Crate training often gets a bad rap, but it’s important to debunk the myths and understand the benefits when done correctly. Here’s a back story on my experience with crate training my dogs, which might help shed some light on the practice.
My Crate Training Journey
Einstein
My first dog, Einstein, was crate trained. This was essential for potty training him. He stayed in his crate when I wasn’t home or couldn’t supervise him fully. As he became more reliable, his crate time decreased. He always had access to his crate and I would find him in there snoozing.
Guinness
When I got Guinness at age four, he was already potty trained and didn’t need a crate for that purpose. I had one available, but he never used it. He preferred the dog beds scattered around the house. Guinness had a gentle nature, making me wonder about his past life before he became my beloved companion. He never liked the crate and knowing that his past was less than stellar, I left it up to him.
Benji
Then there’s Benji, my delicate flower and nervous nelly. Benji has anxiety when I’m not around. Before his crate arrived, I left him alone for just 20 minutes and returned to find he’d moved a cream cheese package from the counter to the living room, complete with teeth marks. Now, Benji is in his crate whenever I’m out or even just taking the trash out. The crate provides him a sense of security and helps manage his anxiety. When I’m home, he often relaxes in his crate on his own.
Debunking the Myth About Crate Training
Crate training isn’t bad. What’s harmful is using the crate as a punishment or keeping a dog confined for extended periods. Crate training, when done right, can provide a safe haven for dogs and help with various behavioral issues. It’s about creating a positive association with the crate, making it a space where your dog feels secure and comfortable.
Dogs are by nature, den animals. While the term “den animals” can be interpreted in different ways, dogs do possess some denning instincts. This instinct drives them to seek out small, secure spaces where they feel safe. While many experts have varying opinions on this, I firmly believe that providing dogs with their own quiet and cozy space offers numerous advantages.
Getting the Proper Crate
When choosing a crate, size matters. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a potty area and the other as a sleeping space. This is especially important when house training your dog, as a crate that’s too large can slow the potty-training process.
If you are crate training a puppy, consider getting a crate that will accommodate them when they are full-sized. Choose a crate with a divider, which most crates come with. This will allow you to adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows, preventing the need to purchase multiple crates as they mature.
By using a divider, you can ensure the crate remains appropriately sized throughout the different stages of your dog’s development. This not only saves money but also helps maintain the effectiveness of crate training over time.
My favorite crate is the MidWest Homes brand. I like the option of having two doors, which makes placement easy in your home. They are collapsible and travel well.
Getting Your Dog Accustomed to Their Crate
As long as your dog hasn’t had a bad experience with crate training, the process should be easy. If you are adopting an older dog who may have had a bad experience in the past, they will need some gentle guidance from you.
The first thing you want to do is NEVER force your dog into the crate. Forcing your dog into an unfamiliar situation or using it as punishment can lead to separation anxiety or a fear of small spaces.
The second thing is to make this space special. Everything about the crate, in the crate, and around the crate needs to be things they love. Toys, treat puzzles, and chew toys are great ways to create a welcoming experience. You want your dog to go into the crate voluntarily when you ask or on their own.
I put Benji’s favorite toys, blankets, and pillow in there. His crate is also covered with a blanket to create a dark, den-like experience. If you are using the crate for potty training, leave anything that can absorb urine or poo out until they are fully trained.
The third thing is to place the crate in a quiet, but not isolated, area in the house. Dogs are social animals and like to be near their family.
How to Crate Train a Fearful Dog
The first thing about crate training a fearful dog is to take it slow. If your dog was previously put in a crate as punishment or left inside for long periods, reintroducing the crate is key.
To get your dog accustomed to their crate, leave the door open. Put a few toys or treats inside as well. Let them explore on their terms, and praise them when they show interest. Associate positive things with the crate.
Eventually, your dog will become comfortable in their crate. Once this happens, you can gently close the door, but only for a few minutes at a time. Don’t ignore your dog completely; go about your business and stay calm, acting like everything is normal.
Gradually increase the time your dog spends with the crate door closed. Stay home until your dog is completely comfortable in the crate while you are there.
Maintain a calm demeanor when you are home and your dog is in the crate. Resist the urge to interact energetically with them. Stay calm and crate on (sorry, I couldn’t resist).
Benji loves his crate. It’s his place. When I wash his blankets, he gets a little perturbed. Once his crate is back to normal, I can find him in there, relieved that his stuff has been returned!
For more information about crate training your dog, visit my contact page and drop me a line.
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