Crate Training
Crate Training

We highly recommend crate training your dog. At some point in your dog’s life he will be
placed in some type of kennel regardless if you use one. Whether it is at the vet, a boarding
facility, or traveling, the dog that is used to being in the crate will be less anxious during these
times. It also makes house training much easier.
If the crate is introduced properly then your dog will grow to enjoy its crate.  If done improperly
your dog will be anxious in the crate.  There are methods to turn the fear of the crate around
but the best plan of action is to train it the correct way from day one.  
Dogs are den animals that like confined spaces.  Your dog enjoys being underneath coffee
tables, kitchen tables, etc.  You may feel bad about putting the dog in a crate, but it may be
necessary given you and your dog’s circumstance.


How do we teach the dog to enjoy its crate?

At first, place your crate in a room in which you spend a lot of time such as a living room or
kitchen.  When your puppy is tired and is ready for a nap you will place him in the crate with a
treat and a chew toy and let him take a nap while you are in the room with him. Let him out of
the crate before he wakes up.  This is a good experience for your puppy. He learns that this is
a place he can go where no one will bother him. It is a safe little den.
The puppy needs lots of short periods in the crate that are positive ones at first.  Place lots of
chew toys in the crate for the puppy. Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter or dog biscuits are
great.
Place the puppy in the crate and practice going outside the room and coming back in and
letting the puppy out.  This lets the puppy know that you will always return for them. Practice
going out the front door as well.
The key is to make the crate a positive experience.  You want the dog to look forward to being
put in the crate.  You should let the puppy go into the crate many, many times and receive a
treat and then come back out without the door being shut.  Then when you need to close him
in, he will go inside without hesitation.

Crate Guidelines
1)        Throw a treat into crate and let puppy follow it in as you say “Kennel”
2)        Place puppy in crate for short time periods at first when the puppy is tired.
3)        Feed the puppy inside the crate (15 minutes and then food is taken up)
4)        Put the puppy in the crate when you are at home and in view.
5)        Place something with your scent inside the crate
6)        Never let the puppy out when it is barking.  
7)        Only let the puppy out when it is quiet
8)        Leave plenty of chew toys in the crate.
9)        THE CRATE IS NOT ONLY USED FOR WHEN YOU LEAVE THE HOME!