When clients come to us to troubleshoot their training challenges, one of the first questions we ask them is "Do you use a crate or kennel?". If they say no, then the first recommendation we make is for the owner to crate train their dog. Why is it so important to crate train your dog? Crating your dog serves several essential purposes:
Mindset: A crate helps your dog regulate their energy and will help develop a positive mindset. It also offers a secure space where your dog can relax and unwind, contributing to their overall well-being.
Routine: Consistency is crucial in dog training. A crate helps maintain routine tasks, such as feeding times, departures, and sleeping. Yes, you read that right—sleeping. We’ll delve into that aspect shortly.
Safety: When you're not able to supervise your dog, especially in the early stages of training, a crate keeps them safe from potential hazards. It also provides your dog psychological safety, offering a designated spot where your dog can rest and feel secure.
Important Note: A crate should NEVER be used as punishment. Instead, it should be a neutral and comforting space where your dog feels at ease.
How to Crate Train Your Dog
Tools You'll Need: Leash, treats or kibble, dog crate
Leash Up: Equip your dog with a leash—whether it’s a slip lead or a flat buckle collar doesn’t matter. The leash helps guide your dog to the crate and positions them as needed during training.
Introducing the Crate: Open the crate door and guide your dog inside using the leash. If your dog is hesitant, you might need to use gentle leash pressure to encourage them. Remember, your approach sets the tone for your dog's training. If they can convince you they don't want to go into the crate and you comply, your dog will use that advantage for everything. If gentle leash pressure isn't working, you may need to assist your dog into the crate by using your hand on their back end.
Positive Reinforcement: Once your dog is in the crate, close the door (no need to latch it, just hold it closed) and say “Yes!”. This marks the behavior you want to encourage. Initially, your dog might not grasp the meaning of “Yes,” but they will catch on quickly as you continue to reward them.
Build Crate Expectations: Begin to open the crate door slightly. If your dog tries to come out before you say the release word, close it again to keep your dog in the crate. Repeat this until they understand they need to stay in the crate until you say it’s okay to exit. Gradually open the door wider and, once they stay put for a few seconds, use your release word (e.g., “Break!” or "Free!") and let them out.
Reward for Success: After your dog exits the crate on command, reward them with treats or kibble. If they’re more motivated by toys or affection, those can work too.
Introduce a Command: Once your dog is reliably entering the crate and waiting for the release word, add a command like “Kennel” or “Crate” while guiding them in. This helps them associate the command with the action.
Practice Consistently: Aim for 5-10 repetitions per session, balancing enough practice with your dog’s attention span. Always end on a positive note to reinforce learning.
Rest and Relax: After the final repetition, reward your dog and let them rest in the crate. This reinforces the crate as a comfortable and positive space.
My dog keeps barking in the crate. How do I make it stop?
If your dog excessively barks in the crate and you are ready to make it stop, we can help you with that. In balanced training practices, unwanted behaviors are handled with quick, fair corrections. For this particular instance, we use a tool called the “bonker”. A bonker is a rolled-up hand towel (or a similar soft object) used to gently interrupt unwanted behaviors.
Using a Bonker: To address the excessive barking, say "No" then throw the bonker at the crate with moderate force. Your dog may bark again initially, but with consistent use of the bonker, your dog will learn that barking leads to an unpleasant surprise, thus reducing the behavior. Remember, the bonker does not hurt your dog; it is merely a tool to startle and redirect.
Why should my dog sleep in the crate and not in my room?
When it comes to where your dog sleeps, the choice between the crate and your bedroom can significantly impact their training and overall behavior.
Crate training your dog to sleep in their crate rather than in your bedroom helps build their independence and confidence. The crate becomes a safe and comfortable space where your dog can feel secure and learn to settle on their own. This approach promotes self-reliance and reduces dependency on your presence for comfort. It will also enforce a routine and consistency that can help build the foundation for successful training in the future.
Extra tips for success:
Repetitions, repetitions, repetitions: Continue to uphold the boundary that your dog must stay in the crate until given the release word. Practice crate training drills twice a day, keeping sessions under 10 minutes to maintain effectiveness.
Meal times: Feeding your dog in the crate can help them develop a positive association with it, speeding up their understanding and acceptance.
With patience and consistency, crating will become a positive part of your dog's routine, contributing to their training and overall happiness.
Need help? That's what Good Woofer K9 is here for! Book a FREE consultation with us to discuss your training goals and any challenges you are facing. Click the button below to get started.