Things You'll Need
- Small treats
- Blanket
Instructions
Crate Introduction
Place the crate in the part of your home where people spend a lot of time. This prevents the dog from associating the crate with isolation and punishment.
Place the dog's favorite toys or a soft blanket inside the crate.
Introduce the dog to the crate. Older dogs may not be as curious as young dogs, so sit next to the crate and use a positive and enthusiastic tone of voice when speaking to the dog to get him interested.
Leave the crate door open and allow the dog to begin exploring. Do not close the door if he goes inside.
Use treats or toys if the dog has difficulty going inside the crate. Place treats or his favorite toy near the crate and then inside the crate until the dog is able to go completely inside without resistance or anxiety. Entering the crate calmly may take a day or a week depending on the dog's temperament.
Meal Time Inside the Crate
Begin feeding the dog his regular meals inside the crate with the door open. The dog associates the crate with a positive experience.
Place the dog's food in front of the crate if he is showing some resistance. Gradually move the bowl farther back until the dog is eating completely inside the crate. If the dog does not show any resistance, place the bowl of food at the back of the crate from the beginning.
Close the door when the dog is comfortable eating in the crate. Open the crate door immediately after he finishes eating.
Increase the amount of time the dog is inside the crate with the door closed after each meal time until the dog is inside the crate for 10 minutes.
Do not let the dog out of the crate if he begins to whine. Doing so will only teach him that whining gives him what he wants.
Leaving the Dog Alone
Lengthen the time that the dog is in the crate once he is comfortable with eating inside the crate. Give the dog a treat before he enters the crate and close the door. Praise him once he is inside and give him another treat.
Sit next to the crate for five minutes without giving the dog any attention. Leave the room for five minutes, then return and sit next to the crate before letting the dog out. Repeat the process, increasing the time, until the dog stays quietly in the crate for 30 minutes while you are in another room. If he is quiet, then you can move on to the next phase of leaving the house.
Prepare the dog for your departure from the house. Call him to the crate, give him a treat, then give another treat after he is inside the crate.
Do not make a prolonged or elaborate goodbye. Close the gate and leave the house within five to 20 minutes of placing him in the crate.
Quietly and calmly open the crate door when you return home and take the dog to relieve himself. Showing excitement and affection when returning home may cause the dog to become anxious over your return.
Crating Overnight
Place the crate in the same location the dog usually sleeps, whether inside the bedroom or the hallway.
Take the dog to relieve himself before preparing for bed. Repeat the initial procedure of giving the dog a treat before and after entering the crate. Provide a blanket or toy so the dog is comfortable.
After a few nights in one location, it is possible to move the crate to the desired location in the house, such as the kitchen or office.