How to Crate Train Your Pup

by | Jul 7, 2022 | Behavior, Skills, Socializing, Training

puppy sleeping in kennel

​Crate Training

Pre-Crate Checklist: Ensure your puppy or dog has:

  • Exercise

  • Enrichment

  • Food

  • Potty break

  • Start with a tired, satisfied pup before crating.

Crate Setup:

  • Blanket over the crate for privacy.

  • Soothing music.

  • Chewies and toys to keep them entertained.

  • Snuffle mat for mental stimulation.

Action for Moments of Desperation:

  • What does your pup need?

    • Potty: Leash on, quick trip outside.

    • Soothing isolation distress: Move crate closer to you, but don’t take the pup out.

    • Tired toddler syndrome: Cover the crate with a blanket to help them settle.

Steps for Crate Training:

  1. Play with your pup before crating, then usher them into the crate when they get tired.

  2. Transfer a sleeping pup to the crate.

  3. Use the crate during expected downtime (when they’re tired).

Desensitization:

  • Gradually increase crate time, avoiding food dependency.

  • Introduce games without food.

  • Go slow, respecting your dog’s pace.

Crate Training Games:

  1. Story Time: Sit near the crate and read quietly (use food to start, but fade it out).

  2. Goodies Inside: Lock the crate door, drop high-value treats inside. Allow your pup to “ask” (sit, paw) to go in, and let them access the treats.

  3. Human’s Busy: Once the pup is comfortable in the crate, place it in a high-traffic area. Close the door and drop treats in, then walk away and do a task (laundry, dishes). Gradually transition to just desensitization without treats. Build time in the crate at your pup’s pace.

Best Practices:

  • Meet your pup’s daily needs (exercise, mental stimulation, etc.).

  • Settled dogs get released—no dancing feet or pushy behavior (see training section below).

  • Use the crate for positive experiences: new toys, chew time, enrichment, and meals.

Training for a Settle (to be released):

  1. Practice “in and out” with treats.

  2. Add a release cue for the “out” treat and a crate cue for the “in” treat.

  3. Ask for a sit or down while the dog is in the crate, then release the “out” treat.

  4. Once the pup is comfortable, close the door. Ask for a sit or down, then open the door when they do and give the “out” treat.

Rule Out Separation Anxiety: If your pup shows these signs, further action is needed:

  • Non-stop vocalization (hours)

  • Non-stop pacing (hours)

  • Not eating

  • Uncharacteristic soiling of the crate

  • Biting at exits, self-harm

  • Dilated pupils