Dog Crate Training

Crate Training your Dog

The majority of dogs can be successfully crate trained. The process can take days or weeks depending on the personality and history of the dog. It is best to take the training slowly, using lots of short lessons at first. The main point to remember is to keep things positive.

To begin the crate training, place the crate in the family room with the door open. Encourage your dog to enter the crate by using treats or a favourite toy. You can also feed your dog near to the crate and then in the crate as this will create a positive association. Once your dog is eating happily in the crate, begin closing the door whilst the dog is feeding. You can then start increasing the time that the crate door is shut. Once meals are being eaten in crate without problem, you can start putting the dog in the crate at other times.

Once your dog has entered the crate or cage (using treats if necessary), sit nearby for a few minutes and then leave the room. Upon re-entering the room, sit by the crate for a few minutes again before opening the door. You can then increase the amount of time you spend out of the room, and also start using a command when the dog enters the crate.

Once dog is happy being crated when you are at home but out of the room, move on to going out of the house for short periods of time. Keep crating the dog occasionally when you are at home in order to prevent the crate gaining a negative association with being alone. When crating at night start with the crate near to your bedroom so you can hear if there is a problem. You can move the crate away from the bedroom once you and your dog are comfortable with crating. Here at Petprice, we feature a selection of dog crates and cages from the best UK pet shops.