Dog Crates A Step by Step Guide (PDF 264KB)
Dog Crates A Step by Step Guide (PDF 264KB)
Crate Training Guide
Crate Training Guide
Safe haven not ‘sin bin’
Your dog’s crate should be a place where he/she feels secure,
safe and comfortable. Crates must never be used as a
punishment or to prevent unwanted behaviours such as
destruction of furniture. If you are concerned about your dog or
puppy’s behaviour you should contact your vet who will be able to
refer you to a clinical animal behaviourist if necessary.
Get ready to start training
Choosing the right crate
The right dimensions of the crate will depend on the size of your
dog. As a minimum your dog must be able to sit and stand at full
height, turn around, stretch out and lie down in a natural position.
Remember if you are buying a crate for a puppy think about the
size of crate they will need when they are fully grown. If your puppy
is a cross breed it can be more difficult to predict their adult size
you may have to replace your crate if your puppy outgrows it.
Creating a safe haven
The following will help you turn the crate into a safe haven where
your dog or puppy can feel secure:
● Add some comfortable soft bedding for your dog to lie on
● Place some interesting, safe, chew toys inside
● Find a location for the crate which is not in direct sunlight or
in a draught
● Placing a cover over part of the crate can help nervous
Crate Training Guide
dogs feel more secure
● You can make sure they have access to water by using a
clipon bowl to prevent them from tipping it over
The Crate Training Process
When it comes to the crate training process there are two
important points to remember:
★ Think positive the crate should be always be associated
with something pleasant.
★ Be patient training should take place in a series of small
steps. Don’t go too fast.
Step One introduction to the crate
Step one is about introducing your dog to the crate and getting
them familiar and comfortable with their new safe haven.
At this stage it’s a good idea to place the crate in an area of the
house where the family spends a lot of time and to fix the door of
the crate open, so that it cannot swing shut and frightened your
dog or puppy.
Start by placing some treats or a chew inside the crate and
allowing your dog to explore at their own leisure. If your dog doesn’t
start exploring of their own accord you can help entice them by
calling them over to the crate in a happy tone of voice or by
throwing tasty treats near to the crate at first and then moving
them progressively closer until you are throwing treats inside of the
crate. If your dog is not motivated by food try the same process
with their favourite toy.
Once your dog or puppy is taking treats from inside the crate
continue throwing treats inside until they are happy to calmly walk
all the way inside the crate to get the treats.
Step Two slowly increasing the time spent in the crate
A good way to start increasing the length of time your dog or puppy
is happy to stay in the crate is by feeding them their meals in the
crate.
Place their food bowl at the back of the crate and if your dog or
puppy enters happily and starts eating you can close the door.
However if your dog or puppy shows any signs of reluctance to
enter or eat in the crate start by placing the food bowl outside the
crate and through several sessions progressively move the bowl
inside the crate and then towards the back of the crate.
The first time you close the door while they are eating, open it as
soon as they are finished. With each successive feeding, leave the
door closed a few minutes longer, until they are staying in the crate
for ten minutes or so after eating.
If your dog whines to be let out or shows any signs of distress
including panting, excessive barking, cowering or aggression you
may have increased the length of time too quickly. Go back a few
steps and allow the dog to eat in the crate with the door open.
From there move slowly and gradually in short sessions until your
dog is comfortable staying in the crate for ten minutes or so after
eating.
★ Once step two is successfully completed your dog should
understand that their crate is a safe place to be with comfy
bedding, toys and food!
Step three going out of sight
or cheese mixed with dog biscuits are usually popular) are a
great option for keeping your dog or puppy entertained and gives
them the opportunity to chew.
Once your dog or puppy has entered the crate shut the door, but
stay sat quietly next to the crate where they can see you. Stay put
for around 5 minutes hopefully they should be more interested in
their toy or Kong than they are in you. After 5 minutes leave the
room quietly and calmly. Once you are out of sight go straight back
in, sit quietly again for a short time and then let them out of the
crate. Repeat this process several times a day and each time
gradually increase the time that you are out of sight until you get to
half an hour.
★ Always make sure that your dog or puppy has something to
keep their attention e.g. a stuffed Kong. You do not want to
teach them to bark or whine through boredom. If you let them
out when they are being vocal, you will quickly teach them that if
they make a noise you will come running! Wait until there is
even the smallest gap in their noise and then let them out.
Timing is key!
Step four moving on
Your dog will be more inclined to relax when left alone if he/she
has had an appropriate amount of exercise and has been fed
before you go out.
● Always try to exercise your dog before leaving him/her
● Feed your dog a small meal shortly before leaving
● Always ensure that your dog goes to the toilet before being
left alone
Don’t make a big fuss when leaving your dog. Praise and reward
Crate Training Guide
them for getting into their crate and leave them enjoying the
goodies you have left inside for them. On return keep arrivals low
key to avoid increasing his/her anxiety over when you will return.
■ It is never acceptable to shut your dog in the crate all day while
you go to work. Adult dogs that have been successfully trained
to have a positive association with their crate and view it as
there safe haven are normally quite happy to be left for about
three hours.
■ Puppies are unable to hold their bladders and bowels like adult
dogs can and this need consideration when leaving him/her in
the crate.
Ideally the crate should be a safe haven that your dog or puppy can
chose to enter voluntarily somewhere they can go to for peace,
quiet and security.
Links to the web pages of other organisations are provided for additional information
only and do not imply any endorsement by the RSPCA of those organisations or of
any content on the website.
This pet care sheet has been produced by the RSPCA Companion Animals Department
(CAD/AP/04.02.14). This leaflet is provided for general information only and is not
intended to be relied upon as specific advice. Whilst we try to ensure that the
information is correct, we cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the
information, nor for any reliance on or use of the leaflet.