Why does my dog need to be crate trained?
All dogs need to be crate trained in order to attend my board & train program for three reasons:
Safety! All dogs are crated here for safety reasons. It would be dangerous and irresponsible to allow the dogs to free roam together. For everyone’s safety, all dogs boarding, training and living in my home are crated unless they’re under the direct care and supervision of me or my staff.
Structure. The results of this program rely on a very structured training environment. Your dog will not only learn basic obedience commands, but they’ll also learn how to be calm around other dogs and the distractions of everyday life. Structure is a key ingredient for teaching and maintaining calm!
Sanity. Chaos to Calm is a small business run from my home. I need to be able to leave my house and know that all dogs are safe and sound. I have to leave my home for work-related tasks like field trips, lessons with clients and supply runs to the local pet shop, but I also have to leave my home for everyday activities like grocery shopping and coffee with friends. If your dog isn’t crate trained when they arrive for training, then I won’t be able to leave my house until they can safely be crated, which takes days, at best.
What does it mean to be “crate trained”?
For the purpose of the board & train, “crate trained” refers to the ability to be crated (with the door closed) for several hours at a time without fussing or trying to escape. It’s normal for dogs to whine a little when you leave, so long as this stops within a few minutes. If your dog is whining or barking incessantly or making any efforts to escape, then your dog is not fully crate trained.
I do not expect your dog to be perfect in the crate; however, your dog needs to be pretty good. I cannot allow your dog to bark it out—this isn’t healthy for your dog’s state of mind, nor is it healthy for the other dogs in the house. I also cannot in good conscience crate a dog who may try to escape and hurt themselves. Health and safety are my top priorities!
Why would I crate train my dog just for training?
It’s actually not just for training—the crate is important beyond training, too. A fully crate trained dog understands that there are no decisions to be made in the crate. There is no “job” to do in the crate and nothing to worry about. They are truly free to relax and rejuvenate. This kind of rest is very important for their overall well-being. Our modern world is very stimulating for our dogs, and most dogs do not get enough true down time. Adding regular crate naps into your dog’s life is a fantastic way to promote your dog’s behavioral health. It’s also a key part of the post-training guidelines and lifestyle that I’ll share with you when your dog returns home.
How can I crate train my dog?
If your dog isn’t crate trained yet or if your dog’s crate skills need a little work, I’ve collected some quality resources on crate training here on this page. To start, here is a 15-minute video showing you how to begin crate training by building a positive association with the crate, and starting to build up some duration.
Other tips for crate training:
Feed your dog in the crate. You’ll be hand-feeding in the beginning (as shown in the video above) but when you’re feeding from the bowl, put the bowl in your dog’s crate! Food = positive, so pairing food with the crate helps the dog learn that crate = positive.
Give high-value treats and bones in the crate. If you give peanut butter Kongs, for example, make a new house rule that Fido only gets the Kong in the crate.
Build the crate into your lifestyle. If you only try to crate your dog when you leave the house or when you go to sleep at night, your dog will likely always put up a fuss because the crate will always signal separation from you. For best results, use the crate throughout the day.
A great place to start is by feeding your dog each meal in the crate and slowly adding down time in the crate after they finish their meal. They need down time to digest their food anyway.
Another opportunity is post-exercise. Make sure you give your dog both physical and mental exercise, and then give them some down time in the crate afterward. If their needs have already been met, then they’re much more likely to settle down.
Check your own attitude toward the crate. If you feel guilty crating your dog, and you’re apologizing as you close the crate door, and you linger in the doorway with sad eyes waving goodbye, then you are sending your dog lots of signals that something is terribly wrong with the crate! Changing your attitude, facial expressions and body language isn’t going to change your dog’s perception of the crate, but it is a crucial step in that direction. Your dog is watching you; what messages are you sending? Crate them and walk away confidently, as if this is perfectly normal—because it is! You might not fully feel that way yet, but for your dog’s sake, fake it! :)
what are the benefits of crate training?
Last but not least, below is a slideshow of images that explains some of the benefits of crate training. Please take a look!
