Why it is a Good Idea

The crate is a safe, secure environment for your dog where he can go when you cannot watch him.  Once dogs are used to the crate, they start to view it as their "den," and feel comforted and safe.  A crate is a place to go when your dog feels stressed out by any situation - - visiting children, adults, a lot of activity in the home, etc.

Crate training is ideal for dogs that suffer separation anxiety, have house training problems, busy households, and young puppies that do not have control over their bladder and bowels yet.

The crate is never used as a punishment.

What It Is

Crate training is very basic principle based on centuries-old instincts in dogs.  Dogs are den animals; they like to have a secure, clean, semi-darkened nesting space, away from all other distractions.

Size

If you are using the crate for house training, the inside area should be big enough for the dog to stand and turn around.  It is possible to purchase a larger crate and eventually the crate will not be too big for training.

Step One

Leave the crate somewhere that your dog can investigate it at his/her leisure for a couple of days with the door removed.  Leave some of your dog's favorite treats and toys inside the crate.

If your dog is a chowhound, you may consider placing his food in the crate.  Start by putting his food in the front near the door.  The next day move the food farther and farther back until it's in the back of the crate and the dog is completely entering.  Evey time he enters the crate, praise heavily.  Once the dog has completely entered the crate place the door back on.

Closing the Door

When the dog is inside the crate, quietly close the door and then open the door.  Close the door agin.  When he turns to get out give him the command "WAIT."

Be firm.  When the dog settles, slowly open the door continuing to tell the dog, "WAIT."  Once the door is open, give the dog the command, "OK" or "BREAK."  If the dog does not exit the crate, encourage him out, praising vigorously.

Next Step

Once the dog is used to going in and out of the crate, put a leash on the dog.  Take the dog by the collar and give the command, "KENNEL" or "CRATE."  Urge the dog in the crate.  Once in, place your open palm in front of the dog and give him the command "WAIT."  Be firm.  Without closing the door, take the leash, tell the dog, "OK" or "BREAK," and bring the dog out by the leash.  Command in, command out.  Follow these steps several times, shutting the door briefly at first.  Slowly lenthen the time the door is shut, vigorously praising continually through the exercise.

Length of Confinement

Even though your dog is "steadfastly" crate trained, never leave it in the crate for over eight hours.  If you work, consider having a pet sitting service come over during the day to let your dog stretch and eliminate outside.  You should use the crate as a temporary place for your dog, not a place for him because you do not want to deal with him.  Always keep the crate a positive place for him/her.