Q&A for How to Teach Your Dog to Love the Crate

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How do I know if my dog's crate is too small?

Rendy Schuchat
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Rendy Schuchat is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of the largest dog training facility, Anything Is Pawzible, based in Chicago, Illinois. With over 20 years of experience, Rendy specializes in positive dog training and behavior modification to help people build and strengthen their relationships with their dogs. She holds a BA in Psychology and Communications from the University of Iowa, an MA in Psychology from Roosevelt University, and a Certification in Dog Obedience Instruction from Animal Behavior Training and Associates. Rendy was voted one of the Best/Favorite Dog Trainers in Chicago by Chicagoland Tails Reader’s Choice Awards multiple times and was voted Chicago Magazine’s “Best Dog Whisperer” in 2015.

Rendy Schuchat

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Your dog might not be able to sit up all the way or completely stretch out while lying down.

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What should you do if your dog won't go in their crate?

Ty Brown
Dog Trainer
Ty Brown is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Owner of Ty the Dog Guy, a business that provides dog training through digital resources (podcasts, web series, and online courses) along with in-person dog training. Ty has over 17 years of experience in dog training and specializes in both mitigating unruly pet behavior and service dog training. Ty has been awarded the "Best of State Award" for dog training in Utah ten times and his work has been featured in ABC, NBC, CBS, Spike TV, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Ty Brown

Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

What you want to do is create a positive association around going into the crate. Try throwing a treat inside, letting the dog in to get the treat, and inviting them to come back out. Do this again and again and after a little while, shut the door for a second and then open the door. After a while, shut the door for a little bit longer. This can take some of the sting out of staying in a crate for longer, as it can help your dog realize they are comfortable and safe inside of a crate.

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Question

Can I put a blanket in there for my dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Absolutely. The idea is to make the crate a cozy, inviting place. Adding a cozy bed and a blanket is a great way to make it snuggly. Also put in a safe chew toy (that isn't a choking hazard when the dog is alone with it) and a favorite toy.

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Question

Should I put my dog in a crate if I'm leaving the house for a few hours?

Community Answer

If you do not trust your dog to behave, yes. Even if your dog is house broken, there are other things that the dog could get into while you're away.

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Question

Can I leave an 8-week-old puppy in the crate for up to 3 hours?

Community Answer

Yes, but be sure to put a blanket or towel in the crate that smells like you. Also, put puppy absorbent pads under the blanket to control smell and moisture.

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Question

My dog barks whenever I put him in the crate. What should I do?

Community Answer

Your dog might be too exited to be in the crate. If this happens, have your dog lie down outside of the crate for a few minutes. Don't excite him by petting or cooing. Then, when his ears are back and he is relaxed, put him into the crate.

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Question

My puppy keeps barking in his cage. What should I do?

Community Answer

Find the reason for the dog's barking. If he's only barking for attention so he can leave the cage, then ignore it. However, the puppy may only need to go out to pee. In that case, you can make a schedule and know when he needs to go out of the cage to pee.

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Question

Can I use a crate when I travel with my dog?

Community Answer

Yes, a crate can be an excellent traveling tool when you're taking your dog with you. It keeps your dog safe and secure.

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Question

Where should my puppy sleep when I'm crate training her?

Community Answer

She should sleep in the crate. Having your puppy sleep in the crate with let her know that it is there to sleep, not just to be punished.

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Question

What if my dog is staying at someone's house? Should he sleep at nights in the crate?

Community Answer

You only have the dog sleep in the crate if he is comfortable being there. Otherwise, sleep with a junky towel or blanket the night before so it smells like you. Then when your dog sleeps on it, he will be comfortable thinking you are there to protect them.

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Question

How do I get my puppy to stop crying while in the crate?

Community Answer

Try putting chew toys and treats in the crate, and making the crate a nice place to be. They will adjust eventually, the more you get them used to the crate environment.

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Question

My dog constantly barks at the crate and won't go in. What can I do to make it more comfortable?

Community Answer

It might be because your dog thinks the crate is a bad place. You can't force your dog into the crate, but try if you can, to sit in the crate and have the dog come to you. If he or she comes to you calmly tell them how good they are or pet them from the shoulders to tail.

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Question

Can I put a bed into the crate? What if the training doesn't work?

Community Answer

Yes. You can put a bed in the crate, but a young or puppy or anxious dog may shred it to bits. In the case the training doesn't work, it may be good to find a puppy proof space or get a "play pen" for containment, rather than a crate.

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Question

What can I do with an 11-week old puppy when I need to leave for longer than 4-5 hours?

Community Answer

You could take your dog to daycare, or get a sitter to come watch them.

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Question

How do I stop my dog from having crate anxiety?

Community Answer

You might want to ask your vet about getting some anxiety medication for your dog. Meanwhile, create positive associations with the crate. Play crate games and give treats every time you put your dog in the crate. I recommend putting an old piece of clothing in the crate that smells like you. Lavender oil also helps to calm a dog down (one drop on a blanket is enough).

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Question

My dog won't go in his cage and I've tried everything that I could do, what should I do?

Community Answer

You should feed your dog in his cage for a while. Your dog will eventually go in because he is hungry and will associate his cage with a positive thing.

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Question

Is it okay if I keep my dog in my room where it is cool at night and let it out early in the mornings?

Community Answer

I don't see any issue with that. If you don't want your dog on the bed, simply put him in a crate in your room. One thing you have to be careful of is not getting up every time if your dog barks or whines. If the dog has to go potty, then, of course, take it out. But if you know the dog is fine, power through it. If you get up, the dog will whine to get attention and this will keep you up all night.

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Question

If my basset puppy naps outside of her crate, can I bring her back there to finish her nap?

Community Answer

If you pick her up to put her in the crate, she will probably wake up. She might whine a little if she does, but most likely she will fall back asleep.

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My golden shepherd puppy is eleven weeks old, and he does fine once he is in the crate, but I am having problems getting him to go in the crate - treats work sometimes, and not others, what else can I do?

Community Answer

Try putting his (or her) meals near the crate, until he finds the place quite comfortable. The put his/her meal a little bit in the crate, and gradually put it in further. If your puppy starts to whine, don’t let it out until it stops.

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Question

Can I leave a crate in a puppy-safe room for a slower introduction to it so the puppy is more comfortable?

Community Answer

Sure! Just make sure that the area is a place where the puppy can see you. The last thing you want is to make your pup feel isolated.

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My seven month old French Bulldog is jumping in his crate. Is this considered normal or could it mean something else?

Community Answer

Your dog could be anxious or upset; he probably views his crate as a safe space he can go to when he's scared or needs some space. If you think that's the case, let him be--that's actually good that he knows that's his safe space. Or, you could have successfully taught him to love his crate. Perhaps he gets fed meals in his crate or always gets a high-value treat when going in the crate--if so, then he's probably excited about being rewarded for going in the crate.

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