Introducing Crate Training
Crate training is the process of training a dog to accept confinement in a crate or cage [1]. It originated as a way to utilize a dog’s natural instincts to seek out a safe, quiet, and comfortable den [2]. The purpose of crate training is to teach a dog to view the crate as a positive space and feel relaxed inside.
Crate training first became popular in the 1970s as a housebreaking aid [1]. Dog owners found that confining a dog in a crate prevented indoor accidents and damage to the home. As the practice spread, additional benefits were discovered. Crates provide dogs with a personal space where they can relax and feel secure.
Today, crate training is commonly used for housebreaking, managing separation anxiety, travel safety, and recovery from illness/injury. When properly implemented, crate training can make dog ownership easier and improve a dog’s quality of life [2].
Crate Training Benefits
Crate training provides numerous benefits for dogs when used properly. According to The American Kennel Club (AKC), one of the top benefits is providing safety and security for a dog [1]. Dogs naturally seek enclosed spaces that feel like dens, so a crate provides a comfortable shelter. Leaving a dog crated when you’re away prevents access to dangerous items like chemicals, wires, or small objects they could choke on. It also protects them from inadvertently destroying furniture or belongings in the home.
Another advantage of crate training is preventing destructive behaviors, states The Humane Society [2]. Dogs may chew, dig, or bark excessively when anxious or bored. Confined securely in a crate, dogs are less likely to develop these problem behaviors. The crate keeps them out of trouble and focused on resting.
Crate training aids housebreaking, notes PAWS [3]. Dogs naturally avoid soiling in their sleeping area, so they will “hold it” longer in a crate. This assists with potty training, as you can let a puppy out at timed intervals to relieve themselves. Successful crate training means fewer household accidents.
Finally, crates provide travel convenience for dogs. They give a safe, familiar space for a dog to rest during trips in vehicles or air travel. Portable crates also allow easy transportation when staying at hotels or visiting friends’ homes. With proper crate training, dogs see their crate as a comfort zone.
Crate Training Considerations
There are a few things to keep in mind when first introducing your dog to crate training to ensure it is a positive experience (https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crate-training-101; https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-crate-train-your-dog-in-9-easy-steps/):
First, make sure the crate is the proper size for your dog. They should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too large, they may use one end as a bathroom. If it’s too small, they may get anxious. The best bet is to get a crate that will accommodate their full adult size.
When first introducing the crate, keep crating periods short, starting with just a few minutes at a time. Slowly increase the duration over days and weeks to get your dog used to spending longer stretches in the crate without becoming stressed.
Proper introduction is key – make the crate a fun and positive place by feeding meals inside, placing favorite toys and treats in the crate, and using a calm, upbeat tone when asking your dog to enter. Never force them into the crate if they resist.
Use rewards like praise, pets, or high-value treats every time your dog voluntarily enters the crate and anytime they demonstrate calm behavior inside. This will reinforce the crate as a good place to be.
Using a Crate for Punishment
Using a crate to punish or isolate a dog should be avoided. Crating a dog as a form of negative reinforcement denies the dog access to desired goals such as human interaction or environmental exploration (source https://www.dogboardingandtrainingmiami.com/why-puppy-owners-are-underutilizing-the-crate-for-effective-dog-training-dog-trainer-miami/). This technique risks causing the dog to develop negative associations with the crate and can undermine crate training efforts. Punishment-based training methods also risk damaging the human-animal bond and causing behavioral issues over time (source https://pupford.com/is-crate-training-necessary-pros-cons/).
Rather than using the crate for punishment, it is better to reinforce wanted behaviors through positive reinforcement training. If the dog engages in unwanted behavior like nipping or barking, redirect them to an alternative positive behavior instead of physical punishment. Allowing the dog a chance to calm themselves in the crate of their own accord can be an effective alternative. Setting up the crate as a relaxing den, rather than a punitive isolation cell, will lead to better training outcomes.
Signs of Improper Crate Use
There are several concerning behaviors that may indicate your dog’s crate training is not going well or the crate is being used improperly for punishment. Some key signs to watch for include:
Barking, howling or whining: Dogs often vocalize when distressed. Frequent barking or whining from the crate could signify anxiety, fear, or overconfinement. Consider whether you are crating for too long and make sure to positively reinforce quiet behavior. According to Dutch Pet, vocalizing can indicate psychological issues stemming from improper crate training.[1]
Aggression or fear around the crate: Some dogs may growl, snap, or cower when you approach the crate. This likely signals negative associations with being confined. Retraining with positive reinforcement methods can help rebuild a dog’s comfort with crating.
Submissive urination: Any uncontrolled urination or defecation in the crate could mean the space induces extreme anxiety. This points to an urgent need to reevaluate crate training tactics.
Destructive behaviors: Chewing, clawing, or trying to escape the crate demonstrates that confinement is causing distress. The crate should never be used punitively in response to destructive behavior, as this will only compound the problem.
Paying attention to these behavioral cues and addressing any crating issues promptly is important for your dog’s wellbeing. If problems persist, seeking help from a professional trainer or behaviorist is advised.
When Not to Use a Crate
While crate training can be beneficial when done properly, crates should be avoided in certain situations. According to PETA, crates should not be used to confine young puppies under 6 months old for extended periods of time, as their growing bodies require more activity and exercise. Additionally, dogs with separation anxiety may experience increased stress and anxiety when confined for long durations.
The Spirit Dog Training experts advise against crating a dog immediately after strenuous exercise while they are still excitable and full of energy. The confinement could lead to pent up energy and frustration. It’s also important not to crate a dog for excessively long periods of time beyond their biological needs. If a dog is crated for more than 4-6 hours during the day they may be unable to hold their bladder and bowels which can be distressing.
In summary, crates should be avoided for young puppies, anxious dogs, immediately after intense exercise, and for durations beyond their physical capabilities.
Seeking Professional Help
If you’re struggling with crate training your dog, seeking help from a professional can make the process easier and help set your dog up for success. Two kinds of experts that can assist with crate training include:
Certified dog trainers have extensive education in dog behavior and training techniques. They can observe your dog, identify problems, and create a customized crate training plan. Certified trainers can also demonstrate proper crate training methods and coach you through the process.
Veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians who have additional specialized training in animal behavior. They can diagnose and treat behavior problems that may interfere with crate training success, such as separation anxiety. Veterinary behaviorists will rule out any medical issues leading to difficulties with crating before designing a training program.
Reasons to seek out professional help with crate training include a dog who cries excessively in the crate, urinates or defecates despite appropriate bathroom trips, or injures themselves trying to escape. A trainer or veterinary behaviorist can get to the root of the problem behavior and ensure crate training is a positive experience.
Crate Training Tips
One key to successful crate training is making the crate a comfortable and rewarding place for the dog. Start by providing blankets, towels, or a dog bed in the crate so the dog has a familiar spot to settle in (A Foolproof Guide to Successful Crate Training). You can even try placing one of your worn shirts or a favorite toy in the crate so your scent is there.
Use food rewards and fun games to create positive associations with the crate. Scatter small treats or kibble around and inside the crate so the dog willingly goes in to snuffle and search for them. Play crate games like asking the dog to go in, lie down, and come back out for a treat. Start with brief sessions of a few seconds in the crate and gradually build up to longer durations as the dog gets comfortable (How to crate train your dog or puppy).
Before crating, make sure to provide adequate exercise through walks, play, or training. A tired dog will more readily settle down in the crate for a nap. However, don’t exercise them to exhaustion or overstimulation. The goal is a pleasant settling down, not forced confinement when over-aroused.
The Crate as a Safe Space
Dogs have natural den instincts from their wild ancestors. In the wild, a den was a safe, enclosed area where dogs would sleep, rest, and take care of their puppies. Using a crate taps into these instincts by giving dogs their own personal den. Inside their crate, dogs feel a sense of security and comfort.
For anxious or nervous dogs especially, a crate can be extremely beneficial. The limited space and enclosed sides help anxious dogs feel more relaxed and less stressed. By giving them a safe space to retreat to, crates prevent anxious dogs from engaging in destructive behaviors. Providing an anxious dog with a comfortable crate meets their needs and gives them a place of refuge when the world feels overwhelming.
Crates also benefit senior dogs who may feel disoriented or dogs recovering from surgery who need a quiet place to rest and heal. The security and privacy of the crate helps these dogs lower their stress levels. While crates should never be used punitively, they can be an invaluable anxiety reliever and safe space when introduced properly.
Conclusion
In summary, crate training done correctly can have many benefits for a dog, providing them with a safe space and sense of security. However, crates should never be used to punish dogs for long periods of time, which can be extremely detrimental to their wellbeing. Some key points to remember are:
- Crate training can help dogs learn bladder control and prevent destructive behaviors when unsupervised.
- Crates should be large enough for a dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Young puppies need potty breaks every few hours and shouldn’t be crated too long.
- Dogs should never be crated as punishment, or for excessively long periods that exceed their bladder capacity.
- Signs of stress like barking, panting, and pacing indicate improper crate use.
- Positive reinforcement helps create a crate as a safe space, not a place of punishment.
With proper crate training techniques, the crate can become a place of comfort and security that benefits both dog and owner.