Crate Training

Crates (also called cages and kennels) are the best and safest way to raise a puppy.  If you have never used a crate while training a puppy, you may initially be opposed to the thought of crating your puppy, but after using a crate you'll discover that your puppy loves the crate and it helps with housebreaking, traveling and keeping you sane.

Dogs are den animals and really like having a place of their own. Think of your crate like a dog apartment in your home. This is a place for pooch to get away from the confusion in your house and know it is in a safe haven. The crate acts as a secure place and safe haven that your dog understands from the hard-wiring of his wild ancestors. Remember not to anthropomorphize your feelings about a confined space. Dogs love to den and the crate is an excellent solution for them.

A crate allows you to train your puppy and have control over pup when you are not at home. Pups left home alone with too much roaming ability can become anxious, lonely and bored, all of which can lead to disasters in your home and for your pup. Think about it in human terms. If you had an infant crawling around the house, would you leave the baby unattended and go do something else? The same applies for your puppy, safety first!

By using a crate, you create a positive behavioral pattern which enables the relationship between you and your dog to develop and grow in a positive manner.

Some additional benefits of crate training your dog:

• Virtually eliminates house training problems and "accidents" in your house. 
• Saves you money in repairing and replacing damaged household items and furniture.
• Assures that your puppy will learn good habits.
• Eliminates the chance that you will give up your puppy because you can't deal with behavioral issues.

There are many styles of crates available for your companion. You will most likely start with a wire or plastic crate. Wire crates offer plenty of ventilation and a good view of pup's surroundings. Plastic crates also have good ventilation and can be used to ship dogs on airlines.  Some newer style crates are quite attractive and can match your home's décor and even become part of your furniture.

Tips for Crate Training

• Have a positive attitude toward crate training. You are helping your dog and doing them a favor by using the crate. A crate trained dog is more confident, more secure, has less stress and is a more functional member of your family.
• Use a crate that will be the correct size for your adult size dog to stand up, turn around and lie down inside. If your pup will grow to be a bigger dog, create a smaller space for pup now by sliding in a piece of heavy cardboard or Masonite about half way back in the crate. When pup gets bigger, simply remove the divider and the crate will be the right size.
• Keep your crate in a semi-private space in the people part of your house like the kitchen or family room. Make sure your spot is away from drafts and direct heat.
• Well before bedtime, place your pup in the crate and give a treat. Close and latch the crate door.
• Immediately start a routine with your puppy learning to use the crate for nap time and whenever pup must be alone for 3-4 hours. Once you get back, immediately take pup from the crate to your outside bathroom spot and praise for elimination, and then go immediately inside. Your puppy will quickly pick up on this association and will learn house training quickly. Your relationship with your pet will be enhanced if you provide consistent structure.
• Teaching your dog to accept crate confinement is not cruel. There are several schools of thought on how to train your dog to the crate. I’ll include some options here and you can determine what is most appropriate to your training style.
• Start by putting some treats or kibble in the crate so your dog finds them and thinks happy thoughts. Next feed your dog inside or near the crate, again creating positive experiences. Then start adding some time in the crate between feedings.  We provide safe chew toys in the crates for the dogs to have something to do. Remember this is about building positive associations with the crate.
• At the first sign of separation responses like howling or barking, intervene with a sharply raised voice. The idea is for your pup to associate his barking and howling to the sharply raised voice. Some pups will not respond to the sharply raised voice, most will respond to the shaker can (Altoids tin or coffee can with some coins inside works great) or a newspaper or fly swatter slapped sharply against the crate door. As always, NEVER hit your dog.
• The majority of puppies will quiet down after 3-8 attempts at emotional responses. Once your puppy quiets down, keep him in the crate for an additional 10 minutes. Do not praise the puppy immediately after releasing it from the crate as you don't want pup to think getting out of the crate is the desirable behavior.
• After about 30-45 minutes, repeat the procedure of putting pup in the crate. Extend quiet time to around 30 minutes, then gradually extend your away time and in a very short period you will be able to be gone for several hours.
• Line your crate with some type of soft bedding material. There are ready made crate pads or even a towel or old blanket will suffice. Make sure pup has one safe chew toy in the crate. Other than treats, don't put food or water inside the crate. Remove collar and tags when crating your dog to prevent accidental entanglement. We like Primo Pads for home and on the road.
• Remember, your secure happy dog will help you to be a secure happy owner.

In 1985, I got a handout on crate training. I have included the order information from the back of the handout in case you want to follow-up.   
A Pet Owner's Guide to the Dog Crate by Nicki Meyer.
Contact information is:
Nicki Meyer Educational Effort, Inc.
31 Davis Hill Road
Weston, CT 06883
203.226.9877