Crate Training Your Adopted Dog: What You Need To Know

One of the many items you may bring home with a new dog is a crate for them to sleep or stay in when you're not home. However, if this is your first dog, or your first time using a crate, you may wonder what it’s all about. Why do we use crates for dogs? And how do you get your dog to stay in the crate without becoming agitated or anxious when you’re not at home? Let’s look at some quick tips for crate training your dog, whether you've adopted an older dog or a puppy.

Why Crate Training?

Some owners have concerns about crate training their dogs because irresponsible and abusive owners can misuse the crate. But when used correctly, crate training is actually a perfectly safe method, and it’s even natural for your dog. Crate training is a great way to take advantage of your dog’s natural instincts as a den and pack-oriented animal. Wild dogs make dens in caves or other enclosed areas to serve as their home. These small, enclosed spaces feel safe to them, and a crate can serve a similar function for your dog at home, giving them a place of their own where they can relax and feel snug. It can also be a helpful way to house train your dog, since dogs don’t like to take bathroom breaks inside their dens.

Selecting A Crate

It’s important to choose a crate that's the right size for your dog, so be sure you understand how big your dog is before you head out to buy one. There should be plenty of room for your dog to stand up and turn around in their crate, so they can be as comfortable as possible. If you have a puppy and not a fully grown adult dog, make sure to get crate that is going to be large enough for them at their adult size. Look at average sizes for your breed or type of mix and take your best guess. If you happen to guess wrong, don’t try to save money by making do with a cramped crate. Your dog will be much happier if you buy them a crate that is an appropriate size.

In terms of styles and options, you have several—there are wire crates with plastic tray liners and plastic crates that are also approved for airline travel. Choose whichever you are comfortable with, but if you choose a wire crate, consider covering it with a blanket so that it will feel more like a den.

What Goes In The Crate?

Because the crate is serving as your dog’s den, you’ll want it to be a comfortable space for them. Fill it with soft blankets or a dog bed, and include some comforting objects or favorite toys that your dog loves. A safe chew toy might be a nice addition to direct your dog away from chewing on the bedding, although don't be surprised if this happens. Only use blankets you don't care about.

You can even have a special treat or toy that is only given to your dog when they're in the crate. This can be helpful when crate training, because your dog will begin to associate the crate with fun extra treats. Above all, the crate should be a safe and comforting place for your dog—a place they want to go. That will make training much easier in the long run.

Training Your Dog

Start by letting your dog get used to the crate. Leave it open and try throwing some treats in the crate. If your dog heads in after them, offer praise and perhaps another treat or two. Be careful not to overdo this praise, however; over-praising can make your dog nervous. You want your dog to understand that this is a safe space, and that going inside is normal and natural.

Don’t worry if it takes several days for your dog to enter the crate; let your dog enter on their own time. The noise made when you close the door to the crate can make some dogs anxious, so consider leaving the door off or open at first. During this process, add an easy-to-understand, simple command—such as "Crate!" or "Bed!"—so you can easily get your dog to enter later. Once the dog is comfortable entering the crate and relaxing inside, try closing the door. At first, only close it for a moment before reopening it. Over time, gradually increase the time the door is shut.

When the dog is comfortable with that, try walking away after you've closed the door. Go about your normal activities around the house, but leave the dog in the crate while you’re nearby. Once your dog can feel relaxed in the crate with the door closed for around 30 minutes to one hour at a time, try leaving the house. Remember to treat your return like it’s nothing special. Let the dog calm down for at least 10 minutes before releasing them from the crate, and then make it just an average part of the day.

With these tips, your dog should feel comfortable in their crate in no time at all.