him to enter the crate (for example, use the “come in”) command and then toss the treat into the crate. When your dog enters the crate for a treat, give him the praise enthusiastically, and give him another treat while the dog is in the crate. Give the dog another command (such as “get out” or “OK”) to get out of the crate.
Repeat this process 10 times then take a break. After that, repeat 10 more times
Step 6. Ask the dog for a treat
The following Saturday morning, do another training session. Give the dog the first few treats as usual. After a while, instead of simply throwing the treat into the crate, give the command and don't give the treat until the dog is in the crate. Then, give orders to leave the crate and give treats back when the dog leaves the crate.
- Repeat this process 10 times, or until the dog understands what you want.
- Take a short break, then repeat 10 reps.
Step 7. Close the cage doors on Saturday afternoons
Start sending the dog into the crate and treat it a few times as before. After a few reps, put the dog in the crate, provide a treat, and slowly close the crate door. Treat your dog through the crate door, then open it. Give the command to get the dog out, and repeat.
- Do the exercise 10 times, leaving the cage door open longer and gradually. Try setting a target of 10 seconds, up to 30 seconds
- If the dog seems agitated, the first time the door is only half closed.
- Use lots of positive support during this process to reduce the dog's anxiety.
Step 8. Increase the time in the cage
Rest, then repeat the exercise process above. This time, once you've closed the cage door, sit near the cage for progressively longer periods of time, until you feel comfortable in the cage for more than a minute at a time.
Step 9. Get used to the dog alone in the crate
On Saturday afternoons, start the practice of leaving the dog alone for a while. Start with a few short stays in the cage as above. Next, put the dog in the crate, and then walk until the dog is out of sight before returning and rewarding the dog. Repeat this process 10 times. Then, take a half hour break, and do it again.
Step 10. Do a longer restraint exercise on Sunday morning
Get a chew toy, or a KONG toy filled with treats, and ask the dog to enter the crate. Then give the dog a toy, close the door, and relax in the same room for half an hour while the dog chews on the toy. When the time is up, give the dog a treat and tell him to come out and open the door and get the dog toy. Repeat this process an hour or two later.
It's best not to get too excited when your dog comes out of the crate. You want your dog to be enthusiastic about getting into the crate, and not the other way around
Step 11. Give the dog good exercise
for the next session, the dog should be exercising and ready to rest. Take it for a long walk or play, and tire your dog.
Step 12. Leave the room
Bring the dog into the crate, and give him his favorite toy. Close the door and leave the room for 10 minutes. Go back and take the dog out for a while, then repeat this process gradually for longer periods of time. Make sure the dog has toys and time to go in between and allow the dog to be in the crate for a total of an hour.
Step 13. Leave the house
On a Sunday night, it was time to leave the house. Put the dog in the crate and give him his favorite toy. Then, leave the house for 10 minutes. When you get home, remove the dog from the crate and continue your nighttime activities. Don't celebrate or rejoice when you leave the house or go home. You have to show that going and coming home is normal.
Step 14. Go on Monday morning
After the weekend workout, your dog should be ready to stay in the crate for a few hours, depending on the dog's age. Train the dog thoroughly in the morning, and put the dog in the crate and give him his favorite toy. Don't rush out of the house, and leave just a few hours before you go home and give your dog a nap. Remember, follow the dog age guidelines below, and don't leave your dog in the crate for too long:
- Age 9-10 weeks: 30-60 minutes.
- 11-14 weeks of age: 1-3 hours.
- Age 15-16 weeks, 3-4 hours.
- Age over 17 weeks: 4-6 hours.
Warning
- Don't use the cage as a form of punishment. You want your dog to like the crate and not hate it. Using the cage as a punishment will associate the cage with negative things.
- Never leave a sick dog in a kennel. If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or has a fever, don't leave it in the crate and take it to the vet immediately.
