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Revised July 1998
Recommended Methods of Crate Training
Size Selection Of A Dog Crate
The crate length should be 1½ times the length of your dog when full grown. Your dog should be able to
stand up, turn around and lie down in the crate comfortably. If you are purchasing the crate for a puppy,
place something indestructible, like plywood, in the crate to act as a partition. Place the partition so that the
puppy has 1½ times his length to move around in the crate. As the puppy grows, move the partition to
accommodate the growth. The partition will keep him from soiling in the crate’s excess space.
Crate Training A Puppy
Puppies need constant supervision during the first few months. To begin training, place a treat in the crate.
Allow the puppy to enter the crate on his own. Dogs learn best when they are rewarded for positive behavior.
Repeat this procedure several times. Another suggestion is to feed the puppy in the crate as a method of
introduction. Make the crate comfortable. Place a soft old blanket or pillow in the crate. Place a few of his
favorite, safe toys in the crate. Dogs will be reluctant to soil in an area that they recognize as their bed or den
area. Make sure you take your dog outside before confining him to the crate. When the puppy seems
comfortable lying down and has adjusted to the crate, close the door for a minute or two. Stay nearby. If the
puppy whines, wait until he stops, and then let him out of the crate. When you open the crate door, ignore the
puppy for a few minutes so that he does not associate coming out of the crate with receiving attention. A
puppy can injure himself if he is uncomfortable in a crate and left unsupervised
Crate Training An Older Dog
Although it may be harder than training a puppy, crate training can be done by rewarding the older dog the
same way. Follow the same steps for training a puppy. It is essential an adult dog be supervised carefully
while he is introduced to the crate. Some dogs adjust more rapidly than others. An adult dog can injure
himself if he is uncomfortable in a crate and left unsupervised.
Length Of Time A Dog Should Be In The Crate
It is recommended during the training process, that the puppy should be in the crate a maximum of 1 hour per
month of age.
Once he is trained, do not leave the puppy in the crate more than 4 hours.
An adult dog (1 year of age) should be in the crate no longer than 8 hours at one time.
Crate Training Process
It is best to allow yourself a month to train your dog. If that is not feasible, try the above techniques as
frequently as you can without putting stress on you or your dog.
Do’s And Don’ts For Crate Training:
Do
introduce your dog to the crate gradually.
Do
take the dog outside often enough that accidents do not happen inside the crate.
Do
clean the crate and pan often. Use clear warm water and dry with a towel. Keep the crate sanitary.
Do
place the crate somewhere highly visible but quiet so the dog can relax.
Don’t
use the crate as a form of punishment. The crate should be a place the dog wants to be.
Don’t
place your dog in a crate with a leash or collar on.
Don’t
place food or water in the crate.
