How to Crate Train a German Shepherd

The German shepherd is a large breed of dog valued for intelligence and loyalty. The breed has been featured in multiple movies and television series, including "Rin Tin Tin" and "I Am Legend." German shepherds were widely used as war dogs during World War II, detecting mines and tracking enemy soldiers. These dogs are eager to please and take well to training. Crate training a German shepherd is important to keep it safe and contained while you are away from home.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Dog bed
  • Dog toys
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the dog's crate in the part of the house you use most often, so that you can observe the dog while it's crated. Include the dog's bed and a toy or two to give the dog something to play with while in the crate.

    • 2

      Sit on the floor in front of the crate and open the door. Call the dog to you, and place a treat inside the crate. Point to the treat and tell the dog "crate," and allow the dog to step into the crate to get the treat. Because German shepherds are so eager to please, they will gladly enter the crate for a treat.

    • 3

      Close the door and leave the dog in the crate for one minute. Talk to the dog if it gets nervous, but do not open the door. When the minute has passed and the dog is resting quietly, open the door and call the dog to you. German shepherds are prone to separation anxiety, so letting the dog out only when calm teaches it that throwing a fit inside the crate does not mean you will open the door.

    • 4

      Place another treat inside the crate and give the "crate" command, closing the door and leaving the dog inside for two minutes. Repeat this exercise three or four times a day, extending the length of each session by one minute until the dog lies quietly in the crate for 20 minutes. Move farther away from the crate each time, until you can leave the dog in the crate and go into another room without upsetting the dog.

    • 5

      Leave the house for short periods of time once the dog remains calm when you leave the room. Place the dog in the kennel and step outside the house for five minutes. Stand just outside the door, listening in case the dog starts to panic. After the five-minute mark has passed, enter the house and let the dog out of the kennel. German shepherds are very sensitive to emotions, so if you make a fuss when you come back in, the dog will pick up on it and begin to whine and bark. Extend the time you are gone by five minutes per session, until you can leave the dog for an hour or two.