Introduction to Crate Training

Function

• Crate training can be valuable in house-training, traveling and emergencies. In order for the crate to be useful and bearable, however, the puppy or adult dug must be carefully acclimated. While house-training a puppy or rescued adult dog, the crate prevents accidents, chewing and destruction of the house. When traveling, the crate provides a safe refuge and containment system. Many hotels don't allow uncrated dogs, and dogs must be crated in order to fly. In the event of an emergency, a dog that has been crate trained will be easier to treat at the vet or evacuate from the site of a disaster.
  
  

Types of Crates

• There are three basic types of crates. The most popular type is the wire crate, which is formed of heavy-gauge steel wires in a grid pattern. These crates provide ventilation and visibility. These are particularly useful around the house.
  
  Primarily used for travel, plastic crates are heavy, solid and stable. They have a wire-framed door and ventilation holes on the sides. These crates are more stable and sturdy than wire-framed crates and are mandatory for air travel. The final type of crate is soft-sided. These crates should only be used for a dog that is well crate-trained. They offer no true protection and merely give your dog a quiet resting place. They're excellent for use at canine athletic events.
  
  

Training

• Crate training should be done slowly and carefully. Set the crate up and allow your dog or puppy to sniff around it. Begin throwing treats into the kennel, but leave the door open. For the next two weeks, feed your dog or puppy in his crate, placing the bowl in the very back of the crate. In the third week, close the door while he eats. Leave him in the crate for 5 to 10 minutes after he eats, and only let him out if he isn't whining. Gradually increase the amount of time he spends in the crate.
  
  

Considerations

• Throw a soft blanket or towel in the bottom of the crate for comfort. Your dog may move the blanket around to her liking and make her own bed. Keep toys and treats available so your dog doesn't get bored in the crate. Kongs are stuffable, rubber toys that can be filled with peanut butter, cheese or hard treats that keep a dog occupied for hours. Those are excellent items to keep on hand, especially if you must leave your dog for long periods of time. Keep water available via a dog water bottle or dish that your dog can't tip over, such as one that attaches to the crate.
  
  

Warnings

• Don't leave your puppy or dog in a crate for too long; this could cause significant behavioral issues. According to the American Dog Trainers Network, a dog or puppy older than 8 months should never be crated for longer than 4 to 6 hours a day or overnight. Puppies up to 12 weeks old can spend up to two hours in a crate, and that time will increase with the age of the puppy. A general rule is one hour for every month of age.
  
  Don't use the crate as punishment. While you are home, allow your puppy or dog to go in and our of her crate as she wishes, and throw a special bone or treat in the crate only when she is in there.