What if we told you there’s a way to simplify the housetraining process and help your pup feel calm and secure at the same time? It’s true—and it’s all about crate training. We’ve got your complete guide to crate training a dog.
What is crate training? It’s the process of helping your dog learn to spend time in their crate—and ultimately, to adopt it as their own personal space in your home. But there’s more to crate training a dog than simply putting them in the crate and closing the door. Dogs need to gradually adjust to spending time in their crates, with lots of positive encouragement from you.
Supplies Needed for Crate Training a Dog
If you want your dog’s crate to become their happy place, you’ve got to make sure it’s just right for them. Here’s what you’ll need:
The Right Crate
Your dog crate should be large enough so that your dog can stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably, but not much bigger. Pet parents of puppies, especially large breed puppies, can anticipate their dog’s growth by purchasing the largest sized crate their dog will need when they’re fully grown and using an adjustable crate divider to keep the available space inside the right size.
Other Crate Training Supplies
Bedding
Treats
Toys
How to Crate Train a Dog: Step by Step
1. Introduce the Crate
Start off the crate training process by keeping the crate door open and letting your pup explore it at their own pace. Toss a treat inside and praise your dog when they go in to eat it, then give them another while they’re in the crate. You can also entice your dog with a busy toy stuffed with treats—anything to make that crate as appealing as possible! At this stage, keep the door open.
Practice this step as many times as necessary for your dog to get comfortable in the crate. At this stage, the choice to go into the crate is up to your pup. Don’t force them if they seem reluctant.
2. Practice Closing the Door
Once your pup has made a positive association to going into the crate, they’ll be ready for slightly longer sessions inside. First, have a play session with your dog and take them outside for a potty break—that’ll help them settle down when it’s crate time. Then, provide a busy toy for them to enjoy inside the crate.
Stay nearby as they enjoy the goodies, and experiment with closing the door while your pup is enjoying the toys and treats inside. Let your dog out right after they finish the treats, or at any barking, whimpering, or pawing at the crate that might indicate they want to come out. Again, keep at this step until your dog seems relaxed and shows no signs of stress inside the crate.
3. Step Away Briefly
In subsequent closed-door sessions, try leaving the room once your dog is focused on the toy. Listen at the door for whines or barks that tell you your pup is ready to come out.
4. Work Up to Longer Stays
If your dog is OK with you stepping away briefly, try leaving for increasing amounts of time: one minute, then five minutes, then 10. If your pup remains content inside, try leaving the house for a short period of time. You can use a pet camera to check in on them while you’re away.
If your dog still isn’t settling into the crate, they may be experiencing separation anxiety or discomfort. Talk to your vet for advice tailored to your unique pup, and check out our tips on dealing with puppy separation anxiety: https://be.chewy.com/how-to-treat-and-prevent-puppy-separation-anxiety/
If you follow these tips, chances are that before long, your puppy will begin to happily settle into their crate with ease—and that’s a big life improvement both for them and for you.
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