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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.