Not everybody is for crate training. But crate training doesn’t have to be cruel, or a punishment. Ideally, a dog’s crate is a safe place for them to go when they want to be alone or when you can’t be home for a few hours. A crate is a training tool, not a way of life; hopefully, as your dog learns the rules of the house, he won’t need the crate at all — except as a quiet retreat.
- Introduce your dog to the crate slowly. Let him explore the crate for a few days before you leave him alone inside. Leave treats and toys inside the crate to help your pup form a positive association with the crate. He may also like a favorite blanket or an old t-shirt that smells like you.
- Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up in. He’ll also need room to turn around and stretch out comfortably. However, too much room can be a problem if your dog isn’t quite housetrained. Extra room gives him a potty spot and a relaxing spot.
- Be sure to take off your dog’s collar when he is in the crate. You wouldn’t want his tags or buckle getting caught on the sides or bottom of the crate!
- Don’t leave your dog crated for too long. For puppies, a good rule of thumb is that they can hold their bladders one hour for every month of age, to a maximum of four hours in the crate. Your puppy may be able to last longer; he may have a shorter time limit. For adult dogs, don’t leave them in the crate for more than six hours at a time during the day. All dogs need breaks to stretch, exercise, and go to the bathroom!
- Try to use the crate only when you can’t supervise the dog — like when you aren’t going to be home for a few hours. Don’t make the crate a punishment, or you’ll have a hard time getting your dog to go back in when you want him to! Be sure the crate has safe, entertaining toys inside.
Don’t use a crate with a dog who has severe separation anxiety. He could seriously injure himself trying to escape the crate.