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Puppy and Dog Crate Training

Puppy and Dog Crate Training

The thought of placing their new puppy in a "cage" isn’t appealing to most new pet parents. However, to your puppy, the crate is a very natural and comfortable experience. As a den animal, your puppy will likely feel safe and secure in small, confined area and a crate can act as an artificial den. It makes house training much easier and protects the dog and your home when you are not able to closely supervise your new companion. You will even find your puppy retreating back to the “den” for a nap if they are exposed too crate training from a young age as they will find comfort in having a place of their very own.

Selecting a dog crate

Finding the best dog crate for your pet mostly focuses on finding the right size for your dog and the material that will suit your needs best.

Dog crate size

A crate should only be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down in. For puppies, it is important that the crate not be big enough to allow the puppy to eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other as this will make potty training a more difficult task. To avoid purchasing a smaller crate when your puppy is small, and needing to get a larger one as it grows, you can opt to buy a crate that will fit your puppy when it is full-grown and then use a crate divider to make the crate the appropriate size. Similarly, if your crate didn't come with a divider, you can always use a box or other material, just make sure it's something that your puppy won't chew and ingest while unsupervised. As your puppy grows, you can replace the blocker with something smaller, so the floor space continues to be sized correctly.

Types of dog crates

Wire dog crates often fold flat for storage or travel but can be heavy. Since wire crates are open on all sides and your puppy will be able to see what is going on around them, getting them to feel secure and comfortable in their crate may be more difficult. To combat this you can cover the crate with blankets or a crate cover. By covering the crate, you will also be creating warms within the crate, which is great during cooler months, but be aware of this during summer and warm months.

Plastic dog kennels are more similar to a den since they feature more enclosed sides, so they may feel more secure for your dog. They are warmer inside, and many are airline approved. These plastic options are lightweight, but they are bulky to store or bring in a smaller car.

Soft-sided dog crates are light and portable, but may be more difficult to use when first crate training your puppy as they are not as stable for puppies who may be exploring ways to escape their crate. As your dog becomes more accustom to a crate, a soft-sided crate may be a good option.

Crate training a dog or puppy

Whether you're training a puppy or a dog, here are seven steps to follow when crate training.

1. Introduce your dog to the crate

The first step is a casual introduction to the new crate. Place the crate in a communal space where you and your dog already spend a lot of time together. Put a blanket or towel that smells like you or your dog inside and leave the door open. Leave food, treats and your dog's favorite toys near the door and inside the crate so that your dog knows that they are welcome to explore.

2. Feed your dog meals in or near the crate

Once your dog has been introduced to the crate and has maybe even gone inside on their own terms, start placing meals inside the crate to make it a part of their normal routine. During this time, the crate should still be located in a communal area of your home. Eating meals in or near the crate will help your dog build a positive association with it. Don't close the door until your puppy seems very comfortable. Then, open it immediately. Gradually increase the length of time the door is closed until your puppy is comfortable staying inside. Dogs should never be fed in a crate and then left for an extended period of time as that could result in accidents inside of the crate.

3. Practice using treats and crate commands

Now that your dog is comfortable eating and being inside the crate, it's time to start teaching them cues associated with the crate and rewarding them for cooperating. For example, say "kennel" and point inside the crate. When your dog enters, praise them verbally and offer a treat. Do this repeatedly until your dog has learned the process.

4. Practice crate time when you're around

Next, have your dog practice being in the crate for longer periods of time while you're home. Sit next to your crated dog and quietly return messages or read a magazine. Leave the room for 5 to 10 minutes, then return and repeat. Provide your dog with long-lasting chews or a stuffed Kong toy to keep them busy and to create positive associations with the crate. This can help condition your dog to feel comfortable spending longer amounts of time inside the crate and reassure them that you will always come back. Once your dog is comfortable with this, move the crate to its permanent location.

5. Crate your dog at night

If you plan to crate your dog at night, this is the step in the training process where it is appropriate to start doing so. Keep the crate close to your bed at first. If you don't plan to keep your dog in your room, slowly move the crate farther away each night as they get comfortable with the new sleeping arrangement.

6. Put your dog in the crate when you leave

Once your dog is comfortable being in the crate while you're around and overnight, it's fine to start putting them in the crate when you leave home—;only for short periods of time at first. An important piece of this step is avoiding a long and overstimulating goodbye. This will only make your dog anxious about the fact that you're leaving. Give them a treat as usual, leave their favorite durable toy with them and walk away like it's no big deal. You can even use a pet camera to watch to see how your dog behaves during your first trips away.

7. Continue to foster a safe crate space

Last but not least, never give your dog any reason to associate a negative experience with the crate. For this reason, never use the crate as punishment when your dog is misbehaving. The crate should never cease to feel like a safe and comfortable space for your furry friend.

If you're ready to give crate training a try, find the right crate for your dog at Petco.

Potty training with a crate

Since dogs are den animals, instincts encourage them to keep where they sleep clean by eliminating somewhere outside of this area. This instinct makes using a crate to help house train your puppy easier.

Advantages of using a crate during house training:

  • No intermediary steps
  • Uses dog's natural instincts to control bathroom habits

Disadvantages of using a crate during house training:

  • Must go outside regardless of weather or time of day or night
  • Dog must wait until parent can take them outside

Potty-training tips

With your dog safely kenneled, you can begin the process of house training. Anytime you are unable to actively supervise your puppy, place them in the crate with a toy or chew. Each time you take your dog out of the kennel, take them straight outdoors. Do not play with your pup until it has gone potty. Praise your puppy profusely, then play.

Some experts believe that puppies may not be developed enough physically to completely control their bladder and bowels until they are at least four months of age. While you will start your house training steps long before that, you should also keep in mind:

  • Routine is key. A consistent schedule for eating, drinking and potty breaks is the key to establishing good bathroom habits for now and the future. Within 15 minutes of eating, drinking, waking or play sessions, your puppy should have the opportunity to go potty. If you don’t give them the chance, they will go anyway.
  • Have Patience. Some breeds, especially certain toy breeds, are more difficult to house train than others. Patience and persistence are always important. Seemingly stubborn cases may actually be the result of a medical condition. Always talk to your veterinarian if you are having difficulty house training your dog or if your previously trained dog starts having accidents.
  • Clean up after accidents. If an area of your house smells like a bathroom to your puppy, it is a bathroom. If you find an accident, use a stain and odor remover to reduce the chance of repeats.

Along with being a helpful potty-training tool, your dog's crate can be used as their safe spot to nap, decompress and feel safe throughout their life. However, getting your dog used to a crate is something that should start early in their life in order to allow them to become accustom to it. If you're looking for more help with your new pet, visit your local Petco.

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