Dog Training > Dog Training > Crate Trainings FAQs

Crate Trainings FAQs

Crate training your dog takes patience and repetition, but it's a win-win situation for all involved. Your dog gets a safe, secure "den" of his own, and you get an unsoiled home with un-chewed furniture. Let's cover some of the frequently-asked questions about crate training dogs.

I hear a lot about crate training. Why should I get a crate for my dog?

Crate training has benefits for both you and your dog. It gives your dog a room of his own. An indoor kennel crate may satisfy your dog's innate need for a den-like enclosure. If domestic dogs are indeed all descendants of the wolf, then they share the desire for an enclosed area to call their own.

A crate helps reduce separation anxiety for puppies and protects your puppy or dog from potentially dangerous household items. Crate training prevents destructive behavior, and a crate can be an effective house-training tool for both puppies and older dogs.

A crate functions as a mobile indoor dog house at home and a travel cabin for your dog when traveling by car or plane. Many hotels, when they accept pets, require them to be crated. When they don't accept pets, they may relent if your dog is crated.

What kind of crate do I need?

It depends on whether you'll be traveling with your crate or leaving it at home. Fiberglass or plastic dog crates are designed for traveling. Collapsible metal crates, wicker crates and soft-side crates are better left at home.

Where can I buy a crate?

Crates are available from most pet supply outlets, through pet mail order catalogs or online stores, and through most professional breeders. Garage sales and classified ads are a good place to look for bargains.

What size crate should I buy?

For crate training to work, the crate should be just big enough for your dog to turn around and lie down comfortably. If you're buying a crate for a growing puppy, buy a crate to fit the size he'll become, then partition it off with a panel or box as he grows.

How much do crates cost?

Depending on the type and size, dog crates range from $25 to nearly $200. You can find some good deals on eBay, but keep an eye on those shipping charges.

How does crate training help house training?

Crate training relates to house training because most dogs are reluctant to soil the area where they sleep. By alternating times in the crate with opportunities to use the bathroom outside, you should be able to house-train your dog through crate training in about two weeks.

Will crate training keep my dog from chewing up my stuff?

Think of the crate as a playpen for your dog. If you need to leave home for a short time, you can leave your dog in the crate with some of his favorite toys. Then he won't be getting into something he's not supposed to outside the crate. Crate training also comes in handy when your puppy or dog gets over-excited and starts terrorizing the household. You can let him calm down in the crate.

How do I get started with crate training?

Crate training can really be fun for you and your dog IF you make it positive. Put a few special treats in the crate until he starts to associate the crate with the treats. Put your dog's favorite toy just inside the crate, gradually moving it to the far end of the crate.

I have an adult dog. Is it too late for crate training?

Crate training can work with dogs of all ages and backgrounds. Even dogs from shelters or rescue programs will respond positively to crate training. Although crate training is often connected with puppies, a crate can be useful throughout your dog's life.