Crate Training

My family and I recently got a puppy. I knew that crate training would be important for many reasons, but I also knew it would require patience and effort.

The first night we put her in the crate for bedtime, she howled. That only lasted about 20 minutes, so I figured that wasn’t so bad. Maybe this would be smooth sailing. But then she was up almost every hour whining. Despite trading who got up with her, my husband and I did not sleep much that night.

The second night, it took a lot of determination not to just let her sleep on her bed. She looked so peaceful there, and we didn’t want to disturb her. But then I reminded myself why I want to crate train her. There are so many benefits to having a dog that is crate trained.

Benefits

The first is that it can help with potty training. In a proper size crate, most dogs will not go to the bathroom. They will typically indicate when they need to go to the bathroom. Sometimes this is with a whine, other times they may scratch at the door. If a crate is too big or your dog has a medical issue, such as diarrhea or a urinary tract infection, then they could have accidents in the crate.

The crate can provide a safe place for your dog to be when you’re not home or you’re busy. A crate is a controlled environment where your dog has access to only the things you have placed in the crate. You can provide safe toys for them to chew on, and they can’t get into things like garbage or other harmful items.

The crate can provide a safe place for them to ride in on car trips or even an unforeseen plane ride. Some dogs will move around a lot in the car, which can be unsafe for them and their owners. Crates can also protect dogs in a car accident. Although it may not be in the plans now, a plane ride is another time that dogs often need to be in a crate.

Crates can also be a safe space for your dog. They usually feel at home in the crate, and it can be comforting if you take it with you on trips, when you move, or if there are stressful times for your dog. According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, all dogs can benefit from getting comfortable with a crate, since it can be genuinely useful, and even life-saving, in situations like travel, boarding, recovery from surgery, or an emergency evacuation.

Some tips to consider if crate training

• Type of crate: From plastic, to wire frame, to fabric, there are many different types of crates. Your dog may prefer one over the other. The important thing is that they cannot hurt themselves in the crate, and they cannot escape the crate or destroy it.
• Supervision during initial training: When you first start crate training, it is best to be nearby so you know how your dog will react. If they are extremely stressed in the crate, then start with short lengths of time to keep it positive.
• Amount of time in the crate: Once your dog is tolerating the crate well, they should still not stay in it for longer than 4 hours during the day or 8 to 10 hours overnight without being let out to go to the bathroom.
• When to take your dog or puppy out of the crate: Your dog should only be taken out of the crate when they are quiet. Wait until they stop whining, barking, or howling (even if it’s just for a second). If you take your dog out of the crate while they are whining, it reinforces this behavior, and they will likely continue to do it in order to get your attention or get out of the crate. If you think your dog needs to go to the bathroom, then it is OK to take them out of the crate when they are whining, as long as you put them directly back into the crate once you let them out to the bathroom.
• Keep the crate a positive and safe environment. Giving your dog treats or special toys for going into the crate can encourage them. If it’s not bedtime, providing adequate things to chew on, treats, and a proper temperature will improve your dog’s experience in the crate.

Choosing the Right Size and Placement

Cornell’s veterinary team notes that a crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that your dog can use one end as a bathroom and the other as a bed. If you have a puppy who will grow considerably, a crate with a divider panel lets you adjust the usable space as they grow, rather than buying a new crate every few months. Placement matters too: a crate tucked into a quiet corner of a family room, rather than isolated in a garage or basement, helps your dog feel included in household activity while still having a den of their own.

Building a Consistent Crate Training Schedule

Consistency tends to matter more than speed when crate training a puppy or a newly adopted adult dog. Feeding meals inside the crate, using the same verbal cue every time you ask your dog to go in, and practicing short, calm sessions throughout the day, rather than saving the crate only for the overnight stretch, all help your dog build a positive association more quickly. It also helps to avoid using the crate as punishment. A crate that your dog associates with being sent away for bad behavior is much harder to turn into the comforting, safe space it is meant to be.

Although crate training is not always smooth or easy, it is very helpful and beneficial for your dog in the long run. There are still times when I put my puppy in the crate and she whines or barks a bit, but I know she is safe in there, and these instances are happening less frequently the more we use the crate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crate Training