How to Crate Train a Dog

Crate training a dog involves teaching a dog to stay in a crate on command. A dog crate is basically a portable kennel made of either plastic or metal. If the training is properly done, the crate should provide a safe place for a dog, a "den" if you will.

Crate training a dog is a controversial subject at best. There are pros and cons for crate training. We will take a brief look at both sides of this issue and then discuss some points on how to crate train a dog.

Proponents of crate training insist that dogs are "den creatures" by nature, and it is natural for a dog to want to seek an enclosed place during certain periods of the day. Critics of crate training insist that crate training is nothing more than "caging" a dog, which is cruelty. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. As with anything, crates can be overused and perceived as punishment by the dog.

Why would anyone want to crate train a dog in the first place? Crates for dogs are used for several purposes. First, it is used to help housebreak a dog. Dogs do not urinate or defecate in their dens. Therefore, when house breaking a dog, the dog is kept in the crate during feeding time, or play time. Then the dog is taken outside and encouraged to relieve itself in a place the owner wants to designate as the "potty area."

Crate training a dog also has other uses. When dogs spend time at a veterinary clinic, they are kept in cages. If a dog already feels comfortable in its crate, it will suffer far less stress at the clinic. The same is true during transporting a dog for any reason, whether for the family vacation or moving. A crate should be used during the move to both keep the dog safe and comfortable.

There are several steps to crate training a dog. Of course it is easier to start when the dog is a puppy. However, a dog can learn to stay in a crate at any age. An older dog will just require more time and patience to unlearn old habits and learn the new one.

It is important to make the learning fun for the dog. Treats and praise should be provided during the training process. This will give the dog a positive attitude about the process. Crates should never be used as punishment.