Crate Training: Your Dog’s Happy Place (and Yours!)

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Bringing a new dog into your home is such an exciting time… 🥰

But amidst all the cuddles and playtime, there’s also the important task of training.

And one of the most valuable tools in your training toolkit?

The humble crate!

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking…

“A crate? Isn’t that like, putting my dog in jail?” 🤔

Absolutely not!

When done right, a crate becomes your dog’s den, their safe haven, their very own chill-out zone.

Think of it as their doggy bedroom… 🛌

The crate training tips and tricks in this article are from the proven methods of dog trainer Will Atherton. 🤩

He’s a real expert in helping dogs become perfectly happy and well-behaved companions, and crate training is a cornerstone of his approach…

Will’s philosophy is all about tapping into your dog’s natural instincts and using positive reinforcement to create a loving and secure bond. 🥰

So, as we continue exploring crate training, remember we’re building on a foundation of kindness, understanding, and a whole lot of doggy wisdom…

Ready to learn how to make the crate a place your dog loves?

Let’s dive in…

Making the Crate a Love Den, Not a Dread Den 💖

Dogs are naturally den animals…

It’s in their DNA, going way back to their wolf ancestors.

So, tapping into this instinct to make them feel secure in a crate?

It’s actually quite natural!

Our goal is to make the crate a super positive place… a happy zone where they can truly relax and unwind.

And how do we do that?

With fun and games, of course! 🥳

One of my favorite tricks is the “Frozen Meatical”…

Sounds fancy, right? 😉

It’s super simple.

Grab a Kong toy – you know, those snowman-shaped rubber toys? – and stuff it with something irresistible.

The magic is, your dog only gets this special treat when they are in their crate.

This creates a super positive association…

Crate = yummy goodness! 😋

Playing games like this helps your dog understand that their crate is not a punishment, but an amazing place where good things happen.

“Help! My Dog Hates the Crate!” 😫

Now, let’s tackle a common worry… “My dog hates the crate!”

I hear this all the time.

As a canine behaviorist, I can tell you…

Nine times out of ten, your dog doesn’t actually hate the crate.

What’s really going on?

Often, it’s learned behavior.

Clever pups quickly figure out that crying, barking, or whining gets your attention… and sometimes, that crate door magically opens! 🚪

They learn to associate those noises with freedom.

Especially with young and energetic dogs… they’d always rather be out playing and causing happy chaos, wouldn’t they? 😜

But here’s the thing…

We have a responsibility to teach our dogs when it’s playtime and when it’s chill time.

It’s not always appropriate to be bouncing off the walls!

We channel their energy into walks, playtime, and training sessions, of course…

But sometimes, we need them to settle down.

So, don’t mistake protest for hatred.

Just because your dog fusses in the crate doesn’t mean they are traumatized.

It often just means they are trying to work the system to get what they want! 😉

Overcoming the Crate Cry-Fest 😭

So, how do we navigate these crate-time protests?

Well, first, we’ve already started by making the crate a fun and rewarding place, right?

Next, we need to gently challenge those “get-me-out-of-here-now!” behaviors.

We need to teach them that the crate is a place for settling down, relaxing, and maybe even a little snooze. 😴

And guess what?

Coming out of the crate is only going to happen after they’ve chilled out.

It’s a win-win!

They learn to relax, and we get some peace and quiet. 😌

To achieve this zen crate state, we need to nip those demanding behaviors in the bud…

And that starts with “crate taps.”

The Magic of Short Distance Crate Taps ✨

When I’m introducing a dog to crate training – especially one whose owners think they despise the crate – we begin with the fun stuff first…

The Kongs, the treats, the happy crate vibes.

But then comes the moment of truth… closing that crate door for the first time. 😬 I like to have the crate nearby…

maybe while I’m working at my desk or relaxing in the evening.

Make sure your dog has had all their needs met first…

potty break, food, playtime, cuddles…

Then, into the crate they go, door closed.

Now, the instant any demanding behavior starts – a whine, a bark, a cry – I give a gentle tap on top of the crate with a firm “Shush.” 🤫

It’s not harsh or scary, just a little startling…

Enough to interrupt the behavior.

And guess what?

You’ll be amazed how quickly they get it!

They realize that those noises don’t get them what they want…

They just get a tap and a “Shush.”

After a couple of repetitions, they start to think, “Hmm, maybe barking isn’t the answer… Perhaps a nap is a better strategy?” 😴

And when they make that good choice… jackpot! 🎉

Adding Time and Distance… Slowly But Surely 🚶‍♀️

We can’t always be right next to the crate, can we?

Life happens! So, the next step is to gradually add time and distance.

Start small… Just moving around the room while they are in the crate.

If the demanding behaviors start up again, you’re right there to give a tap and a “Shush.”

Once they’ve been calm for a few seconds… Reward!

A little treat dropped through the crate door for being a good doggo. 🥰

Then, you slowly increase the time… 20 seconds, 30 seconds, a minute…

Maybe even popping in and out of the room.

The key is to always be ready to address those unwanted behaviors if they pop up.

Crate Calm When You’re Out and About 🐾

Now for the big leagues…

Getting your dog settled in the crate for longer periods, like when you leave the house.

This takes a little extra finesse, because you can’t be there to do your crate taps.

But fear not! I’ve got a two-pronged approach that works wonders.

First up…

Podcasts are your secret weapon! 🎧

Seriously! Dogs often find human voices very soothing.

Leaving a long-form podcast playing softly can make them feel like they aren’t truly alone.

It’s like having a calming presence in the house.

And for prong number two… Long-distance challenging!

Remember those crate taps?

We can recreate that effect even when you’re not in the room.

Grab a long line – like a lightweight leash – with a metal clip.

Attach it to the crate, run it into the next room, and keep the end with you.

Set up a scenario where you “leave”…

Open and close the front door, then be super quiet and listen.

If, after a few minutes, those protest noises start…

Give the long line a gentle rattle.

It makes a similar sound to a crate tap, and it’s just enough to interrupt the behavior.

Your dog starts to learn that any time they make those noises, something happens… whether you are there or not!

This encourages them to settle down, relax, and realize that the crate really is their happy, safe place. 💖

And there you have it!

Crate training success! 🎉

A happy dog, a safe home, and maybe even happy neighbors! 😉

Remember, crate training isn’t just about convenience… it’s about giving your dog a secure and comforting space to call their own.

And that’s something every dog deserves. 🐶❤️

Find out more about Will Atherton Canine Training: https://www.youtube.com/@willathertoncaninetraining

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