One of the most common dog behavior questions I get all the time is "How do you crate train pets?" Most people make the common mistake of using the crate for punishment and marvel at why they can not get their canine to "voluntarily" go in it when it is required. The object being is: the crate is not for punishment. It is for "sanctuary" and security. Canines are "den" animals and want to feel relaxed and calm when "settled in", not panic-stricken.
So, here are 5 steps to figure out this dog behavior question!
1. Place the crate in a location of your house where the family spends a great deal of energy, for instance the great room. Make sure you place a cozy blanket or towel in the crate.
2. Walk your pet near the crate and speak to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the door to the crate is accessible. Inspire your dog to access the crate with treats near it and just inside the crate (near the door) and lastly all the way inside the crate. This is where you may start to have some dog behavior questions. It is OK. Do not force your dog inside the crate. If he doesn't wish to go...it is fine. Go on and toss goodies inside the crate prior to the dog walks calmly all the way in to the crate to get the food. If food doesn't do the trick, offer a favorite toy. Use your body to block the access, after your dog goes in the crate.
3. Repeat the prior step, rather than blocking the door with your body, close the door to the crate.
4. Fix a tasty chew toy (by filling it with cream cheese or peanut butter), walk your dog into the crate. Once he is in the crate, give him the chew toy and shut the door. Once your canine is absorbed in chewing, get up and walk around, at times going out of sight. Release your canine from the crate before he finishes chewing (or before he wakes if he has been dozing off) but only if he is relaxed.
5. Compliment your dog while he is in the crate, but don't praise him as he is coming out of his crate. This teaches him that being in the crate is good and pleasant, while exiting is neutral. Additionally, don't make a big "to do" while showing him in or taking him out, so he will see it as no great issue.
So, here are 5 steps to figure out this dog behavior question!
1. Place the crate in a location of your house where the family spends a great deal of energy, for instance the great room. Make sure you place a cozy blanket or towel in the crate.
2. Walk your pet near the crate and speak to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the door to the crate is accessible. Inspire your dog to access the crate with treats near it and just inside the crate (near the door) and lastly all the way inside the crate. This is where you may start to have some dog behavior questions. It is OK. Do not force your dog inside the crate. If he doesn't wish to go...it is fine. Go on and toss goodies inside the crate prior to the dog walks calmly all the way in to the crate to get the food. If food doesn't do the trick, offer a favorite toy. Use your body to block the access, after your dog goes in the crate.
3. Repeat the prior step, rather than blocking the door with your body, close the door to the crate.
4. Fix a tasty chew toy (by filling it with cream cheese or peanut butter), walk your dog into the crate. Once he is in the crate, give him the chew toy and shut the door. Once your canine is absorbed in chewing, get up and walk around, at times going out of sight. Release your canine from the crate before he finishes chewing (or before he wakes if he has been dozing off) but only if he is relaxed.
5. Compliment your dog while he is in the crate, but don't praise him as he is coming out of his crate. This teaches him that being in the crate is good and pleasant, while exiting is neutral. Additionally, don't make a big "to do" while showing him in or taking him out, so he will see it as no great issue.
About the Author:
Have dog behavior questions about crate training? I offer lots more tips and information about how to crate train and other dog behavior questions. I have owned dogs for over 30 years! Having good tips and guidance is important when you need answers to your questions!
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