Tips for Crate Training Your Dog

Begin the Pet Crate Training
Training can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on your dog's age, personality, and past experience. Make sure to associate the pet crate with pleasant things, and take training slowly. Introduce your dog to the crate. Put it in a high-traffic area of your home with a soft blanket inside, and speak kindly to your dog when you bring him to the crate. Drop some treats near the crate to encourage your pet to go near it, then inside the door, then all the way inside. If he won't go inside, that's OK - don't force him. This step can go on for several days. Once your pet stands comfortably inside, close the door while he eats. As time goes on, leave the door closed for longer periods of time to acclimate him to staying inside. Begin to confine your dog for short periods while you are home. Call him to the crate, give him a treat and encourage him to go inside with a command, such as "kennel." Next, begin crating your dog for short periods while you leave. Make your departure matter-of-fact and leave quietly. If you plan to kennel your dog overnight, start in the bedroom or a nearby hall.

Crating Dos and Don'ts of Pet Crate Training

• Don't give in if your dog whines or puts up a fuss about going into the crate, but never force the dog; she shouldn't be afraid of her crate
• Don't let her out if she barks or whines
• Don't ever use the crate as punishment
• Do put your dog in the crate whenever you can't supervise her, whether it's for five minutes or 5 hours
• Do follow the 1 month = 1 hour maximum guideline for puppies up to 6 months; 1 month old, one hour maximum in the crate and so on
• Do check with the airlines if traveling to make sure your carrier is airline-approved
• Do use the crate as a temporary training tool for chewing and housebreaking

Most important of all, do give your dog plenty of family and exercise time, so that her crate becomes a beloved little den complementing her habitat.