How To Get a Dog Used To A Crate?

Would you stop using a dog crate because of your dog's whining and barking? A dog crate can provide a quiet haven for dogs who become anxious when they are in a large space. It can greatly reduce the dog's separation anxiety and prevent behaviors such as furniture chewing. It can also help with potty training, as dogs do not potty in rest spots.

But you cannot get a dog used to a dog crate overnight. It takes long training. After patient training, you won't have to worry about the dog when you go on a long or business trip. This article will help you how to crate-train your dog.

How to stop the dog chewing the kennel?

Most of us have experienced dogs biting the crate. In fact, this is a performance of dogs that are not used to kennels. So, how do you stop the dog from chewing the kennel? The first thing is to choose a suitable crate.

Choose the right size kennel: If the size of the crate is not suitable, It will be harder to get the dog used to the crate. So measure the size of the dog before buying. The crate should fully accommodate the dog, allowing the dog to stretch its legs, turn around, stand or rest comfortably.

Get the right material: Dogs may become aggressive if they are not used to the crate. So the material of the dog kennel is very important. Avoid fabric kennels, as they can be easily damaged by dogs. A chew-resistant dog crate like a metal dog house is more suitable for initial crate training. Ensure the wire gaps are small enough to prevent the dog's mouth from reaching in and biting the crate. Veikous dog kennel is a rectangular grid with a wire spacing of 4×2 in, which can effectively prevent the dog from putting his mouth in. A chew-resistant dog crate is relatively more durable and has good ventilation.  Providing fresh air is particularly vital for dogs during hot weather.

However, after solving this problem, the dog will still have other performances of not adapting to the dog crate, so it is necessary to slowly implement crate training.

Crate training

Things to know before starting crate training

• Finish toileting before training to avoid bowel movements interrupting training.
• Make your dog tired by exercising or a walk before training. Tired dogs are better to want to rest in the dog kennel.
• Dogs can not stay in the dog kennel for too long. Adult dogs can stay in the dog kennel a maximum of 4-6 hours a day, and puppies are less.
• Dog crate training is a long-term and repetitive process that takes at least several weeks or more to achieve.

Training steps

1. Explore dog crate

Put the crate in a place where the dog is often or where they can see you. This will make the dog feel safer. Put their favorite bed in the dog crate to make it the most comfortable place.

• To make the dog more familiar with the dog crate, you can make the cratewarmer and put some familiar towels, toys, etc.
• Leave the cratedoor open and try to let the dog explore on his own.

2. Enter the dog crate

After the dog knows the dog crate, the next step is to establish a positive association with the dog crate so that the dog feels it is a place of safety.  

• Place the dog's favorite snacks, such asbeef jerky and dog biscuit near the dog cage to encourage them to come, then slowly place them inside. Leave the door open and repeat this process until the dog can access the dog cage freely.  
• Remember to reward the dog with words, actions, or toys each time he does this.
• Feed the dog in the dogcrate, shut the door for a few minutes while the dog eats, then gradually increase the time the dog stays in the dog cage.  

Tip: If your dog doesn't want to go into the crate, don't force him. Instead, use their favorite treats to lure them into the crate and speak gently to guide them inside.

3. Practice crating while you are at home

Once the dog has become comfortable with eating and spending short periods in the kennel, you can move on to the next step. Let the dog get used to being in the crate alone.

• When you are home, let the dog stay in the crate from time to time. You can feed him or use toys to keep him engaged.Do your work and interact with the dog every few minutes to ease his anxiety.
• A few minutes, ten minutes, and then extending the duration until he can comfortably remain in the kennelalone for 30 minutes.

Tip: stay in sight of the dog from time to time to let the dog know that it is not lonely in the kennel. After the dog has gotten used to the feeling in the dog crate for a long time, move the kennel to a place where other dogs can't see you.

4. Crate dog when you are away

The purpose of crate training is to allow the dog to stay in the crate comfortably when you are away. Not only can it reduce the dog's separation anxiety and allow the dog to rest or enjoy, but it can also prevent the dog from causing trouble at home. It must be taken step by step.

• After the dog has gotten used to the crate in a short period, you can try leaving the house for a few minutes. Make sure the dog is occupied in the crate before you leave.
• If the dog reacts excitedly when you return, you can gently soothe them and then let them out after they have calmed down. Otherwise, the dog will think that whining or barking is a good way to get out of the crate.
• Repeat several times to let them know that you will be back. Then increase your time away.

Tip: Don't get emotional about leaving or returning home. Normalize the owner's departure or it will cause separation anxiety in your dog.

Issues needed to be attention

• If your dog shows anxious behavior, such as barking, whining or crying, you can comfort them with snacks or toys, and then let them out when they have settled down.
• Ensure a positive association with the crate. Do not use the crate as a punishment or scold the dog in the crate, think of crating as a way to manage behavior. Using a crate to manage potty, feeding and other behaviors is more effective than putting your dog in a crate after they make a mistake.

Crate training is a long-term process, so you must maintain a consistent and patient approach to let your dog become increasingly used to the crate.