How to Crate Train a Lab

Labrador retrievers are a popular breed of dogs that benefit from crate training like most other breeds. Dogs are den animals and crates act as dens. Crates provide a safe and comfortable place for your Lab to rest, sleep or to be confined when needed. Crate training also helps in the house-training process because dogs do not like to soil their dens. Because of this, a Lab owner can control when and where their dog can potty. Crate training and house training are often conducted simultaneously.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Leash
  • Dog bed
  • Dog toys
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the correct size crate for your Lab. Your pet should be able to stand up, sit down upright and lie down comfortably without touching the sides of the crate--but not much bigger. If the crate is too large, there is a high chance that your dog will soil the crate when it gets the urge. If you have a puppy, try a crate with a divider that allows you to adjust the space inside the crate as your Lab grows.

    • 2

      Introduce the crate to your Lab with the door open. Place the crate in an area of the house where you are frequently present. Place a dog bed or blanket on the floor of the crate. Throw in a toy or a treat to entice your dog in the first few times. Make the crate as inviting and comfortable as possible. Praise your Lab each time it goes into the crate. Do not close the door to confine the dog until it goes into the crate on its own. Make this a pleasant experience for your dog and yourself. Each dog is different and it should be noted that this part of the process might take days or only a few moments. Remain patient and consistent for this to work properly.

    • 3

      Establish a command word that your dog will associate with going into the crate. Try "crate" or "go in" and say it each time your dog goes into the crate. Eventually your Lab will understand to go into the crate on command.

    • 4

      Close the door once your Lab goes into the crate on its own. Start off by enclosing your dog for five to ten minutes then gradually add time according to how well your dog takes to the crate.

    • 5

      Begin leaving the room when your dog becomes comfortable inside the crate with the door closed. Try leaving for a few minutes at first then add time gradually. Next, try leaving the house for 30 minutes to an hour. Add time depending on how old your Lab is. A puppy 9 to 12 weeks old should never be crated for longer than an hour or two. They have small bladders and need to potty much more frequently than full-grown Labs. Adult Labs can be crated for up to 8 hours but that is the maximum recommended.

    • 6

      Open the crate to take your dog outside to potty. Every time you let your Lab out of the crate, immediately take your dog to a designated area outside where it is allowed to potty. Do this every morning when you wake up as well as every time you return home and have left your dog crated. This is the step of the training process that helps with the house breaking. Dogs do not like to soil their dens if they can help it; therefore, the crate helps your dog understand when and where it can go potty--but you have to lead. Take your dog out to potty after each time it is crated, consistently, and it will learn to use the restroom outside only.