Not everyone is in favor of it, but a dog crate can make life much more pleasant for both you and your dog. Proper crate training is essential in this regard! In this blog, we explain what you need to consider if you want to use a crate.

How Can a Crate Help?

A crate or cage can be helpful when bringing a puppy or dog into your home. The crate serves the following purposes:

However, it is crucial never to use a crate as a punishment. Take the time to acclimate your dog to it so that it sees the crate for what it is intended to be: a place of rest and security.

Choosing the Right Size

Always use the size appropriate for your puppy’s breed. When your puppy is fully grown, it should still be able to lie down, stand, and turn around inside the crate. The crate should not be too large. Especially for puppies of large dog breeds, it is often initially too big. In such cases, it may be necessary to reduce the size, but more on that later.

There are various types of crates you can use, such as the Boon dog crate.

Reducing the Size of the Crate for Your Puppy

As mentioned earlier, these crates are often too large for your puppy, especially if you have chosen a model that the adult dog should fit into. In this case, it is wise to reduce the space so that your puppy can still lie comfortably inside. You can do this, for example, by dividing the crate with an additional (wooden) wall or by initially placing a large cardboard box inside, removing one wall on the side of the door. Reduce the space with something your puppy cannot climb on, as there is a risk of falling or getting stuck.

Only when the crate is small enough can you prevent your puppy from urinating and defecating inside, and you can also use it for toilet training. After all, a dog naturally does not want to urinate or defecate in its sleeping area. If the space is too large, you will not achieve this goal. It may also be necessary to place the crate in the hallway or bedroom in the evenings and at night.

Finding the Right Location for the Crate

It is important to find a good location for it. Place the crate in a quiet area in the living room, where your puppy can oversee the entire room. Do not put it in front of the TV or in a place where you frequently pass by. Also, avoid placing it near an (open) window or a heater to prevent drafts and temperature fluctuations.

How to Introduce Your Puppy to the Dog Crate?

The first impression should be a positive one. Make it comfortable in the crate with a soft blanket or pillow, such as the Scruffs Expedition Mat or a genuine crate cushion, such as the Beeztees Nano Bench Cushion. In any case, it is important that your puppy cannot slip. Let your puppy explore the crate by regularly placing something tasty inside, and put it in when, for example, it wants to go to sleep. If the food is not interesting enough to explore the crate, you can also put a favorite toy in it. The door should always be open during this phase. Secure it temporarily if necessary, so the door does not close when your puppy is inside. Do not force your puppy into the crate!

Puppy Training Schedule

Once your puppy voluntarily goes into the crate, the actual training can begin.

Step 1: Place Food in the Crate or Cage

Place your puppy’s food in the crate. Position the food bowl as far back as possible, so your puppy has to enter completely to eat. If your puppy is hesitant, place the food bowl near the door and gradually move it farther back with each feeding. If eating in the crate/cage goes well, try occasionally closing the door while he eats. Reopen the door once your puppy has finished eating. Try to gradually extend the time the door is closed, up to about 5 minutes after your puppy has eaten. Try to prevent your puppy from whining before opening the door. If he does, you have progressed too quickly and need to take a few steps back.

Step 2: Teach the Command for the Dog Crate and Reward

If eating goes well, and you can close the door for up to 5 minutes after eating, try teaching your puppy a command to send him into the crate, such as “Crate” or “Place.” Again, do not use this command as a punishment! Otherwise, this place will be associated with negative experiences. Reward your puppy when he goes in calmly, close the door for a while, then reopen it. After a few moments, open the door again and reward your puppy for remaining calm. Use, for example, one of our training treats. Practice until your puppy understands the command. Try closing the door a little longer each time but remain in the same room.

Step 3: Leave the Room Where the Crate or Dog Cage Is Located

If your puppy stays calm while in the crate, and you can close the door for an extended period, you can leave the room for a short time. Gradually increase this time. If you manage to leave your puppy in peace this way for 30 minutes, you can try leaving the house for a short time. Practice this and vary the time you are not in the room. Do not make the farewell unnecessarily long or emotional. Reward your puppy when he goes into the crate quietly and leaves it. When you return home, reward him if he remains calm when you open the crate door.

If everything goes well, your dog has likely developed a positive relationship with his crate. This way, the crate can often help your dog learn to stay alone at home. Read the article on leaving your puppy alone at home for more information.

Your puppy constantly whines in the dog crate; what now?

It’s possible that your puppy constantly whines when in the crate. He may have a different need at the moment, such as needing to relieve himself or being hungry. However, it could also be that you progressed too quickly in training, and you need to take a few steps back.

Adaptil and Pet Remedy sprays can help your puppy feel more comfortable in a new situation. If necessary, you can use these sprays in the crate for additional support.

Never Hit the Box or Crate

Never hit the box to calm your puppy! Your puppy will become frightened and associate the box with fear. He might even associate you with fear because you were the cause. Puppies often whine for a specific reason. They may need to relieve themselves, be hungry, feel lonely, or be bored, etc. Try to determine the cause of your puppy’s whining and act accordingly.

Before Your Puppy Goes into the Box

Remove the collar before placing your puppy in the box/crate. A movement could cause the collar to get stuck, resulting in a traumatic experience for your puppy, and he could even suffocate.

Training for an Adult Dog

It may happen that an adult dog needs time to get used to a box. For example, if a dog comes from a shelter or rescue, or because your dog needs to be operated on and requires rest. Crate training for an adult dog is essentially the same as for a puppy. It may just take longer for your adult dog to get used to the crate. An older dog is often less flexible than a puppy when it comes to changes. Therefore, take enough time for a positive introduction and only start the actual training when your dog is ready.

A Box in the Car

To safely transport your dog in the car, it may be beneficial to use a transport box. Especially if you have a large trunk and want to use part of it for transporting other things. In some European countries, a transport box is mandatory. Training in the box is essentially the same as in a crate in the house. The difference is that your dog also needs to get used to the car in this case. So, practice initially with the crate in a stationary car with the tailgate open. Then with the tailgate closed, and only then start driving. Initially, take short trips to a nice place where you can play with your dog. Once the dog has had a positive experience with car rides this way, you can gradually drive further.

Crate Training in Brief

For successful training, it is essential to consider the following:

Good luck with crate training. Do you have any questions? Please contact us at [email protected].