A few tips about crating dogs

Because there is so much press about abuses such as dog fighting and dog racing, many dog lovers are wary of the idea of confining a dog to a crate, or a small dog cage. Though abuses can, and do, occur, the crate is not intended as a place to imprison a dog. It is not a tool for punishment. Rather, your dog’s crate functions in much the same way as your child’s bedroom.

In order for the crate to be a positive experience for your dog, begin the process of crate training on a day or night when you have time to stay at home and observe your dog’s behavior. During the day, for instance, put your dog inside the crate for short periods – say, 15-minute intervals. A successful crating session has happened if your dog seems comfortable. If your dog whines or tries to get your attention, ignore her, but take note. If it’s simply a cry for attention, she will soon learn that crate time is personal time, and will begin to occupy herself or rest. If the whining worsens, or does not go away over a few days of consistent crating sessions, there may be a deeper issue there, and you should consult an expert.

When your session is done, go back to your dog’s normal routine of play and bathroom breaks. Every couple hours or so, bring her back to the crate and each time extend the time. Think of it the same way you would put a baby in a play pen. The idea is to not associate it with punishment. By the end of the day, if all goes well, you should be up to 30-minute sessions.

That evening, put her to bed in the crate – after she’s had her nightly bathroom break, of course. Chances are, she will fall right to sleep.

If she spends her 15-minute interval whining, simply continue crating her throughout the day in 15-minute intervals until she begins to feel comfortable enough to stop trying to get your attention. By bedtime, she should be comfortable enough to spend a night in the crate. Of course that if you are able to work from home doing this can much easier. If she whimpers at this point, don’t worry - especially if she is very young. A young puppy will still be suffering from separation anxiety and missing her mother. Successful crate training will provide comfort and stability during this difficult transition period.

The crate can also be an invaluable tool when it comes to housebreaking your dog. It is a rare dog that will go to the bathroom when confined to a small space. Like humans, they find the idea of soiling themselves pretty disgusting and will avoid doing so if at all possible. For that reason, if you are crate-training and potty-training at the same time, take your dog outside to use the bathroom after each crate session. Give her five or 10 minutes to do her business and praise her lavishly when she does.

If you are using the crate specifically to potty train, you may want to recrate her after a nonproductive bathroom break. Once she goes in the yard, however, praise her lavishly and release her to play.

Often times people who utilize crates will leave the crate door open when the dog is not using it. After a while you will find that the dog will go there on their own to rest. Remember, this is your dog’s bedroom. Take your dog’s preference to use it on their own as a good sign. In time, the crate will offer security to your dog and peace of mind for the both of you.