Crate Training puppies and adult dogs

Crate training is not only a good method of housebreaking dogs and puppies; it is also a safety device for travelling, and for dogs that cause destruction in the house.

What kind of crate is best?

Most pet friendly airlines have specific crate dimensions and require the plastic shipping crates that are properly secured.  Always check with airlines for their requirements prior to flying.

What size of crate should you use?

Adult dogs should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably.   If you have just gotten a puppy, you can get a larger crate and block off half of the crate so that they don’t take up the habit of eliminating in their kennel.

How do I start crating a puppy?

The crate needs to have a positive association for any pup or dog.  This is to be a place of safety, security and rest.  Avoid using it as a punishment area as they will not want to be in there and may result in anxiety.

A good rule of thumb for how long a puppy can stay in the crate is no longer than one hour per each month of age, with the longest duration not longer than 8 hours (an average workday).  Ensure that the pup/dog has had exercise and bathroom breaks before and after their time in the crate.

To get a pup used to the crate, a positive association must be made.  Start by playing around the crate, giving treats or feeding them beside the crate.  Place the crate in an area in which there is family activity, put a soft blanket inside and a safe toy for them.  Feed meals in the crate with the door open at first, then work up to closing the door.  With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer until they are staying in the crate for 10 minutes after feeding.

Keep in mind, that if the pup or dog whines while in the crate, it is imperative that you not let them out until they stop.  If you let them out when they are doing a negative behaviour, they are learning that the way to get out of the crate is to whine so they will continue this behaviour.

Crating adult dogs is very similar, use positive associations and work up in lengths of time in the crate.  To get them used to being in the crate if you leave, practice having them enter and exit the crate several times a day.  Put them in the crate just before you leave to run a quick errand or sit quietly nearby.  Then, when you come back sit quietly for a few minutes and let them out of the crate.

 It is important to note that by avoiding grandiose hellos and good-bye’s can help reduce separation anxiety.  Make your departures quiet and subtle as opposed to emotional and prolonged.

 Crating at night:

Pups will initially need to go out at night for a pee break.  They will often let you know with a whimper.  Try to keep them on a schedule and let them out of the crate when they are quiet.  As they age, and are sleeping through the night, you can move the crate to a different location if you prefer as well as leave the door open.

 Issues that dogs face with crate training:

·    Too much time in the crate:  If the crate is not used correctly a dog may become frustrated.  If they are in the crate all day and night they are spending too much of their time in a small space.  Try having a dog walker come in or take them to a doggie day care for some socialization. 

·   Whining:  This is often done as a test to see if they can get you to let them out of the crate.  As hard as it is, ignore this behaviour and let them out once they are quiet.  If the whining continues after several minutes of ignoring, use the phrase that is associated with a bathroom break.  If he responds with excitement, take him straight out for a bathroom break and then back in.  Do not make this into a play time; it is a trip with a purpose.  If your dog does not need to go to the bathroom, continue to ignore them until they stop.

Destructive dogs may be safer in a crate when you are not in the home.  This can at least stop them from destroying the house and potentially hurting themselves.  For more serious cases of separation anxiety, it is best to consult a professional trainer.

Travelling with your dog can also be made safer by transporting them in a crate.  This keeps them secure in the case of an accident, and does not allow them to interfere with the driver.

Adapted from the Humane Society of the United States "Pets for Life" Behaviour Series.