Dog crates (otherwise known as indoor kennels or dog cages) are secure spaces for your pet that can be used for short periods in a variety of scenarios. Crate or kennel training should never be used to confine or punish a dog, but it can help by offering them a sense of safety and security in the form of a cosy den of their own.
As a responsible pet parent, it’s important to understand the individual needs of your dog: while knowing how to kennel train a dog can be useful, it’s not necessarily suitable for all dogs and all situations. Before you learn how to crate train your dog, deciding what you intend to use the crate for is a first important step.What Are Crates Used For?
Dogs crates serve a range of purposes and can be used as:- A way to help gradually introduce your dog or puppy to their home.
- A short-term safe space to place puppies while unsupervised
- A den that your dog can use when they need some peace and quiet
- As a way to toilet train your puppy or older dogs
- A place to temporarily keep boisterous dogs when guests arrive.
In some instances your dog may need to use a crate for medical reasons - for example, your vet may advise that they use one to help rehabilitate after surgery. Crates may also be used when travelling, but it’s important to find one with the right safety features to protect them in the event of an accident.
While knowing how to kennel train your dog can be useful under these circumstances, it isn’t a “cure-all” for unwanted behaviour and should never be used as punishment or for excessive periods.
Choosing A Crate For Your Pet
Indoor kennels or dog’s crates tend to come in a variety of styles. The one you choose depends on its intended purpose, for example some dogs prefer the darker conditions of a plastic crate for sleeping in. These are the basic types:- Plastic crates (often known as vari-kennels or flight kennels
- Collapsible, metal pens you can fold flat
- Fabric on a collapsible, rigid frame, typically with zips (these tend to be lightweight and easy to set up and take down)
When choosing a dog crate, make sure that it’s large enough for your dog to stand up turn around and and lie down comfortably in. Some crates are adjustable, which can help with growing puppies. One option is to get a crate that will fit your dog as an adult with a divider, and remove the divider as your puppy grows.
Make Them Feel At Home
While learning how to kennel train a dog tends to be a detailed process, there are two important points to remember. The first is to help your dog make a positive connection with their crate. Help your pet to feel safe by placing the crate in an area of the home away from direct sun but close to other members of their “pack” (you), for example the living room (try to encourage children and visitors to leave your dog alone while they are in the crate).Another way to help them feel safe and secure is by adding toys- ideally sturdy ones they can’t shred and accidentally ingest (food puzzle toys are a good option) the same applies to bedding, although some dogs may prefer to sleep on the crate mat. Try both and see which your pet prefers.
Always keep fresh water nearby: anti-spill bowls work well, or you can get metal bowls that hook to the side of wire enclosures. Avoid using anything that could be a strangulation hazard, for example dog leads - and never leave your dog in a crate while wearing a tag as this can catch on the walls of the crate.
Training Tips
The second key thing to remember is that training is a gradual process that should be taken step by step. Attempting to rush through things (this can be counterproductive and may even result in setbacks). Learning how to kennel train a dog might take as much time as it takes to read this article - but for your dog it could take days or weeks, depending on age or temperament.Crate training a puppy is a very different experience from training an adult dog. Keep in mind that if your pet is an older adoptee showing signs of stress, it may be due to negative past experiences that could cause them to become stressed around being locked up or left alone. This may require additional support from a vet, who can refer you to a pet behaviourist.
How To Crate Train Your Dog
The first series of steps involves introducing your pet to the crate. Before starting, it’s a good idea to set the crate up in another room in a clutter-free area away from direct sun. Drape a towel or blanket over the top and fasten the gate open so it can’t swing and bump into your dog.
- Next, let your dog into the room.
- Sprinkle a few small food treats near to and just inside the crate, then directly inside it.
- Guide your pet over to the crate, speaking in a positive, gentle tone of voice.
- Take things slowly, stay calm and avoid making your dog walk into the crate, as this could backfire and make them wary. Instead, allow them to explore the crate at their own pace.
Using the crate at mealtimes can help to reinforce a sense of safety and positivity for your pet. Again, take things slowly, moving their bowl a little further back from the door each time. Eventually they should be comfortable enough to allow you to close the door while they eat.
Potential Issues
While puppies tend to more intensive supervision (then an hour for every month of age). Adult dogs can be left for a longer period, however, the amount of time you can leave them for depends on their age, condition, temperament and experience.In general, no dogs should be left in their crate for more than four hours at a time. Always allow your pet a bathroom break before going into their crate for any length of time and gradually increase the amount of time spent in the crate.
Another potential issue is crying or whining. Where the best course of action is to train them in a way that reassures while setting boundaries around acceptable behaviour. This involves reward-based training, for example, staying near the crate without acknowledging the noise, then offering them a treat once they are calmer.