Crate Training 101

After yesterday's post, I came across this excellent article. When my family and I were puppy raisers for Guide Dogs for the Blind, we were required to crate train the puppies, which might be why I have no aversion to crate training these days. Here are some simple tips I've learned along the way that work for brand new puppies, as well as my rescue:

1. Don't underestimate the power of positive reinforcement

Praise your dog, and praise him a lot. I'm in the train of thought, that a dog biscuit/treat never hurt anyone. Sawyer had no idea what a crate was when I first got him, so why should I expect him to be okay with something he had no idea about? I taught him the "Go to your room" command by saying it every time he went into his crate. We would practice with dog biscuits. Every time he was in his crate and quiet, he received verbal praise. Sawyer always associates his room with a positive experience. Today, if I need him to go into his crate (i.e. I'm cleaning the house, or we have company over), I put a chew toy or a treat in there with him so he doesn't feel like he is missing out. And again, never ever use the crate as punishment.

2. Familiarize your dog with the crate

I put Sawyer's room in my living room when I first brought him home. I simply left the door open and didn't force him to enter the crate. I just put it there and acted like it wasn't a big deal. I left some of his toys in it, as well as a comfy crate mat. After leaving it out for a few hours, I called him over to the crate to sniff it, and praised him accordingly. When he went inside, I praised him again. You want to ensure your dog always has a positive experience. Eventually, when I would sit on the couch and watch TV, Sawyer would enter his "room" without any prompting. I would praise him. Slowly, but surely, it became his own little space, which he loves to this day.

3. Leave the dog in the crate for only short increments of time at first

I now this last tip isn't always possible. Many people work, and might need to leave their dog in the crate for longer periods of time. However, it's an easy thing to try on the weekends. When you are first starting out crate training, try only to leave them in there for a short period of time, so they get used to the idea that you will always come let them back out. Here's how: give your dog the "go to your room" command, reward accordingly. Leave the house or go out of the room without causing a scene (i.e. no "poor babies," and no "I feel so guilty for leaving you's"). Come back after a short period of time (I'd recommend half an hour to one hour trips at first), let the dog out and maybe let it out in the backyard for some playtime, or even a walk around the block. Repeat. Eventually, you can begin leaving your dog for longer periods of time!


On another note, I am guilty as charged (hey- Sawyer is supposed to be on a diet):

Photo courtesy