Training Your Dog to Enjoy a Crate

Crate Training

There are times when you just cannot have your dog under your feet. A crate can be used for short term management when you really need your dog to stay out of the way.

Prerequisite

Helpful but not absolutely necessary:

Conditioned to the clicker
Knows how to lie down on cue

Tools

Clicker
Properly sized Crate
Pouch full of delicious treats
Long lasting treat like a stuffed Kong, a beef pizzle (bully stick) or a raw meaty bone (always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog raw treats)
Consider feeding your dog’s meals in the crate

Training Environment

Start in a quiet room near family. Your dog should be part of the family. The crate should not be isolating.

Recommended Treat Position

When teaching your dog to interact with the crate or take a step inside, toss the treat so that your dog sees you throw it away from the crate. This gives him/her permission to choose to interact rather than feeling pressured.
When your dog is comfortable stepping into the crate, toss the treats into the crate.
When your dog is relaxed in the crate, give him the long lasting treat inside the crate and let him enjoy it.

Steps

Select the correct crate. Your dog’s crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be too big (especially when house training) or too small. It should be comfortable and cozy.
Introduce the crate gradually. Start by placing the crate in a common area where your dog spends time with the door open. Make it inviting with blankets and soft bedding.
Encourage your dog to explore the crate by placing his food near it, or if he’s brave, inside. Do not force your dog to interact with the crate.
Use your clicker if your dog sniffs or goes toward the crate. At first, toss the treats away from the crate.
If your dog puts his/her paws in the crate, click and treat. If he/she seems comfortable, you can put the treat just inside the crate door. If your dog is more cautious, show him/her the treat and toss it outside the crate to give your dog a quick break.
Your dog should gradually become more and more comfortable with the crate. This happens quickly for some dogs, but others need more time.
Gradually move your dog’s meals or favorite long lasting treats inside the crate. Keep the door open the first few times.
When your dog seems involved with his food or treat, gently close the door. Keep it closed for 3-5 seconds and open it again.
Gradually increase the amount of time you keep the door closed until your dog is able to enjoy his entire meal or treat with the door closed.
Next time you are going to treat your dog inside the crate, add a cue that works for you. Say your cue, walk to the crate, wait for your dog to walk in on his/her own, and produce the reward.
Never put your dog in the crate in anger. You may put him in there if you need to do some cleanup, but you should do so cheerfully, regardless of how you actually feel at the moment.

Homework

Practice the above steps a minimum of 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times per day.

Consider practicing at mealtimes until your dog is eating the crate.

At the End of This Step

Your dog should be happy to spend time in his crate with the door closed.

Troubleshooting

My dog is whining. Consider if your dog is truly in distress by checking his/her body language. This can be challenging, but it’s important that your dog not be traumatized by being locked up. If your dog is truly in distress, let him/her out. If your dog is simply being demanding, you can ignore the vocalizations. Be careful that your dog does not try to break himself out of the crate! A distressed dog can injure him/herself trying to free itself!

My dog refuses to go near the crate no matter what I do. Your dog may truly be afraid of confinement. In this case, consider a hallway or quiet space where your dog can relax when you need time to yourself. Not all dogs enjoy being crated, but most do.