Crate Training for Dogs

Top 5 Reasons to Crate Train Your Dog (and How to Do It Right)

Crate training: it sounds a little daunting, right? Like your dog is going to feel like they have been sentenced to a small room with no escape. But trust me, when done correctly, a crate can be your dogs safe haven. I’ve seen it firsthand with my own dogs, Jabba the Goldendoodle and Boba the Pug. They actually love their crates (seriously, Jabba might just live in his if I let him).

So, why should you crate train your dog? Here are the top 5 reasons and why its something every dog (and dog parent) should consider.

1. A Safe Space for Your Dog

Dogs are den animals by nature, meaning they find comfort in small, cozy spaces. A crate gives your dog a designated place where they can feel safe and secure. Its their own little fortress of solitude, away from the chaos of daily life. And lets be honest sometimes you just need a break from your dogs antics (no judgment here). Whether its for a nap or just some peace and quiet, a crate offers that space.

2. Helps with House Training

Crate training can significantly speed up the house training process. Dogs don’t like to relieve themselves where they sleep, so when your dog is in a crate, they’re less likely to potty inside. It encourages them to hold it in until they can go outside. Trust me, as a proud dog mom to two very different pups, I can tell you that this method works wonders. Jabba was pretty much house-trained within a couple of weeks, and Boba was well on his way after only a few days.

3. Prevents Destructive Behavior

Dogs left to roam free when you’re not around can get into trouble. Furniture? Chewed. Shoes? Torn apart. Your favorite pair of socks? RIP. With crate training, you keep your dog safe and prevent them from wreaking havoc in your home. Plus, it saves you from the frustration of having to replace those expensive designer shoes that suddenly went missing (Jabba I’m looking at you).

4. Easier Travel

When you crate train your dog, taking them on road trips or flying with them becomes a whole lot easier. Most dogs feel safer in a crate when traveling because they’re familiar with the environment. It’s their little travel den, and they know it’s their space. I take Jabba and Boba on regular road trips, and having them crate trained means they’re calm and comfortable, no matter how long the drive.

5. Crate Training Builds Trust

Training your dog to be comfortable in their crate is about more than just convenience, it builds a bond of trust between you and your pup. When you introduce the crate as a positive space (never as a punishment), your dog learns that it’s s a good place to be. Jabba, for example, will walk into his crate on his own and curl up with his favorite toy, a clear sign that he feels secure in there. Thats the magic of crate training: its not about confinement, but about creating a space where your dog feels comfortable, calm and at ease.

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How to Crate Train Your Dog

1. Choose the Right Crate: Make sure the crate is the right size. It should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one corner as a bathroom.

2. Introduce the Crate Slowly: Let your dog explore the crate at their own pace. Leave the door open, put some treats or a favorite toy inside, and encourage them to go in. Don’t force them, let them learn that the crate is a safe, fun place.

3. Short Sessions: Start with short periods of time. Place your dog in the crate for just a few minutes, then gradually increase the time as they get used to it. Be patient, crate training isn’t an overnight success.

4. Make it Positive: Every time you put your dog in the crate, make it a positive experience. Offer treats, praise, and playtime when they come out. Never use the crate as punishment (thats a no-no).

5. Don’t Leave Them Too Long: Dogs, especially puppies, shouldn’t be left in a crate for extended periods. As a general rule, no more than 3-4 hours at a time for adult dogs, and much shorter for puppies. You can always start crate training while you’re home and gradually leave them in longer as they adjust.

When to Use a Crate? And for How Long?

You can use a crate when you’re leaving the house, when your dog is being too rambunctious, or at night for bedtime. As for how long again, this depends on your dogs age and training level. A general guideline is that adult dogs can be crated for up to 4 hours at a time, but puppies and older dogs should be crated for no more than 2-3 hours.

Note: If you need to leave your dog for longer periods, consider hiring a pet sitter, taking them to doggy daycare, or asking a friend to help. Dogs are social creatures, and long isolation isn’t good for their mental health.

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Summary

Crate training doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, it can be one of the best things you do for both you and your dog. It creates a sense of safety, helps with house training, prevents destruction, and even makes travel more enjoyable. So, give it a try! With a little patience and the right crate, you will both be enjoying the benefits of crate training in no time.

Happy crate training,

Heidi (and my two furry sidekicks, Jabba and Boba)