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How do I properly crate train my dog? Part #1
Has this question popped up for you? It’s quite a common one and there isn’t a single right answer. To help answer this, I always dig in deeper so I can better understand WHY you want or need your dog to be crate trained. From there, good decisions about crate training can be made. For example, I’d want to know:
- What is your goal for crate training? Is it to prevent puppy accidents, keep a dog out of household mischief, contain a dog who has alone-time anxiety, prevent aggression with visitors, or something else?
- What is your dog’s age and has he already had any experiences (good or bad) with crating?
- Will your dog pee/poop in the crate, even when they’ve had a potty break beforehand and are crated for only a short amount of time?
- How long do you wish to crate the dog each day, total?
In upcoming posts, I’ll share some crate training examples with you. In the meantime, please feel free to share your crate-training questions, successes, or problems here!
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13 Replies
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One of the most frequently asked questions is “what do I do when my puppy/dog is crying or barking in the crate?”
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Oh yes, that comes up a lot, @sandy ! ????
What do you suggest to help your clients with this issue?
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This is such a great topic, and something that pet owners can really still struggle with. You’ve listed some great questions to get the conversation started, Virginia.
@sandy why do you think the pups are crying? Have they been in the crate too long? Is it a matter of feeling stressed while isolated? Where is the crate?
There’s a recent study out of Oregon by researchers looking into attachment models, similar to parenting. They found a LOT of similarities in how our dogs are expressing attachment and how we respond to them, when compared with how children express attachment and parental responses.
One cool finding is that while most folks crate their dogs away from the humans, most dogs prefer to rest where the people are.
Think about that for a sec. The dogs want to be with the people… and the people put them elsewhere. ???? (this just kills my heart!)
The way we attach to our dogs has a huge impact on cognition and behavior… and crate training can impact how our attachment is perceived by the dog, as can training methods and other aspects of our relationship.
Here’s an article about that study, for those who want to go deeper.
What do you all think about this, and how can we bring up these concepts, when the pet parent just wants “the dog to be quiet in the crate?”
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Whoa…that is a lot to have on the plate to digest!
I read the article and could definitely see how authoritative types get the best response and bond and puzzle solving from their dogs. A little confused about authoritative vs. authoritarian, but maybe it’s because they sound so similar.
I don’t think it’s silly that they are drawing parallels between pet parent and parents of children, with parenting styles.
Think about this: Human babies/children also want to be where the people are (mostly!) but I know the world is split there as well. I don’t want to start any arguments with other parents out there. I think it is generally assumed that when you have a baby, the baby will have his or her own nursery/room/crib. Why? One way to look at it: It gives the growing child their own space and encourages independence.
That said, some parents co-sleep with their kids. I did not. Without TMI, I nursed both my (infant) babies and sometimes would bring them into bed to do so in the middle of the night, but after that, dad or I would bring them back to their room and lie them into their crib. Sometimes, they slept thru the transition. Sometimes not. There was a big drive from psychologists about creating the ability to self-soothe in your child as a coping mechanism…sometimes, it felt like letting a baby cry it out.. there’s a lot more than that from parents in there, because as a parent, we made sure their needs were met and they were safe. They did learn to self-calm. They grew up to be independent and we still have good relationships, even though they are 22 and 25 and live on their own.
Sorry if that was long-winded!
I think that parallels exist in that, we should encourage a puppy or dog to enjoy their own company/space. A child having a nursery or room with a crib is not unlike a dog having a crate or bed to go to. I think it helps a dog also go into a “settled” mode, when we remove distractions, like ourselves, just for awhile. We can love on them the rest of the time and shower them in treats. ❤️
OK…even so, I leave the decision up to the pet parent and we can only make recommendations. ???? I truly hope I did not offend anyone going off on a tangent. These are my own personal views on the matter. My boyfriend (not a trainer) who grew up in Mexico City thinks kenneling/creating dogs is not necessary and feels bad for the dogs. Different views…
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It’s important to ensure that your puppy has something fun to do in their crate, such as a stuffed Kong or a yummy chew.
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Yes, that is so very helpful, @sandy ! Consistent use of these yummies in the crate can really help infuse the dog with positive feelings about crate time.
When a dog has separation anxiety, on the other hand, such yummies may only mask the issue, in that a decent percentage of dogs may eat the food only to begin showing signs of anxiety or distress when the food is gone. In cases like that, a precisely outlined protocol for reducing anxiety is really important, and crating may even be counter-productive.
In the original photo I posted, the foster dog in the crate was a bit fussy about crate time when I was out of sight. The Pet Tutor sitting on top of the crate (along with a spy cam) allowed me to reward her remotely for quiet/calm behavior. All the cool technology available these days is just amazing! When I started training in the dinosaur age I would’ve killed to have access to these awesome tools!
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Other reasons to crate. If you have a weather emergency such as a tornado.(I live in Texas) then you can crate your dog & take shelter. Or if your dog has a bad accident & he has to go to the emergency vet…… he has a place to kept him from injuring himself. Or if a dog has to stay overnight at the vet he’s comfortable in a crate. And maybe you need to go to h hotel, your dog can be crated while your gone & not eat the couch…lol. Why not crate your dog. I leave the door open for my dog & she likes to take naps in it during the day. It’s in our living room covered. Crates are great.
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So many great ideas, @Denise — thank you for posting them!
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I agree, such great and sound reasons for crating! @Denise I especially like the emergency protocol and the having to be at a vet overnight as well. Also, if you ever want to board your dog, there is a chance he may need to be in a crate at some point. I know there are many cage-less sleepovers places now, but, just a thought.
It is important to not have a pup wearing a collar while they are kenneled, so they don’t become entangled in the cage or ventilation holes. I know as a petsitter that a lot of people don’t think about this, but it should be recommended to be “naked”.
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So glad you mentioned the detail about taking off a collar when a dog is crated, @bernerlabreclectus . Freak accidents sure can happen.
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I don’t know if someone mentioned these but comfort in crate training ,is imperative if your dog has a medical emergency such 4 pins holding a hind leg together! 6 weeks of crate rest with hand walk potty breaks !
Thank God this dog was happy and content in Her crate or she may have lost her leg .
Also many dogs are crated at their dog groomers and vet practice while awaiting
Spays and neuters etc.
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@kathys
Wow. That’s a great point with lots of impact. A dog that needs to rest off an injury or surgery would definitely be far better off of she was happy in her crate! We never know when a medical emergency will lay our dog up for awhile!
Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Glad your girl was happily crated and her leg is all better…❤️
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Just had a client today whose dog can’t go to a regular grooming salon because he’s never been taught to accept crating. They pay extra for a mobile groomer to come to their home now.
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