What is Crate training?

Crate training is one of the most talked about methods of training, relatievely new to the 'pet' owner.  More and more dog owners are learning the benefits of starting puppies on crate training as soon as they arrive in their new home.  Crate training is the use of either a plastic airline crate or a wire cage to confine a puppy when you as a family are not able to monitor his every move.  The crate in effect, becomes the puppy's bed.  Other terms associated with crate training are den and kennel.

You may feel that it is cruel to confine a dog to a crate.  It would be cruel to just close him in the crate and leave.  But if you introduce him to the crate properly, you will find that your puppy will quickly choose his crate for sleeping and quiet time.  Too many dogs are given into rescue centres, because of the damage they have caused whilst they are not monitored.  As over 85% of these dogs are put to sleep, it is kind, NOT cruel to crate train a puppy to prevent behavioural and house training problems.

Why Crate Train?

In the wild dogs live in dens.  The den provides wild dogs with protection from predators as well as the eliments. Creating a safe and secure place.  This is why you often see your pet dog curling up under a table, chair or bed.  By giving dogs a secure place that is their own, pet owners can take advantage of a dog's natural insticts to help him feel safe, thus reducing isolation-induced stress.

Crate training, if done properly, is a wonderful training tool with many benefits.  Apart from the obvious uses for travelling, a crate can be used for short-term confinement - to keep your puppy out of trouble, so he does not develop bad habits when you cannot give him your undivided attention.

Who Should Crate Train?

Owners of new puppies and any adult dogs with destruction and or house training problems should crate train.  The only time crate training would not be advisable is in a situation where a puppy will be left alone for an extended period of time and family members cannot come home to let the puppy out during the day.

It is a dogs natural instict to keep his den/crate clean, so he will "hold it" as long as he can before relieveing himself in his crate.  The maximum time an 8 week old puppy should be left in his crate is 4 hours.  Puppies younger than 8 weeks have "to go" every 2-3 hours, so they should be given a crate break at those intervals.  Except for over night sleeping, crate time approaching 8 hours is strongly discouraged.  As the puppy gets older (4-6 months) you can gradually leave him in his crate for longer periods of time, but you should never exceed 8 hours for any dog.

If a member of the family is unable to come home at midday to let the puppy out, then there are a couple of other options.  The most desirable would be for a pet-sitter, relative or neighbour to pop in and allow the dog time out of his crate.  If this is not an option, leave the puppy in a confined area, with his crate door open.  This way he can sleep in the crate and come out to relieve himself.  A collapsable wire barrier, sometimes called a "exercise pen" or "X-pen" can provide a damage proof safe area.  However, using this type of set up will lengthen the house training period, as the puppy will be learning to relieve himself in the house.  Also, some puppies will learn to climb over the barrier.

When Should You Crate Train?

Owners of puppies or dogs of any age can start crate training at any time.  It is best to start puppies immediately, so they do not have the chance to develop bad habits.  Most adult dogs will learn to like using a crate if introduced correctly.  In most cases, adult dogs will take longer to adjust to crate training than a puppy.

The key is to get the dog used to going in and out of the crate on his own.  Never force the dog into the crate.  To get your dog interested in the crate you can put his food in the crate, so he has to go in to eat.  Also to make going into the crate rewarding by throwing treats or a favourite toy inside.

What Size/Type of Crate?

Size:  The ideal situation for house training is to use a crate that is 2 times the puppy's body length and big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down in.

However, for most people it is not feasible to buy new crates as your puppy grows.  So the best alternative is to buy a crate that will be large enough for your full grown dog.  A fully grown dog should be able to lie down on his side comfortably, as well as stand, sit and turn around with out any difficulty.

Type: There are 2 basic types of crate, a plastic "airline kennel" and a wire cage.  Each has their own advantages.  The plastic ones are usually more portable than the wire cages and are more cosy for the animal, while the wire cages typically have more width and height space than a plastic one of approximately the same size.  The angled design of the plastic one makes them narrower at the bottom than the more box like wire cages.

You can buy wire cages that are easily collapsable and can be carried like a suitcase, which is helpful when travelling.  Most wire cages have removeable trays that slide out making cleaning easy.  If you select a wire cage make sure you cover the back and sides at least 1/2 way down with a blanket or towel to create a den like atmosphere.  You will find the dog feels happier and more secure if you cover the crate.

Where to put the Crate?

Dogs are pack animals and prefer to be with their pack/family, so keep the crate in a lived in part of the house.  A bedroom, kitchen or family room are all good - never in a garage or disused area of the home.

When you have a puppy it is recommended to have the crate near the door he will use to get outside.  Having the crate near the door will help prevent him having any accidents on his way outside.

How Do You Crate Train?

 Introduction and Use of the Crate

•  Between feeding, you can make going into the crate a game by tossing in treats or toys. Allow your puppy to come and go at will - do not force your puppy into the crate.

•  When the puppy gets in the crate on his own or because there is a treat inside, this is your cue to start associating a command with the action. You can use statements such as "in your bed", "basket".  The most important thing to remember in giving commands is to be brief and consistent.

•  Always leave the crate door open when your puppy is out of the crate so he can get in it when he wants.

•  When you are home, make going into the crate a game. Give your chosen command, such as "basket," and throw a treat or toy into the crate. Let your puppy walk in and out of the crate at will. Whenever your puppy goes into the crate on his own, lavish him with praise!

•  Each time the puppy enters his crate for confinement, give him a tasty treat such as liver treats, or cheese.

•  ALWAYS use your chosen command when calling your dog to the crate for confinement. DO NOT simply call him to you, as he may become wary of approaching you when called.

•  NEVER USE THE CRATE AS PUNISHMENT!  Your dog will pick up "vibes" from you if you put him in the crate when you are angry. The puppy's crate should be his secure place. It should not be associated with punishment, fear, or anything negative. If you treat the crate as a wonderful, gentle, lifesaving tool to prevent accidents, destruction, and behaviour problems, your puppy will feel positive about the crate too.

•  Every time you let the puppy out of his crate, even if he has only been confined 30 minutes, take him straight outside to his  area in the garden and give him your command such as "hurry up".  Praise him when he relieves himself outside. If the puppy does not relieve himself within five minutes and you know it is time for him to do so, put him back in the crate. Wait approximately 30 minutes and then take him outside again. In the morning, be sure to take the puppy out the minute he starts to fuss.

•  If the puppy relieves himself in his crate, clean it up immediately and thoroughly. After cleaning up the urine, wipe the bottom of the crate with a pet odour eliminating product or a solution of vinegar and water. It is necessary to clean up the odour completely so the puppy does not smell it later and urinate there again.

•  During all unsupervised times, the puppy should be in his crate with the door closed. Normal, healthy puppies will generally get into mischief if unattended. The tendency for puppies to "learn" about their surroundings is too strong for them to control - learning means chewing, scratching, and digging. If the puppy is unable to get into trouble, destructive habits will not be formed.

•  As your puppy gets older (probably close to 1 year old), you can start leaving him out of the crate unattended for short periods of time. When you first leave him unattended and out of the crate, restrict him to one or two rooms in the house. If the puppy behaves in your absence, gradually increase his time out of the crate with the ultimate goal being never having to close him in his crate. However, he should continue to have access to his crate whenever he wants. If the puppy gets into mischief in your absence, begin to crate him again whenever he is unsupervised and try again later.

When Problems Arise