It works best for a dog to be introduced to a crate gradually.
It works best for a dog to be introduced to a crate gradually, rather than just placing him in for the night or for long periods of time. When your new dog or puppy first comes home, familiarize him to the crate by tossing a treat in, leaving the door open so that the dog can go in and out freely. When your dog is comfortable going in and out of the crate, toss a treat inside and close the door for a second or two before letting the dog out.
If you have a bed or mat that your dog already likes, put it into the crate, it will help reduce any startling noises when the dog enters the crate. The dog will also be familiar with the bed, which could make him more willing to go into the crate. When you are not training, leave the crate open and put your dog’s favorite toys inside. Feed your dog meals in the crate, starting by leaving the door open and, as training progresses, closing it. If you give your dog any special treats, or bones, give them to him in the crate. Make sure you are home when you do this so you can keep a watchful eye on him in case he starts to choke. The dog will start to associate good things with the mat after being fed on it. You can take the mat with you to vet appointments and place it on the floor in the waiting room, or on the scale and even in the exam room. This helps your dog to become more comfortable and relaxed during the visit.
Entering and Exiting Cues
When the puppy or dog begins to go into the crate on their own, you can start to begin using ‘cue word(s)’ to make the association. Your cue word(s) can be something like “go in”, “crate”, “bed”, etc. Say your cue before tossing a treat inside. Before you know it your dog or puppy will happily go into the crate on cue.
Now try giving the crate cue and wait for the puppy or dog to go in on its own. Stop tossing the treat and wait for the puppy or dog to enter. When the dog does go in, say “Yes” with a bright positive tone and then feed him the treat.
Once you feel comfortable with your pet going into the crate on their own, you can begin to train them to exit the crate. You can use words like “ok,” “free,” “out”. Using a different cue word tells your dog it is okay to leave the crate. This training will also help with encouraging and increasing self-control. Your dog learns to remain calm and not rush out, even with the crate door wide open.
Go ahead try your cue’s now. Cue the dog to enter, say yes and then almost immediately, say your exit cue. Toss a treat on the floor outside of the crate. You can keep tossing treats until the dog can leave the crate without seeing the treat; the dog exits just hearing the release cue. At that point, you can phase out the treat and just leaving the crate becomes the dog’s reward.
I hope you find this helpful when introducing your pet to the crate. This is the third of a four part article on crating. Stay tuned for my last article coming out soon.
“Life is Better With a Dog”