Someone who’s raising a dog for the first time may initially baulk at the idea of crate training, as it may not seem intuitively beneficial to keep a dog in a small enclosed space for an extended period. But there’s no need to worry if this is on your mind. In fact, many dogs take well to crate training because a crate gives them a safe, quiet, and restful place to hide should their environment become too loud or overwhelming.

Experts in the pet industry, like veterinarians and dog trainers, also recommend making crate training as part of your dog’s overall house training routine. The crate will help them learn not to soil their sleeping quarters and to stay calm and behaved when they’re being transported in a vehicle like a car or aeroplane.

That being said, getting your dog used to being inside a crate may not always be easy. Being in an enclosed space for the first time could disorient them and trigger separation anxiety, among other problems. As their owner, it’s your job to guide your canine buddy in their new routine involving their crate. To that end, here’s a short guide for dog parents on how to crate train a dog, with tips on choosing training gear like martingale collars and creating positive associations for your pup.

Choose the right size and type of crate

Since comfort is an important factor in the success of your pup’s crate training, make sure to choose a crate that’s appropriate to their size. You’ll want a crate that’s large enough for your dog to stand, lie down, and turn inside of without any hassle. The crate should also be made from durable materials that can handle your dog’s strength and weight.

Depending on your lifestyle and your dog’s needs, one type of create might suit them better than the others. Below are the four types of dog crates you can choose from:

• Wire folding dog crates. This is the most popular dog crate option and best known for its travel-friendly design. It’s also easy to clean, set up, and store.

• Soft-sided dog crates. Although not as durable as metal, wire, and plastic crates, soft-sided dog crates offer dogs and their owners a more lightweight solution when travelling. They’re also more comfortable compared to other types of dog crates.

• Plastic dog carrier crates. These types of crates are designed for easy transportation and offer dogs a darker space to keep calm.

• Heavy-duty dog crates. Typically made from steel, these dog crates can contain strong dogs, dogs of large breeds, and dogs with destructive tendencies.

Introduce your dog to the crate properly

Before you start training your dog, remember to avoid using the crate for punishment. The goal is to have your dog associate their crate with positive emotions like safety and comfort, and using it as a tool for punishment will be counterintuitive to that. Aim to complete a positive crate training experience and a safe learning environment not only for puppies, but also for adult and senior dogs that may have had negative experiences with crates in the past.

When it’s time for training, you can use a variety of dog products to properly introduce the crate to your pup. A martingale collar, for example, will let you lead your dog in and out of the crate without making them feel too constricted. You can also drop some treats near and inside the crate to motivate your dog to go inside. It’s also an option to place their food and water bowls near the crate to warm them up even further to the idea of going inside.

Once your pup has gotten used to being inside the crate, you can leave them alone there for short periods. It’s a good idea to crate them for at least five to twenty minutes before you leave your home so that it won’t be hard for them to understand that you’ll be leaving them for a while. There’s no need to belabour your departures or make them too emotional; instead, try to keep things straightforward. Praise your dog briefly and give them a treat for entering their crate before leaving quietly.

Ideally, puppies shouldn’t be left in crates for more than five hours. Adult dogs, on the other hand, shouldn’t stay longer than eight hours. Come home in time to open the crate or leave your dog’s care to someone in your household or a pet sitter that you trust.

Make the crate a happy place for your pup

To make the crate more inviting and comfortable for your dog, it’s a good idea to place their favourite things inside of it, like their favourite toys. You can also place a dog crate pad and a dog blanket on the floor of the crate so that your dog has a soft place to sit, stand, and sleep on

Consider equipping the crate with a water dispenser to ensure that your dog stays hydrated while inside. This is a more practical and efficient alternative to a dog bowl, given that your dog may accidentally spill the water from their bowl and wet the floor of their crate.

Takeaway: The Importance of patience and positive reinforcement in crate training

Crate training is a gradual process that requires consistency, patience, and understanding. The approach must be tailored to your dog’s needs, and you should give them time to get used to a new routine involving their crate.

Whether it takes several days or weeks, it’s still your job to make the experience positive for your four-legged friend. Being patient with your dog and using positive reinforcement to reward them for their good behaviour will slowly but surely lead to your desired outcome. Eventually, your dog will understand that the crate is beneficial to them, and it won’t be as difficult for them to get in on their own.

For puppies, crate training can serve as a proper foundation for learning, laying the groundwork for future discipline and good behaviour. For adult and senior dogs, crate training can serve as a new framework for boundaries and safety, and your guidance can help them overcome any negative association they may have initially had with crates. Use the tips above to successfully crate train a puppy or older dog with an even and compassionate hand.